Dean Cain, the actor who soared to fame as Superman in the 1990s series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, has announced he’s joining U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The 59-year-old star revealed his decision in a spirited social media video, rallying others to join the agency and “help save America.” With his trademark charm, Cain is trading the red cape for a badge, stepping into a role he says reflects his deep commitment to public safety and service.

Cain, a longtime advocate for law enforcement, highlighted his real-world credentials in the August 5 video posted to his X account. “For those who don’t know, I am a sworn law enforcement officer, as well as being a filmmaker,” he said. “I felt it was important to join with our first responders to help secure the safety of all Americans, not just talk about it. So I joined up.” His resume backs him up: Cain has served as a reserve officer with the St. Anthony Police Department in Idaho and as a sworn sheriff’s deputy in Frederick County, Virginia. Now, he’s aligning with ICE under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has made immigration enforcement a cornerstone of its agenda.

The announcement, covered by outlets like USA TODAY and The Hollywood Reporter, comes as ICE launches its “Defend the Homeland” campaign, aiming to recruit up to 10,000 new agents with perks like a $50,000 signing bonus, student loan repayment, and enhanced retirement benefits. Cain spotlighted these incentives in his video, noting that no college degree is required and recruits can “get to work right away.” He also praised ICE’s mission, stating, “Since President Trump took office, ICE has arrested hundreds of thousands of criminals, including terrorists, rapists, murderers, pedophiles, MS-13 gang members, drug traffickers, you name it—very dangerous people who are no longer on the streets.” Newsweek reported that Cain’s viral video is part of a broader push to bolster ICE’s ranks, with the Department of Homeland Security recently lifting age restrictions for applicants—a win for the 59-year-old actor.

JOIN ICE!!
We need your help to protect 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/cXcUaDcDhY

— Dean Cain (@RealDeanCain) August 5, 2025

Cain’s commitment solidified after an appearance on Fox News’ Jesse Watters Primetime on August 6, where he confirmed he’d spoken with ICE officials and would be sworn in as an agent “ASAP.” His enthusiasm has struck a chord with supporters who see his move as a bold stand for national security. “I like that. I voted for that,” Cain said, applauding ICE’s efforts to remove dangerous individuals from communities. The Wrap noted that ICE’s hiring surge is backed by a recent budget increase to fund expanded operations, with the agency reporting over 200,000 arrests since January 2025.

Not everyone’s cheering, though. Some fans have voiced disappointment, pointing to the perceived irony of Cain, who played the alien-born Superman, joining an agency focused on immigration enforcement. One X user remarked, “Superman himself would be disappointed in you, Dean,” while another referenced Cain’s Japanese heritage, noting the complexities of his stance given his family’s immigrant roots. The Independent reported that critics have questioned whether Cain’s role aligns with Superman’s inclusive legacy, created by the sons of Jewish immigrants. However, this criticism overlooks a key detail: under U.S. law, Superman isn’t an immigrant. The 14th Amendment grants citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil, and the “foundling” statute (8 U.S.C. § 1401(f)) presumes citizenship for a child found in the U.S. under age five unless proven otherwise before age 21. Since baby Kal-El was discovered by the Kents in Smallville, USA, with no official record of his Kryptonian origins, he’s legally a U.S. citizen. Adding to this, in the 1980s comics reboot by John Byrne, Superman’s ship included a Kryptonian birthing matrix, meaning Kal-El gestated during the journey and was “born” on U.S. soil upon landing in Kansas. Legally and narratively, the Man of Steel is as American as they come, cape or no cape.Cain has stayed upbeat in the face of backlash, even hinting at pushing for changes to ICE’s age restrictions, which were later lifted. His supporters view his decision as a natural extension of his advocacy for law enforcement and public safety. Beyond his Superman fame, Cain has built a career as a conservative commentator, actor, and filmmaker, often speaking out on issues close to his heart. Whether he serves as a sworn ICE agent or a high-profile advocate, his move underscores a desire to act, not just talk. “Your country is calling you to serve at ICE,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, a sentiment Cain echoes with his call to action.

The broader context of Cain’s decision ties to the Trump administration’s immigration policies, which have sparked both applause and controversy. While supporters celebrate ICE’s focus on removing dangerous criminals, critics like Jimmy Kimmel and Cardi B have slammed the administration’s tactics, particularly community-based raids in Democratic-leaning states. Yet Cain remains focused on the mission, bringing his passion for service to a new frontier.

As the debate swirls, one thing’s clear: Dean Cain is ready to trade his cape for cuffs, channeling his inner hero into real-world action. Whether you see him as a patriot stepping up or a celebrity sparking discussion, his move to ICE proves that heroism—on screen or off—takes courage and conviction.