Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons announced the agency is hiring at an “extreme high rate,” signaling an aggressive push to rebuild enforcement capability under President Trump. With plans to recruit thousands of personnel, Lyons emphasized a commitment to restoring ICE’s operational strength.
Lyons described ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations — “the deportation side and the fugitive side” — as “decimated” during the previous administration. Under President Trump’s leadership and Secretary Noem’s direction, the agency aims to add up to 10,000 new agents and officers, focusing on former law enforcement, veterans, and individuals with strong public safety motivations.
“We weren’t allowed to recruit heavy. Our ranks were thin. But now we’re looking under President Trump’s leadership and Secretary Noem’s guidance, we’re going to go ahead and fill our ranks with the best and brightest former law enforcement, prior military, some veterans, anyone that wants to come out and be in federal law enforcement,” Lyons stated.
Recruitment incentives include a $50,000 signing bonus and student loan repayment options. Lyons stated ICE is actively hiring deportation officers, special agents in Homeland Security Investigations, and legal counsel within the Office of Principal Legal Advisor.
Lyons also has instituted stricter detention protocols, including denying bond hearings to many illegal entrants, and introduced rapid deportation policies that may send migrants to third countries within hours under exigent circumstances. Congressional Democrats have challenged these moves, filing suit over limited facility access for lawmakers and demanding oversight amid concerns of procedural abuse.
Lyons assumed control as acting ICE director on March 9, 2025, after being promoted from ERO leadership earlier in the year by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
