ICE Sparks Backlash by Recruiting Local Cops for Mass Deportation Effort

Immigration and Customs Enforcement is under fire from its own allies after a mass recruitment email offering $50,000 signing bonuses and federal perks was sent directly to local officers working in partnership with ICE. The effort—part of ICE’s ramp-up following a massive funding boost from the “One Big Beautiful Bill”—has sparked backlash from sheriffs in multiple states, including longtime supporters of the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Critics say ICE’s attempt to poach from trusted local law enforcement undermines their working relationship and could damage future cooperation. “You don’t treat partners like this,” said one law enforcement leader. ICE has not publicly apologized, but at least one regional office reportedly issued a direct apology to a Georgia sheriff. The fallout highlights growing tensions between federal and local agencies as ICE works to scale up for what is being called the largest deportation effort in U.S. history.