Dean Cain Joins ICE: Former Superman Star Supports Trump’s Deportation Crackdown

Former Superman actor Dean Cain is trading in his cape for a badge as he publicly announced his decision to join U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), backing former President Donald Trump’s renewed hardline immigration policies. The surprising declaration came on August 6, 2025, during Cain’s appearance on Fox News’ Jesse Watters Primetime.

Cain, widely known for his 1990s portrayal of the Man of Steel in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, told the host that he will be sworn in as an ICE agent “ASAP.” His decision follows a viral moment online when he shared an ICE recruitment video on Instagram, prompting immediate interest from both media and the public.

Why did Dean Cain join ICE?

Cain explained his choice as a patriotic duty. “This country was built on patriots stepping up, whether it was popular or not, and doing the right thing. I truly believe this is the right thing,” he told Fox viewers.

Already a sworn deputy sheriff and reserve police officer, Cain’s transition to ICE was a natural step, according to him. His move aligns with Trump’s intensifying efforts to enforce immigration laws more aggressively following his re-election. ICE has received a record $75 billion budget bump through Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” including funding to hire 10,000 new agents by 2029.

How Dean Cain’s decision reflects Trump’s immigration vision

Dean Cain’s enlistment comes amid ICE’s controversial nationwide campaign, targeting undocumented immigrants, protected-status residents, and even U.S. citizens in some reported cases. The agency now seeks a minimum of 3,000 arrests per day.

Cain voiced his alignment with Trump’s campaign promises: “President Trump ran on this. He is delivering on this. This is what people voted for. It’s what I voted for.” He urged other former officers and agents to join him, hoping to help meet recruitment goals.

His participation is symbolic, representing a celebrity endorsement of Trump’s immigration enforcement strategy at a time when ICE has faced both political praise and severe criticism.

Public response and protests intensify

While Trump supporters applaud Cain’s step, civil rights groups and protestors have condemned ICE’s aggressive tactics. Nationwide protests have surged, fueled by viral videos showing ICE arrests in public spaces and alleged violations of due process.

Despite backlash, Cain remains firm in his stance, arguing for legal immigration boundaries: “We can’t have everybody in the United States. Society will fail. So there have to be limits.”

Cain has previously criticized Hollywood’s direction, notably calling the newest Superman film “woke.” His statements drew widespread attention earlier this year after he reacted to director James Gunn’s comment referring to Superman as an immigrant.

What’s next for Dean Cain and ICE?

According to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, ICE has already received over 80,000 applications, and the age cap for applicants has been removed to accommodate a broader recruitment pool.

Cain’s onboarding as an ICE agent is expected to be swift. As the face of an increasingly polarized debate, his involvement may embolden more Americans—especially conservatives—to support ICE’s operations or consider joining the force.

Whether his actions are seen as patriotic or political, Dean Cain is once again front and center—this time not as Superman, but as a federal agent in one of America’s most controversial law enforcement agencies.

You Must Know:

Why is Dean Cain joining ICE?
Dean Cain is joining ICE to support former President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda. As a longtime reserve police officer and Trump supporter, Cain sees this as a patriotic duty and believes in enforcing strict immigration laws.

What does ICE do?
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) is a U.S. federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws, conducting raids, detaining individuals believed to be in the country illegally, and overseeing deportations.

How is ICE changing under Trump’s new term?
Trump’s administration has ramped up ICE operations, setting daily arrest targets and allocating an additional $75 billion to hire 10,000 agents by 2029. Policies now focus on mass deportations and stricter immigration enforcement.

What are critics saying about Dean Cain’s move?
Critics argue Cain’s support of ICE adds celebrity fuel to a controversial agenda. Civil rights activists claim ICE’s practices violate due process and disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, even detaining legal residents and U.S. citizens.

Is Dean Cain still active in acting?
While Dean Cain remains involved in entertainment, he has become more publicly known for his conservative activism and support for former President Trump, taking a step back from mainstream Hollywood roles.

What does this mean for celebrity activism in politics?
Cain’s ICE enlistment is a high-profile example of celebrity involvement in law enforcement and immigration policy. It may set a precedent for other public figures to engage directly with political causes they support.