Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is offering retired agents up to $50,000 in signing bonuses as part of a nationwide effort to dramatically expand deportation operations under President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda.
The initiative—dubbed “Operation Return to Mission”—is targeting former immigration enforcement officers who left ICE within the last five years and departed in good standing. Along with the generous bonuses, returning retirees will receive full salaries and continue collecting their federal pensions, thanks to a special hiring authority known as the Dual Compensation Waiver (DCW).
The DCW allows ICE to bring back former federal employees under temporary or term appointments without requiring them to forfeit their retirement annuities. Recruits would serve at the agency’s discretion.
An internal recruitment email reviewed by The New York Times described the campaign as an “urgent call,” encouraging eligible retirees to apply by August 1 in order to receive the full incentive package. The email promised no reduction in pension benefits.
ICE has launched a dedicated “Return to Mission” landing page on its website, prominently displaying a military-style Uncle Sam image and a patriotic call to action:
“You served the United States of America with distinction and honor. Now, your country is calling upon you to serve once more… Due to the prior administration’s disastrous immigration policies, the men and women of ICE now face unprecedented challenges.”
The message continues:
“On behalf of a grateful nation, we proudly call upon you to RETURN TO MISSION and reclaim your vital role among the courageous men and women of ICE.”
Open roles include Deportation Officer, Criminal Investigator, and General Attorney positions.
Robert J. Hammer, a Homeland Security official, promoted the campaign on LinkedIn, writing:
“Ready to rejoin the mission and get up to a $50k signing bonus on top of rehired annuitant pay (pension + paycheck)? Submit your application by Aug 1 to be eligible.”
This recruitment drive follows a significant budget boost for ICE, recently approved by Congress, that aims to expand the agency’s workforce by 10,000 officers and increase enforcement activity in major U.S. cities.
