Dean Cain becomes an ICE agent amid Hollywood backlash

Actor Dean Cain, best known for his role as Superman in the 1990s TV series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, announced his decision to join U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Cain, 59, revealed his plans on his personal X account and during several appearances on FOX News this week, stating he would soon be sworn in as an ICE agent to support former President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement initiatives.

Cain’s announcement immediately sparked backlash from Hollywood figures. Emmy-winning actor John Leguizamo called Cain a “moron” and a “has/been,” criticizing his decision to support ICE given his Japanese American heritage. Comedian Margaret Cho and “Glee” star Kevin McHale also expressed disapproval, with McHale dismissing the move as a desperate publicity stunt.

Cho also specifically pointed out Cain’s own immigrant heritage. Cain is half-Japanese on his father’s side, his birth name being Dean Tanaka. In a previous interview with Variety, Cain explained that he’s proud of his Japanese lineage and family, even showing off a tattoo on his ankle that he says honors them.

Other celebrities commented or lauded these more public response in their comments, like Academy Award winning actor Tatum O’Neal responding with six clapping emojis and director Lee Daniels with a simple laughing comment. Actor Frank Grillo, who played Rick Flag Sr. in the 2025 Superman movie, responded to Leguizamo calling Cain a “has been” and instead calling Cain a “never was.”

ICE’s recruitment policies now add context to Cain’s move. The agency recently removed upper age limits, allowing applicants as young as 18 and without an age cap, aiming to fill staffing shortages. To attract recruits, ICE is offering up to $50,000 in signing bonuses, student loan forgiveness, and enhanced retirement benefits. Social media for the Department of Homeland Security, the department that oversees ICE, is packed with recruitment posts, evoking old “Uncle Sam” and World War II style artwork.

Yet despite these incentives, critics highlight a glaring gender gap. Female agents remain severely underrepresented, raising concerns about inclusivity in the agency’s ranks. None of the recent marketing for the job have included any female personnel. Instead, every official government poster and ad for recruitment are (as of today) all white men or caricatures of white historic American propaganda.

Cain himself has a background in law enforcement, having served as a reserve police officer in Idaho and Virginia. He has been an outspoken supporter of Trump’s immigration policies and has openly criticized the “woke” reinterpretations of Superman in recent media. His decision to join ICE reflects a personal commitment to the former president’s agenda on immigration enforcement.

This development highlights how often celebrities influence political debates, often provoking polarized reactions and magnifying contentious issues like immigration. ICE’s new recruitment strategies reflect significant policy shifts intended to bolster the agency amid increasing demands, even as they expose challenges around workforce diversity.

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