In July 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched the “Defend the Nation” program, an aggressive campaign to hire more than 10,000 new immigration agents. This effort seeks to strengthen the role of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and execute mass deportations under the new immigration strategy promoted by Donald Trump in his second term.
The campaign promotes a patriotic appeal through digital media, flyers at universities, job fairs and federal networks. The messages highlight the urgent need to “protect the country” and eliminate “dangerous foreign criminals,” appealing to national values and public safety.
Economic incentives and federal benefits
Those who join ICE under this program can receive an initial bonus of up to $50,000, student debt reimbursement, and a raise of up to 25% for special shifts or high-risk roles.
Homeland Security Investigations(HSI) and Removal Operations Unit (ERO) agents also get early retirement benefits and enhanced compensation packages.
Salaries range from $105,000 to $171,000 per year for specialized positions such as intelligence analysts, immigration prosecutors and undercover agents.
The administration hopes that these incentives will attract young professionals with backgrounds in security, criminology and law.
Raids and expansion of arrests
Along with recruitment, ICE has intensified its actions with “Operation Safeguard,” a targeted raid program launched in January 2025.
The main target cities have been Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston, Philadelphia and Washington D.C., many of them identified as “sanctuary cities”.
Although ICE claims that its focus is on people with serious criminal records – such as gang members, drug traffickers and sex offenders – migrant advocacy organizations have documented detentions of people with no criminal history.
This has generated concern in Latino communities.
Criticism and concerns
The messages emphasize the urgent need to 'protect the country'
QuéOnnda.com
Various civil rights organizations, including the ACLU and RAICES, have warned that this policy can lead to racial profiling, separation of families, community fear and human rights violations.
In addition, recent polls by NPR and CNN indicate that more than 53% of the U.S. population considers the expansion of ICE to be excessive.
A similar number oppose the use of public funds for mass raids.
In neighborhoods with a high Latino presence, there have already been reports of school absenteeism, job resignations and reduced medical visits for fear of arrest.
Community leaders call for awareness of legal rights and avoid unnecessary interactions with immigration authorities.
Messages from the White House and Truth Social
In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised ICE’s work.
He stated that “our brave agents are bringing out the worst of the worst,” and criticized President Biden for allowing “foreign criminals” to enter.
He reiterated that “we need more brave men and women to make America safe again,” reinforcing the program’s core message.
For her part, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated:
“This is a defining moment in our nation’s history. Your skills, experience and courage have never been more essential. Join ICE. Defend the nation.”
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
