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ICE Arrests Drop Nearly 20% as DHS Unleashes Major Recruitment Overhaul

The Department of Homeland Security has lifted age caps for applicants under a record incentive package for 10,000 new ICE officer roles.

A federal agent escorts a man to a bus after he was detained following an appearance at immigration court, Monday, July 28, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Geovani Esau De La Cruz Catalan.
Hundreds of people gather in Boston on June 10 to defend immigrants and protest the actions of ICE.

Overview

  • Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse data show average daily ICE arrests fell to 990 in July, down 19 percent from June’s 1,224.
  • A proposed pilot offering cash bonuses for expedited deportations was withdrawn within hours of its announcement.
  • Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem removed all age limits for ICE law enforcement applicants, opening positions to those 18 and older with no upper cap.
  • Recruitment incentives include signing bonuses of up to $50,000, student loan repayment and forgiveness, 25% Law Enforcement Availability Pay, overtime pay and enhanced retirement benefits.
  • Select FEMA probationary staff have been detailed to ICE for 90 days to aid hiring and documents reveal a planned Gen Z–focused ad campaign to fill over 14,000 roles.