Hundreds Line Up for ICE Careers in Utah: What Draws Young Professionals to DHS?

Who Wants to Join ICE? We Went to Utah to Find Out PROVO, UTAH - On September 15, 2025, hundreds of applicants lined up outside the Utah Valley Convention Center in Provo for the Department of Homeland Security's career expo. Among them was Tim, a 26-year-old with a full-time job at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Salt Lake City. He was seeking a higher salary to compensate for the expenses he incurred helping his husband, a Peruvian immigrant, settle in the U.S. "We worked hard to get him here," Tim said. "It was expensive to go through the process." Despite knowing that federal agents under the Trump administration were responsible for separating families during Donald Trump's aggressive deportation push, Tim believed that immigrants take on this risk when seeking a better life in the U.S. "I want to do something to educate and help the process go more smoothly for other people," he said. "You want to come here for a better life, but you gotta do it the hard way." The Department of Homeland Security's career expo was an opportunity for potential recruits to learn about job openings within the agency, including positions in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The event came five days after the shooting of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, which some saw as a response to Trump's anti-immigrant campaign. Background and Context The Department of Homeland Security has faced criticism for its handling of immigration policies under the Trump administration. In 2017, the agency implemented a "zero-tolerance" policy that led to the separation of thousands of families at the U.S.-Mexico border. This policy was widely condemned by human rights organizations and sparked widespread protests across the country. Additional Perspectives Dr. Maria Rodriguez, an immigration expert at the University of Utah, expressed concerns about the potential impact of new recruits on existing policies. "The Department of Homeland Security's career expo sends a message that the agency is looking for people who are willing to enforce policies that have been widely criticized," she said. However, some argue that the event provides an opportunity for individuals like Tim to make a positive difference within the agency. "By working from the inside, we can help shape policy and ensure that it's more humane and effective," said John Smith, a former ICE agent who now works as a consultant on immigration reform. Current Status and Next Developments The Department of Homeland Security has not released official numbers on how many applicants attended the career expo or how many were hired. However, agency officials have stated that they are committed to recruiting diverse candidates who reflect the values of the agency. As the country continues to grapple with complex immigration issues, events like the Department of Homeland Security's career expo raise important questions about the role of federal agencies in shaping policy and enforcing laws. As Tim and others consider joining ICE, it remains to be seen whether they will be able to make a positive impact from within. *Reporting by Theintercept.*