John Leguizamo Criticizes Dean Cain for Volunteering with ICE: A Hollywood Clash of Opinions

In a world where celebrity actions are often scrutinized, it was inevitable that the recent move by Dean Cain, former star of Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, to volunteer with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would spark a debate. Actor John Leguizamo, best known for his roles in Encanto and Moulin Rouge!, wasted no time in calling out Cain for his decision, leading to a public exchange that quickly garnered attention.

On August 9, Leguizamo took to Instagram to condemn Cain’s involvement with ICE, asking, “What kind of loser volunteers to be an ICE officer?” The 65-year-old actor didn’t hold back, calling Cain a “moron” and adding in his caption, “#DeanCain volunteered to be an ICE agent! I got one word for you: LOSER!”

Leguizamo’s blunt critique of Cain’s decision was followed by responses from various figures in the entertainment industry, many of whom voiced their support for the Encanto actor’s stance. Frank Grillo, known for his role in the 2025 Superman movie, chimed in with a comment that seemed to support Leguizamo, though with a slight modification. “‘Never was.’ hahahahha,” Grillo said in reference to Cain’s current status in Hollywood, a comment that hinted at Grillo’s belief that Cain’s career had already faded.

In addition to Grillo, other prominent stars like Academy Award nominee Tatum O’Neal, Empire cocreator Lee Daniels, and Purple Rain actress Apollonia Kotero rallied behind Leguizamo’s remarks. Their comments sparked widespread debate within the industry, with many questioning why Cain would align himself with an agency that has been heavily criticized for its role in deportation raids under former President Donald Trump’s administration.

For Cain, however, the decision to volunteer with ICE was a personal one. In a post made earlier in the week, the 59-year-old actor explained his reasoning: “For those who don’t know, I am a sworn law enforcement officer, as well as being a filmmaker. I felt it was important to join with our first responders to help secure the safety of all Americans,” Cain wrote on Instagram. He went on to explain that he wanted to take action rather than just talk about it, expressing support for the agency’s role in “arresting the worst of the worst” and “removing them from America’s streets.”

Cain’s post, which included a call for others to join him in volunteering with ICE, reflected his belief that the agency plays a critical role in protecting the country’s safety. “They need your help to protect our homeland and our families,” he said, positioning himself as a strong supporter of the controversial agency.

Cain’s involvement with ICE has been met with a wave of criticism, with many in Hollywood questioning his motives. Former Glee star Kevin McHale joined the chorus of critics, calling Cain a “f***ing pathetic loser” in a post on X. “Look, I know the entertainment business is in shambles, but imagine being so out of work and desperate for attention (I would know) that you join ICE?” McHale remarked, adding a layer of frustration with Cain’s decision, which many viewed as an attention-seeking move.

One particularly sharp response came from comedian Margaret Cho, who questioned Cain’s participation in ICE raids given his Japanese-American heritage. Cain, who has previously spoken about his family’s internment during World War II at the Minidoka War Relocation Center in Idaho, was criticized by Cho for seemingly aligning himself with an organization that many view as emblematic of racial and ethnic persecution. “You’re Japanese. You’re not even white,” Cho remarked on Instagram. “You’re not white. I know you, and you are not white. You have never been white.”

In a time of heightened political and social awareness, Cain’s decision to volunteer with ICE has sparked wider discussions about race, immigration, and personal responsibility. The actor, who has a background in law enforcement—having previously been sworn in as a deputy officer for the St. Anthony Police Department in Idaho in 2018 and later joining the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia—defended his decision, emphasizing his desire to take concrete action. However, his choice to engage with ICE, an agency whose actions have often been controversial, has led many to question whether Cain is truly acting in the best interests of the country or merely aligning himself with a politically charged agenda.

Despite the controversy, Cain’s commitment to law enforcement has remained steadfast. He made headlines once again in early August when he declared that he would not wear a mask while carrying out ICE duties, citing his personal belief in individual freedom over public health advice. “I’ve just outed myself completely right now,” Cain said in a candid interview with Fox News. “And as much as my parents want me to wear a mask because they fear for it, no chance in hell.” This defiant stance has only added fuel to the fire of public debate over his decision to work with ICE.

As Cain prepares to be sworn in as an honorary ICE officer later this month, many are left to wonder whether this is a temporary publicity stunt or the beginning of a new chapter in his career and political engagement. While some have supported Cain’s actions, others view his move as a deeply divisive one, with far-reaching implications for his public image.

In the end, the public clash between John Leguizamo and Dean Cain highlights the deep divide within the entertainment industry over political issues, particularly in relation to immigration and law enforcement. While Leguizamo’s condemnation of Cain has sparked a broader conversation about the role of celebrities in shaping public opinion, Cain’s stance has equally ignited a fiery debate about the responsibilities that public figures have when it comes to aligning themselves with controversial institutions. As both actors continue to navigate the intersection of politics and entertainment, one thing is certain: this clash is far from over.