John Leguizamo condemned Dean Cain’s decision to align with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, posting an Instagram video Friday that called the former “Superman” actor a “loser” and a “moron,” and jabbing that Cain’s “pronouns are has/been.” The remarks spread quickly across entertainment media after the clip was shared, including by Deadline.
Cain announced this week that, after conversations with agency officials, he would “be sworn in as an ICE agent ASAP,” and encouraged others to join. He framed the move as an act of public service and urged supporters to help meet hiring targets. The declaration landed amid a sweeping federal recruitment campaign that lifted age caps for applicants and advertised incentives such as signing bonuses up to $50,000 and student-loan relief.
A key detail emerged later: a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said Cain will be sworn in as an honorary ICE officer, with specific duties not disclosed. The clarification followed days of speculation about what role, if any, the 59-year-old would perform in enforcement operations.
Cain, who has served as a reserve police officer and deputy sheriff, responded mildly to the backlash on X, saying of Leguizamo, “He’s a good actor — I like his stuff.” In a separate interview, he defended ICE personnel as a cross-section of Americans who have been “vilified,” arguing that enforcing immigration law should not be politicized.
The exchange encapsulated the culture-war aftershocks of the government’s hiring push. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently said applicants can now be as young as 18, while agency releases tout overtime and enhanced retirement as part of the draw. Supporters cite public safety and the rule of law; critics argue that expanded enforcement has swept up people with minor or no criminal records and will deepen community fears.
