Applicants from Unlikely Backgrounds Flock to ICE Job Fair Amid Deportation Surge

Fired Feds, Trump Lovers, and Veterans Apply for ICE Jobs Amid Deportation Push On September 15, dozens of people gathered at the Utah Valley Convention Center in Provo, Utah, to apply for jobs with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a branch of the Department of Homeland Security. The applicants included veterans, current law enforcement officials, college graduates, and fired federal workers. Timeline: The Trump administration aims to recruit 10,000 people for ICE using congressional funds approved in summer 2025. The goal is to deport one million people per year, a target that experts say may be challenging to meet. Applications are being accepted through October 15, with hiring expected to begin shortly after. Immediate Impact: The influx of applicants has sparked concerns about the potential for ICE to become increasingly politicized. Critics argue that the agency's mission is being compromised by the administration's mass deportation policy. Background Context: ICE is responsible for enforcing immigration laws and removing individuals who are in the country without authorization. The agency has faced criticism over its treatment of detainees, including allegations of abuse and mistreatment. What Happens Next: The applicants will undergo a rigorous selection process, which includes background checks, polygraph tests, and psychological evaluations. Those selected for positions as deportation officers or other roles within ICE will be tasked with enforcing the administration's deportation policy. The hiring process is expected to take several months, with the first batch of new hires expected to begin work in early 2026. The recruitment effort comes amid growing controversy over immigration enforcement and the treatment of migrants at the US-Mexico border. As the number of applicants continues to grow, experts warn that the agency's culture may become increasingly politicized, raising concerns about accountability and transparency. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Npr reporting.*