On August 26-27, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) hosted a two-day job fair at the Esports Stadium in Arlington, Texas, as part of a nationwide effort to bolster its workforce. The event, covered by The New York Times, aimed to recruit deportation officers and attorneys to support the agency’s expanding mission under the Trump administration’s immigration policies. ICE sought to hire around 1,000 people, offering incentives like signing bonuses up to $50,000 and student loan repayments to attract candidates.
The job fair drew nearly 2,000 preregistered applicants, reflecting unprecedented interest, according to acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons. The agency highlighted its focus on “patriotic Americans” committed to justice and public safety, with roles targeting the removal of criminal undocumented immigrants. Applicants like Brennan Sheets expressed enthusiasm for protecting the nation, while others, such as Mukail Accicci, cited job security and benefits as key motivators.
However, the event sparked significant controversy. Dozens of protesters gathered outside, organized by groups like La Rabia and Brown Berets of DFW, chanting slogans like “Don’t do it, you’ll never be the same” and holding signs accusing ICE of tearing families apart. Demonstrators, including North Texas activist Buddy Luce, criticized the agency as a “private army” engaging in lawless actions, rejecting claims that its enforcement prioritizes security.
Inside, the atmosphere was professional, with a diverse pool of candidates navigating resume reviews and on-the-spot job offers. The event underscored Arlington’s role in national security discussions, but it also highlighted deep community divisions over immigration enforcement, as reported by The New York Times.
SOURCES:
What We Saw at a Job Fair for ICE – The New York Times
