Homeland Security removes age limits for ICE recruits to boost hiring for Trump deportations

AP News ^ | Updated 4:31 PM UTC, August 6, 2025 | Rebecca Santana

[E. Pluribus Unum]

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Department of Homeland Security said Wednesday that it is removing age limits for new hires at the agency responsible for immigration enforcement, as it aims to expand hiring after a massive infusion of cash from Congress.

The department said in a news release that it would waive age limits for new applicants so “even more patriots will qualify to join ICE,” the agency responsible for finding, arresting, detaining and removing people who are in the U.S. illegally.

The agency is at the center of the Trump administration’s efforts to carry out President Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda. Earlier this summer Congress passed a spending bill that gives ICE money to hire 10,000 more staff.

Currently, ICE applicants must be 21 years old and no older than 37 or 40, depending on what position they are applying for.

In an interview with Fox & Friends, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said applicants could be as young as 18.

“We no longer have a cap on how old you can be or you can continue at age 18, sign up for ICE and join us and be a part of it. We’ll get you trained and ready to be equipped to go out on the streets and help protect families,” Noem said.

[House Atreides]

This removal of top age limit will get a lot of retired cops to apply. And, possibly, a number of 20-year military retirees.

[Carry_Okie]

They’d have been better off with a bounty system paying a sliding scale according to the hazards posed by those apprehended.

[lightman]

Very tempting to this seasoned citizen!

[DIRTYSECRET]

Young guys run faster.

[Larry Lucido]

Almost applied back in 2001 when I was 45. Apparently I was already aged out then. Don’t have the get up and go any more.

[lightman]

Old guys would rather shoot than run.

“A man’s gotta know his limits”

[Magnum44]

:)

[Salman]

Having trouble getting young recruits?

[bert]

Young people on the line. Older people backing up from the offices.

[Lurker]

I’m in.

L

[HANG THE EXPENSE]

They are very serious about getting these illegals out of our country and rightfully so. I applaud them and those that do the work.

[packrat35]

I am not a retired cop but I am 63 and might give it a try.

[pops88]

At 66 and a woman I’m an unlikely candidate though I would happily been an informant. I’ve had to stand in long lines for visas and it would be sweet revenge.

[House Atreides]

“I am not a retired cop but I am 63 and might give it a try.”
**************************************************

Props to you! I hope you make it and can help rid our country of these invaders!

[Sequoyah101]

The upper limit change will open the door to some well qualified candidates and is a good plan. The lower age limit, not so very much.