The Trump administration is reportedly planning to spend about $100 million in taxpayer money to recruit new staff for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. According to reporting, a large share of that money would go to right-wing media outlets and influencers.
“Wartime Recruitment” Strategy
The Washington Post reported that an internal ICE memo describes the effort as a “wartime recruitment” strategy. The goal is to rapidly hire new personnel to carry out former President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration agenda, including large-scale deportations.
The memo outlines plans to place recruitment ads on platforms popular with conservative audiences.
Advertising on Rumble and Conservative Platforms
One platform named in the strategy is Rumble, a video hosting service favored by many on the political right.
Rumble has gained attention for allowing racist and antisemitic content to circulate. Prominent figures on the platform include conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and white nationalist Nick Fuentes. Under the reported plan, recruitment advertising could place public funds alongside or within this content.
The ICE document also refers to spending money on right-wing influencers and on media connected to pro-gun audiences. At full scale, the effort would direct a substantial amount of public money into conservative media networks.
Messaging That Mirrors Extremist Language
ICE recruitment materials reportedly use highly charged language. Migrants are described as a “flood,” framed as “enemies” at the gates, and potential recruits are urged to “defend the homeland.”
This language reflects rhetoric that Trump and other Republicans have used when discussing immigration. Similar wording has appeared in extremist propaganda, including statements made by some mass shooters who claimed to be acting to stop migration.
Recruitment Struggles Inside ICE
During Trump’s time in office, ICE reportedly faced ongoing recruitment problems. Despite spending millions on hiring campaigns, the agency struggled to attract enough applicants.
To address the shortfall, the administration lowered job requirements and shortened training programs. These changes were intended to bring in more recruits willing to participate in aggressive enforcement operations.
Leadership and Oversight Concerns
ICE operates under the Department of Homeland Security, led by Secretary Kristi Noem. Noem has played a central role in promoting the administration’s anti-immigrant messaging.
She has also faced criticism for large spending decisions that benefited political allies during her tenure.
Potential Consequences Ahead
Democrats have said they plan to document and investigate abuses committed by ICE personnel. They have warned that officers involved in unlawful actions could face serious consequences in the future.
For potential recruits, responding to ads placed on right-wing disinformation outlets may carry long-term risks. Even for Trump’s most committed supporters, the promise of a job may not outweigh the possibility of future scrutiny and accountability.
