Dean Cain Joins ICE and Unsurprisingly the Internet Can’t Handle It
It looks like Dean Cain, the guy you probably remember for bringing Clark Kent to life in the mid-90s Lois & Clark series, has decided to trade his red cape for a badge. Yes, Superman announced that he’s officially joined U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Naturally, the internet had thoughts. Lots of them. Lots.
“Superman Works for ICE Now…”: What Happened?
The 59-year-old actor broke the news on social media with a video proclaiming his allegiance to the agency, complete with calls for others to sign up. Sporting his usual all-American smile, Cain stressed the importance of “securing the safety of all Americans,” adding, “I am a sworn law enforcement officer and wanted to do my part.” He then hyped the “great benefits” of working for ICE, including a $50,000 signing bonus and retirement perks.
But here’s the kicker—not everyone bought into Cain’s hero complex. Critics were quick to call out the move as “the most un-Superman thing” he could possibly do.
The Backlash Kryptonite
Fans immediately jumped into the comment section faster than a speeding bullet, and their reactions weren’t exactly kind. One Instagram user wrote: “Shame on you, Dean—that’s not the Superman the world wanted or needed.” Another bluntly added: “Superman himself would be disappointed in you.” Yikes.
Unsurprisingly, Cain’s supporters cheered him on. “Wow, you really ARE Superman. Legend!” proclaimed one user, while another called him “courageous.” Some fans even defended Cain’s decision, emphasizing his decade-long history as a sworn law enforcement officer. Just to punctuate his credentials, he fired back at critics with a photo of himself geared up as proof.
And before you ask, yes, someone pointed out his Japanese heritage, questioning how he squares joining ICE with his background. Cain brushed it off with his signature assertiveness, reasserting his alignment with the agency’s goals.
Dean Cain Swaps His Cape for Controversy
Look, this isn’t Dean Cain’s first rodeo when it comes to making politically charged moves. He has been open about his conservative leanings in the past, and taking this role feels like him doubling down on that position. Cain stated:
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…[ICE] need your help. We need your help, to protect our homeland and our families.
But it does raise eyebrows when the guy best known for saving humanity on TV is now aligned with an agency currently steeped in public controversy over its handling of immigration.
Adding fuel to the fiery debate, Cain used his recruitment video to highlight ICE’s success in targeting what he called “the worst of the worst” – criminals, drug traffickers, and gang members. Opponents, however, argue that ICE also has targeted ordinary individuals. This could complicate Cain’s depiction of ICE as strictly a “force for justice.” Hmm.
How/Why Does This Matter?
Whatever your stance might be on Dean Cain’s career detour, there’s no denying the public’s (ok, “internet denizens’”) reactions. This shines an often too-bright light on how society increasingly scrutinizes celebrities aligning with polarizing causes. The dichotomy between Dean Cain’s wholesome, superhero past and his new role with ICE now forces important questions to be reconciled: can Dean Cain’s public persona truly separate itself from his political actions?
Cain says he “likes” what ICE is doing and believes now is the time to defend America’s homeland. Whether he’s right or not depends on whose cape you’re metaphorically “caping for.” Either way, one thing’s clear – we’ll likely be seeing more discussion circling this than kryptonite debates on Lois & Clark reruns.
