Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, has reportedly eliminated age restrictions for recruits to amplify recruitment for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, known as ICE.
This measure is intended to increase the pool of potential candidates for ICE, whose mission is to identify and apprehend individuals who have committed serious crimes and are in the country illegally, as stated in a recent press release from the department.
Secretary Noem emphasized, “Qualified candidates can now apply with no age limit.” This, however, does not eliminate other recruitment prerequisites. Reports indicate that incoming recruits will continue to be subject to medical and drug screenings, as well as a physical fitness test.
ICE is introducing several federal law enforcement incentives to attract recruits. These include a maximum $50,000 signing bonus, student loan repayment and forgiveness options, and enhanced retirement benefits. Also on the table is a 25% Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) for HSI Special Agents and administratively uncontrollable overtime (AUI) for Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO) Deportation Officers.
By removing age limitations, the DHS is aiming to attract a wider range of candidates to bolster the ranks of ICE in an effort to more effectively execute its mission.