Dean Cain was once the Man of Steel, but the TV superhero icon has a new title.
Cain, who played Superman in the 1990s series “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” revealed to fans that he enlisted as an officer in the federal agency U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to an Aug. 5 video shared to Cain’s social media channels.
“For those who don’t know, I am a sworn law enforcement officer, as well as being a filmmaker, and I felt it was important to join with our first responders to help secure the safety of all Americans, not just talk about it,” Cain, 59, said. “So, I joined up.”
USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for Cain and ICE for comment.
Cain also used the minute-and-a-half clip as an informal recruitment ad to tout the “great benefits” of working for ICE, which reportedly include a $50,000 signing bonus, student loan repayment, enhanced retirement benefits and special pay for individuals working in field operations and law enforcement roles.
“So, if you want to help save America, ICE is arresting the worst of the worst and removing them from America’s streets. I like that. I voted for that,” Cain said. “They need your help. We need your help, to protect our homeland and our families.”
Cain’s comments come amid increased scrutiny of ICE in recent months.
In June, several demonstrations erupted in Los Angeles in response to a series of immigration raids carried out by the federal agency. The raids, which sparked nationwide protests, took place as part of a directive from President Donald Trump to find immigrants living in the United States without legal status.
Several celebrities, including Jimmy Kimmel, Kim Kardashian, Cardi B and Mark Ruffalo, have spoken out against the ICE raids and the Trump administration’s involvement.
Cain portrayed DC Comics legend Clark Kent and his superhero alias, Superman, on “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman” from 1993-1997. The ABC dramedy, which also starred Teri Hatcher and Lane Smith, earned five Primetime Emmy nominations during its four-year run.
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Dean Cain’s ICE video sparks fan backlash
Cain’s announcement of his ICE employment did not sit well with some fans, who took to the comments section on Instagram to share their dismay over the actor’s affiliation with the controversial agency.
“Shame on you Dean — that’s the most un-Superman thing you could possibly advocate,” @supergirl_titans wrote.
“You are such a massive disappointment and only bring shame to the red cape. I trusted you,” @imaginairycloud commented.
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While @gomdiaz said “it’s a free country,” the user added: “I hope one (day) I’ll understand how a person can watch the now standard footage of HOW they ‘handle’ human beings and not only not be sad and morally disgusted but also promote it.”
Despite the criticism, some fans came to Cain’s defense. “Wow, you really are Superman – that is so cool!!!” @jmcmahon0278 wrote, while @anthonyhershko commented: “LEGEND!!!!!!!!!👏🫡”
Meanwhile, user @jlenagha pointed out the irony of Cain’s professional relationship with ICE, given the actor’s Japanese heritage (Cain was born in Michigan, but his biological father is Japanese).
“Immigrants that come to this country, whether they’re undocumented or not, should be given due process,” the user added. “Trump said he was going after gang members, criminals etc. That’s not been the case. He’s been going after regular people. This tarnishes my view of Dean. I’m shocked he’s endorsing ICE.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Superman actor Dean Cain says he joined ICE for Americans’ safety
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