U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is launching a major hiring campaign in 2025, calling on retired federal workers, military veterans, and former law enforcement officers to join its ranks. This move, part of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) “Defend the Homeland” campaign, aims to fill hundreds of critical vacancies and strengthen ICE’s enforcement, legal, and investigative teams across the United States 🇺🇸.
The campaign officially began on July 29, 2025, with DHS leaders urging “patriots” to help address ongoing staffing shortages. ICE is promoting this effort through its website, social media, and direct outreach to groups like federal retiree associations. The agency stresses the urgent need to “remove the worst of the worst” from the country, focusing on high-priority removals and complex investigations.
Why ICE Is Recruiting Retirees and Veterans
ICE faces a shortage of experienced staff, especially as enforcement demands have grown and many seasoned employees have left. By targeting retired federal workers and veterans, ICE hopes to quickly add people who already understand federal systems and law enforcement work. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this approach lets ICE fill roles faster, since retirees often need less training and can start working sooner.
The “Defend the Homeland” campaign is not just about numbers. ICE wants people who can hit the ground running. The agency is using special hiring rules to make it easier for veterans, people with disabilities, and recent retirees to apply. These rules help speed up the process and allow ICE to offer jobs to qualified candidates more quickly.
How the Application Process Works
For retired federal workers interested in joining ICE, the process is designed to be simple and fast:
- Go to the ICE careers portal at https://www.ice.gov/careers and select the “Retirees” section.
- Review job postings and eligibility rules, including any special announcements for retirees and veterans.
- Gather required documents like proof of federal service, a resume, and any certifications.
- Apply through USAJOBS at https://www.usajobs.gov, following the standard five-step federal hiring process.
- Complete any extra ICE requirements, such as questionnaires or supplemental forms.
- Wait for notification from ICE Human Resources about your application status.
- If selected, complete onboarding, which may include a background check waiver for recent retirees and a shorter orientation program.
ICE has set up dedicated hotlines and online resources to help applicants, and the Human Resources Office is the main contact point for questions.
What’s New in the 2025 Hiring Initiative
This year’s hiring push marks a big change in ICE’s approach. The agency is prioritizing experienced people who can be quickly deployed. ICE has updated its hiring procedures to make onboarding faster for eligible retirees, including waiving some training and background checks for those with recent federal service. The agency is also offering extra incentives and recognition for military veterans.
Campaign officially began
More than 400 retired federal employees started application process
First group of new hires expected to begin work
ICE aims to hire at least 1,500 new employees
Campaign expected to continue through
ICE aims to hire at least 1,500 new employees in fiscal year 2025, with a large share expected to come from retired federal workers and veterans. As of July 2025, more than 400 retired federal employees have already started the application process, and the first group is expected to begin work in September 2025.
Pay and Benefits
ICE is offering competitive salaries based on the General Schedule (GS) and Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) pay scales. Pay rates are adjusted for location, and there may be recruitment bonuses for hard-to-fill jobs. For more details on federal pay tables, applicants can visit the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s pay and leave page.
Voices from ICE and the Community
Leaders at DHS and ICE have spoken publicly about the value of experience in law enforcement. The DHS Secretary and ICE Director both say that bringing in “mission-ready” personnel is key to meeting today’s enforcement challenges. ICE has also worked closely with retiree associations and veterans’ groups to spread the word about the campaign.
However, not everyone agrees with the approach. Some labor unions and advocacy groups worry about “double-dipping,” where retirees collect both a federal pension and a new salary. Others raise concerns about whether bringing back retirees could affect workforce diversity or slow down new ideas. Policy experts point out that this trend is not unique to ICE—many federal agencies are turning to retirees to fill important roles, especially in law enforcement and national security.
What This Means for ICE and the Public
The hiring surge is expected to boost ICE’s ability to handle high-priority enforcement and investigations. Retired federal workers bring valuable knowledge, which means less time spent on training and faster deployment to important assignments. This could help ICE respond more quickly to changing needs and improve public safety.
At the same time, the move may affect current ICE staff. Some employees have questions about how retirees will fit in and whether roles will be clearly defined. ICE leaders say they are working to make sure everyone understands their responsibilities and that the transition goes smoothly.
Background and Historical Context
ICE has struggled with staffing shortages for years, especially as enforcement demands have increased. Earlier efforts to recruit retirees were small, but the 2025 campaign is the largest in ICE’s history. The move fits with similar efforts across the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies to use the skills of retired employees for special assignments and surge capacity.
Looking Ahead
If the program succeeds, ICE may expand it further, possibly creating new roles just for retirees and veterans. The agency will keep reviewing how well the program works and may adjust its recruitment and retention strategies based on what it learns. Congress is also considering new laws that could make it even easier for retirees to return to federal service, including possible changes to pension rules.
Practical Steps for Interested Applicants
- Check the ICE careers portal for updates and new job postings.
- Prepare your documents early to speed up the application process.
- Contact ICE Human Resources at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or visit their office at 500 12th St SW, Washington, DC 20536 for help.
- Stay informed about possible changes in hiring rules or incentives.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, ICE’s 2025 hiring spree is a major effort to strengthen its workforce by bringing back experienced federal workers and veterans. The campaign is ongoing, with no set end date, and is expected to continue through at least the end of 2025. For more information and to start your application, visit the official ICE careers portal.
This initiative shows how the Department of Homeland Security is adapting to new challenges by using the skills of those who have already served. Whether you are a retiree, a veteran, or someone interested in federal law enforcement, this campaign offers a unique chance to help defend the homeland and make a difference in your community.
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