ICE ENDS AGE CAP, DANGLES $50K BONUSES TO HIRE 10,000 AGENTS; NOEM CITES ‘1000%’ ASSAULT SURGE

At an event in Lombard, Illinois, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said ICE agents face a “1000% increase” in assaults—without a clear timeframe—while promoting a recruitment blitz that removes the age cap, targets 10,000 new hires, and offers incentives like up to $50,000 signing bonuses and student-loan relief. Fox cited an earlier report claiming an 830% increase from Jan 21–Jul 14, 2025 vs. 2024. The push signals escalated federal enforcement resourcing and messaging.