DoD civilians ‘volunteer’ by the hundreds to support Trumps ‘call of duty’ deportation efforts

Hundreds of civilian employees within the Defense Department have “volunteered” to join President Donald Trump’s deportation campaign.

“In under 48 hours, nearly 500 volunteers answered the president’s call of duty, as assignments became available via USAJOBS.com,” Fox News confirmed late Friday.

“Recruiting agencies include Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE),” the reporting continued.

Hundreds of Defense Department civilians are volunteering for temporary roles with the DHS to support operations at the southern border. Nearly 500 responded within 48 hours, with assignments lasting up to 180 days in various critical areas. pic.twitter.com/AYlHdXduCg

— That Smoke Pit Veteran (@thatsmokepit) August 23, 2025

Michael A. Cogar, the deputy assistant Defense secretary for civilian personnel policy, was pleased by the recruitments.

“This is a national security problem, and our civilians have the critical skill sets to support DHS in their mission,” he told Fox News. “We’re proud that our civilians are already willing to sign up.”

The recruitments came after the Pentagon sent a department-wide email on Wednesday asking civilian Department of Defense (DoD) employees to join a “volunteer force” to assist ongoing deportation operations.

“The secretary of Defense has authorized DoD civilian employees to participate in details to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS),” the email read, according to the Federal News Network.

“Selected department employees will have a chance to offer critical support to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as they fulfill the President’s intent to ensure a safe and orderly immigration system,” it continued.

The Pentagon is urging its 950,000 civilian employees to join a “volunteer force” to aid DHS’s immigration efforts. They can apply for temporary roles with ICE and CBP via USAJOBS, with potential for extensive overtime and travel expenses covered. pic.twitter.com/mk3QDhNIHm

— That Smoke Pit Veteran (@thatsmokepit) August 21, 2025

A defense official told the network that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed a memo in June 1 that allows civilian employees working within the department to volunteer for up to 180 days.

“DoD civilians may be asked to deploy within 96 hours of receiving all approvals,” according to the network.

Cogar stressed in a statement that this volunteer program will be a big assistance for DHS agents.

“Any individual, any one person, can have a force multiplying effect for those DHS agents, allowing them to focus on what they do best, while we can provide that technical support that they need to be on target, on mission and out there every day focused on the safety of our nation,” he said.

It’ll also be a boon for the civilian employees. Not only will they continue to receive the same pay and benefits, but they’ll earn valuable newskills, Cogar maintained.

“This is an opportunity for them to receive additional training,” he said. “They’re going to get professional development and cross-functional expertise. Also, they’re learning how to work with partner agencies. The experience gained from working in a multi-agency cross-country operation could be considered on their next performance evaluation.”

According to the Federal News Network, the types of jobs these volunteers are expected to work include “data entry, operational planning support, processing and throughput logistics and logistical support.”

DHS is specifically “seeking skills ranging from transportation security, data input and analysis, targeting and intelligence analysis, firearms, corrections, detention and prisoner processing, linguistics, case processing and human resources.”

All this comes as the Trump administration is drastically trying to expand immigration enforcement operations by offering bonuses up to $50,000 and reducing age requirements.

No age cap.
$50,000 signing bonus.
Defending the Homeland.

What are you waiting for? Answer the call to serve at ICE.
https://t.co/3c7b0Ry86A pic.twitter.com/ZAmWdVreZG

— U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (@ICEgov) August 7, 2025

Meanwhile, earlier this month The Washington Post obtained confirmation that DHS has reassigned dozens of FEMA employees to ICE.

“Through the One Big Beautiful Bill, DHS is adopting an all-hands-on-deck strategy to recruit 10,000 new ICE agents,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told the paper.

“To support this effort, select FEMA employees will temporarily be detailed to ICE for 90 days to assist with hiring and vetting. Their deployment will NOT disrupt FEMA’s critical operations. FEMA remains fully prepared for Hurricane Season. Patriotic Americans are encouraged to apply at join.ice.gov,” she added.

Senior Staff Writer
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V. Saxena is a staff writer for BizPac Review with a decade of experience as a professional writer, and a lifetime of experience as an avid news junkie. He holds a degree in computer technology from Purdue University.

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