Defense Department civilians are stepping forward in large numbers to support the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), volunteering for temporary assignments aimed at strengthening operations along the southern border under President Donald Trump’s push to secure it.
In less than 48 hours, nearly 500 volunteers responded to the president’s call to serve, with assignments listed on USAJOBS.com. Participating agencies include Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“This is a national security problem, and our civilians have the critical skill sets to support DHS in their mission,” said Deputy Assistant Defense Secretary for Civilian Personnel Policy Michael A. Cogar. “We’re proud that our civilians are already willing to step up.”
Assignments can last up to 180 days and encompass a range of responsibilities, from intelligence analysis to detention support.
A DHS spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the effort reflects Trump’s “whole-of-government approach” to addressing national security threats, including gang members and terrorists.
“ICE, CBP, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Defense are embracing President Trump’s whole-of-government approach to protecting the American people,” a DoD spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
“DOD civilians—who have already undergone rigorous vetting and demonstrated their commitment to serving this nation—are invited to volunteer for temporary ICE assignments to help make America safe again and remove national security threats, including gang members and terrorists from our country.”
Civilian employees were notified via email earlier this week and can apply through USAJOBS, after which DHS coordinates with their respective agencies for final approval. If approved, candidates may be deployed within 96 hours.
All DoD civilian employees in good standing with at least 90 days at their current agency are eligible. Assignments last up to six months, with roles currently running through Sept. 30, 2026.
Volunteers provide logistical and technical support including data entry, planning, case processing, linguistics, and human resources. DoD civilian employees maintain their pay and benefits while on assignment and are eligible for overtime, while gaining cross-agency experience and professional development opportunities.
“This mission is truly critical, not just for DHS, not just for DOD, but for the entire country,” Cogar said in a DoD memo released Friday.
“Any individual can have a force-multiplying effect for DHS agents, allowing them to focus on what they do best, while we provide the technical support needed to keep them on mission, ensuring the safety of our nation.”
The program follows Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s June directive that opened DHS placements for retiring service members through the SkillBridge program, which allows participants to gain real-world training and work experience in high-demand fields.
