In order to get retired agents to return to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Trump administration has devised a new strategy.In addition to a regular wage, ICE is now providing incentives of up to $50,000 to federal law enforcement officers who assist the government in its immigration operation.
Operation Return to Mission is aimed at retired law enforcement officers with the necessary skill sets who are laterally applicable from organizations such as the FBI and DEA. However, because it uses the image of Uncle Sam, who was used to attract soldiers throughout the World Wars, the RTM poster has generated a lot of criticism. The icon is now requesting that retired agents sever once more.
RTM is being provided to former federal law enforcement officer personnel who left federal employment in good standing so they can make arrests in the field to assist with Title 8 priorities, said Deputy Director Madison D. Sheahan.
If rehired, these agents would continue to receive their retirement benefits under the dual compensation waiver in addition to their regular salaries and substantial incentives. Additionally, a $10,000 signing bonus would be given to employees who want to rejoin the military. An extra $10,000 will be awarded to those who submit their applications by August 1st.
Sheahan added that for every year your appointment is prolonged, the department is also offering a $10,000 incentive that is paid out yearly on your service anniversary for a maximum of three years.
Federal law enforcement officers who have retired during the last five years, take note: We are calling on you to serve your country once more at this crucial juncture in its history!
Criminal investigator position available immediately: https://t.co/45KzVZVqqipic.twitter.com/LEvaqHXltn
July 18, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (@ICEgov)
In general, the government is willing to invest a significant amount of money to hire more experienced, skilled personnel for their immigration enforcement efforts. The agency has received roughly $170 billion under Donald Trump’s Big, Beautiful Bill, of which $30 billion is designated for activities like recruiting 10,000 more officers over the following five years.
A spokeswoman told the Sun that ICE is continually improving its recruitment tactics in an effort to draw in new personnel. We are starting a thorough, multifaceted recruitment campaign with the money from the Big Beautiful Bill. This approach consists of focused outreach to state and local officers, retirees, veterans of the Department of Defense, and other people who possess the essential training and skills that ICE is looking for.
Some former agents believe the incentives are too low to get them back on the field, despite the agency’s claims that they have already received a large number of applications. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is now looking for criminal investigators, general counsel, and experienced deportation officers.
