Actor Dean Cain, widely recognized for his portrayal of Superman in the 1990s series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, has made headlines by announcing his plans to join the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as an agent.
The decision, revealed during a Fox News appearance on August 6, 2025, has sparked a mix of support and criticism, with fellow actor John Leguizamo among those voicing strong disapproval.
🚨 Dean Cain now says he’ll be sworn in as an ICE agent and is willing to hop out of vans to apprehend people.
There’s something so sick that someone who carried Superman’s legacy is such a vile racist POS.
— CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) August 7, 2025
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Cain, now 59, stated, “I plan to be sworn in as an ICE agent, ASAP,” framing his choice as a patriotic act. “The country was built on patriots stepping up, whether it was popular or not.” Cain suggested his move is a personal commitment to national security.
This comes at a time of significant change for ICE, which recently eliminated its age limit for applicants—previously set at 40.
Congress has also approved a substantial budget increase, raising the agency’s annual funding from $8 billion to approximately $28 billion, making it the highest-funded federal law enforcement body and reflecting heightened focus on immigration enforcement.
Superman actor Dean Cain sits for an interview – YouTube, ABC 7
Cain brings some background to the role, having served as a reserve police officer for nearly a decade. His motivation includes supporting officers he believes are unfairly criticized for enforcing immigration laws.
Known for his conservative leanings, Cain has recently commented on cultural shifts in Hollywood, notably criticizing the James Gunn Superman reboot from Warner Bros. and DC Studios.
Ahead of its July 2025 release, he took issue with director James Gunn’s description of Superman as an “immigrant,” arguing it reflects a “woke” agenda.
James Gunn sits for an interview – YouTube, GQ
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Cain’s personal history adds another layer to his decision. His biological father was of Japanese descent, and his family experienced the internment camps during WWII, a fact that some have referenced in the ongoing debate.
The announcement quickly drew a sharp response from John Leguizamo, who posted a video on Instagram on August 8, 2025.
John Leguizamo totally destroyed Dean Cain. pic.twitter.com/ZY5fUZzXqe
— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) August 9, 2025
“What kind of loser volunteers to be an ICE officer? What a moron. Dean Cain, your pronouns are has/been,” Leguizamo said in a direct attack.
He’s a good actor— I like his stuff. https://t.co/0tybFoCCCT
— Dean Cain (@RealDeanCain) August 9, 2025
Cain, however, chose a restrained response, posting on X: “He’s a good actor— I like his stuff,” a comment that has been widely interpreted as a classy refusal to escalate the feud.
The controversy didn’t end with Leguizamo. Comedian Margaret Cho weighed in with racially charged remarks, suggesting Cain is attempting to “be white” and will “never be white” due to his heritage.
Comedian Margaret Cho goes on a racist rant against Dean Cain saying that no matter how much he tries he’ll never be white.
She’s mad Cain joined ICE and is helping to save America.
Meanwhile, Cho obsesses about skin color.
(themargaretcho on TT) https://t.co/Dj0IIrDSMR pic.twitter.com/Gmso3mvxHD
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) August 9, 2025
These criticisms have fueled a broader conversation about identity and public service, though they’ve also drawn pushback from supporters who argue the focus should remain on policy rather than personal attacks.
Public reaction on social media has been polarized but leans toward support for Cain in many circles.
Dean Cain as Superman – YouTube, Dean Cain Gallery
Cain’s decision arrives as ICE navigates increased scrutiny and resources amid ongoing national debates over immigration. The agency’s role has expanded with new funding and policy shifts, positioning agents like Cain—should he complete the process—to play a part in addressing these challenges.
His announcement has reignited discussions about the balance between celebrity influence and civic duty, with opinions split along ideological lines. While detractors like Leguizamo and Cho have opted for personal jabs, Cain’s measured response suggests he intends to let his actions speak for themselves.
Superman actor Dean Cain sits for an interview – YouTube, Sky News Australia
The story continues to develop, with no official confirmation yet of Cain’s swearing-in date. The exchange between him and Leguizamo has kept the topic trending on X, where users continue to weigh in. Whether Cain’s move will inspire others to join ICE remains to be seen, but it has undeniably shifted the spotlight onto the agency and its mission at a critical juncture.
How do you feel about Dean Cain joining ICE? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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Leguizamo is widely hated by Latinos for buying into woke; what “values” they espouse are antithetical to those we hold dear like hard work, family, and religious devotion. He’s only speaking for himself, especially about being a “has/been.” Those of us who are here legally–because we’re nth-generation Americans or came here legally–are all in favor of ICE getting rid of illegals.
Margaret Cho is not a comedian. I honestly can’t remember anything she’s ever done that was funny. I’ve laughed *at* her plenty of times, though.
I applaud Dean Cain for doing this. He’s standing by his principles and showing not everyone in Hollywoke is a vile degenerate who should be drowned in the ocean. But everyone attacking him for it certainly is.
Has/been would mean John L ever was, though.