DHS removes age cap for ICE agents amid enrollment push

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Wednesday announced it was lifting the age cap for potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers as it looks to boost its enrollment by approximately 10,000 agents.

The announcement comes the same day Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem reported that DHS has received more than 80,000 applications for ICE positions since the One Big, Beautiful Bill greatly expanded the agency's budget.

“We are ENDING the age cap for ICE law enforcement,” Noem said in a statement. “Qualified candidates can now apply with no age limit."

ICE is also offering many benefits to entice new employees, including signing bonuses of up to $50,0000, options to repay or forgive student loans and other benefits. Previously, ICE agents had to be between 21-years-old and 37-years-old for some positions, or 40-years-old for others.

"Your country is calling on you to serve at ICE and defend the Homeland," Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons said per Fox News. "In the wake of the Biden administration’s open border policies, the dedicated men and women of ICE now face unprecedented challenges in removing millions of criminal illegal aliens from our country. 

"Thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill, we now have funding to recruit and hire Americans who want to patriotically serve their country and protect American communities," he added.

The enrollment drive comes despite a surge in attacks on federal agents, including an 830% increase in attacks on ICE agents since President Donald Trump took office in January, because of their efforts to crack down on illegal immigration. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.