Dean Cain, best known for playing Superman in the 1990s TV hit Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, has revealed he is set to join U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The 59-year-old actor made the announcement during an interview with Fox News on Wednesday, explaining that the decision came after he shared an ICE recruitment video on social media, which quickly went viral.
Cain, who is already a sworn deputy sheriff and reserve police officer, told host Jesse Watters: “I wasn’t part of ICE, but once I put that out there, and you put a little blurb on your show, it went crazy. So, now I’ve spoken with some officials over at ICE, and I will be sworn in as an ICE agent ASAP.”
Describing the move as “the right thing to do,” Cain said he felt a sense of duty to serve. “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.”
The former Superman star also took aim at the current state of America’s immigration system, calling it “broken.” He voiced strong support for former President Donald Trump’s immigration measures, which have included mass deportations, nationwide raids, and tougher enforcement that has, in some cases, affected legal permanent residents and U.S. citizens. “This is what people voted for,” Cain said. “It’s what I voted for, and he’s going to see it through, and I’ll do my part and help make sure it happens.”
In a statement to ABC News on Thursday, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed Cain’s upcoming role with ICE, revealing that the agency has waived its upper age limit for new applicants as part of a wider recruitment drive.
“Superman is encouraging Americans to become real-life superheroes by answering their country’s call to join the brave men and women of ICE to help protect our communities to arrest the worst of the worst,” the department said.
Previously, ICE applicants had to be between the ages of 21 and 37 — or in some cases up to 40 — but Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on Fox & Friends that the new rules allow people to apply from the age of 18, with no maximum age limit.
As part of the push to attract more recruits, ICE is offering signing bonuses, student loan forgiveness, and substantial overtime opportunities for deportation officers. The agency says recruits will be fully trained and equipped before being deployed.
Cain’s shift from Hollywood to law enforcement has drawn mixed reactions online, with supporters praising his willingness to serve and critics questioning his alignment with the Trump-era immigration crackdown.
The actor, who rose to fame alongside Teri Hatcher in Lois & Clark between 1993 and 1997, has in recent years become more outspoken on political issues and has worked closely with law enforcement agencies in various capacities.
While no official swearing-in date has been announced, Cain’s move marks one of the most high-profile celebrity endorsements for ICE in recent years — and he insists he’s ready to step into the role just as he once stepped into Superman’s boots.