The Department of Defense (DoD) is reportedly encouraging civilian employees to volunteer with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Advocacy groups have voiced concerns regarding the program’s potential effects on immigrant communities. Under the plan, volunteers may serve for up to 180 days, mainly supporting data entry and logistical operations.
A DoD email reads, “Selected Department employees will have a chance to offer critical support to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as they fulfill the President’s intent to ensure a safe and orderly immigration system.”
The USA Jobs listing requires commitment to efficiency and rule of law. Some travel costs may be reimbursed, but no relocation aid is offered, and volunteers must be ready to deploy within 96 hours.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized DoD civilians to aid DHS for up to 120 days. The volunteer roles offer no promotions, may require heavy overtime, and do not need clearances or drug tests.
Hegseth stated, “In support of the President’s priority of securing our borders, I am authorizing the detail of DoD civilian employees to the DHS to support its operations at the United States southern border and with internal immigration enforcement.”
Applications are reportedly open with no set deadline, allowing extensions if needed. A DoD spokesperson stated, “ICE, CBP, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Defense are embracing President Trump’s whole-of-government approach to protecting the American people.”
The DoD spokesperson added, “DOD civilians — who have already undergone rigorous vetting and demonstrated their commitment to serving this nation — are invited to volunteer for temporary ICE assignments to help make America safe again and remove national security threats—including gang members and terrorists from our country.”
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/defense-dept-authorizes-temporary-ice-assignments/ss-AA1Ly8hj