Pentagon Recruits Civilians for U.S. Immigration Operations

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The Pentagon is seeking civilian employees to support expanded immigration enforcement efforts nationwide. Civilian federal staff are being invited to volunteer for assignments with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

According to a Defense Department email obtained by 404Media, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth authorized civilian employees to participate in details with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) along the southern border and in internal immigration operations. The memo, signed June 1, 2025, allows assignments of up to 180 days while employees retain their salary and benefits.

The voluntary positions may include data entry, operational planning, logistical support, and processing duties. Deployment locations are fixed, and conditions may be austere. Civilian employees participating in the program are expected to travel extensively, with assignments requiring 76% or greater travel and no remote work options. Annual salaries range from $25,684 to $191,900, with relocation expenses not reimbursed.

The initiative is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to expand immigration enforcement personnel and infrastructure. Recent legislation, known as the Big Beautiful Bill, provides funding for 10,000 additional ICE agents. The agency is also offering signing bonuses of up to $50,000 and has adjusted age requirements to attract recruits.

Across the country, ICE has increased arrests and detention operations. New facilities are being established in Nebraska, Florida, and at military installations, including Fort Bliss in Texas, which now accommodates up to 5,000 migrants in temporary structures. ICE agents are also partnering with local police for certain traffic enforcement operations, including moped stops in Washington, D.C.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem reported that approximately 1.6 million undocumented immigrants have left the U.S. during her first 200 days in office, citing agency data. The department also plans a $20–50 million ad campaign, “Stronger Border, Stronger America,” to highlight DHS activities.

The Pentagon has not disclosed the expected number of civilian participants, but with roughly 950,000 civilian employees, the program could involve a significant portion of the workforce. The recruitment drive underscores the administration’s ongoing priority of securing U.S. borders and supporting immigration enforcement nationwide.