Arellano: Dean Cain wants to join ICE. Forget Lex Luthor, this Superman is after Tamale Lady

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There are people who keep reliving their glory days, and then there’s Dean Cain.

The actor, predominantly recognized in both film and television, gained much acclaim for his role in the ’90s series titled “Lois & Clark: A Modern Retelling of Superman’s Exploits.

He was no Christopher Reeve or Henry Cavill.

Many fans recall Cain, dressed in blue tights and a red cape, to such an extent that he often appears at comic-con events.

In response to the Trump administration’s call for more ICE agents, it was he who stepped forward.)

Big hint: Up, up and a güey!

August 6th saw a somewhat under-the-radar figure named Cain announce on Instagram that he had decided to join the immigration enforcement agency, affectionately known as ‘la migra’. He even suggested that others might want to consider following his lead.

Voices

Commentary: TV Superman Dean Cain is recruiting immigration agents and, thanks to DHS, so is ‘South Park’

Dean Cain, who played Superman in the past, invited his followers on social media to become part of ICE.” Simultaneously, the DHS employed a screenshot from ‘South Park’ in one of their posts aimed at recruiting for ICE.

As the soothing strains of John Williams’ iconic “Superman” melody wafted softly, the 59-year-old actor delivered his statement.

Originally, Superman was known for battling Nazis, Klansmen, and cosmic threats; however, in this new scenario, Superman, or rather Cain, is now focused on pursuing the Tamale Lady. Previously, his main adversary was Lex Luthor; but in a twist of reality, an alternate version of Superman resembling Bizarro seeks employment under Stephen Miller, who bears a striking resemblance to Lex Luthor in the Trump administration.

Cain asserted, displaying his radiant grin and muscular arms, ‘By safeguarding your nation, you’ll reap substantial rewards.’ In the background, an American flag in a triangular frame and a miniature statue portraying Cain during his Princeton Tigers football days could be seen. He continued, ‘If you aim to protect America, ICE is apprehending the most detestable individuals and expelling them from our streets.’

Later in the day, Cain made an appearance on Fox News, stating he was going to quickly take the oath as an ICE agent. However, Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin later explained to The New York Times that this role would be honorary, not a real position. Despite his exaggeration, the agency’s social media account showed enthusiasm for Cain’s announcement, momentarily deviating from its typical posts of white supremacist coded messages.

Posted online was a message encouraging Americans to emulate Superman by responding to their nation’s call, working alongside the courageous individuals at ICE to safeguard our communities and apprehend the most dangerous criminals.

Previously, American heroes stormed Omaha Beach. Currently, the Trump administration aims for a similar approach with their representatives to invade the gardening department at Home Depot.

The allure of Superman is a significant part of their strategy to portray Immigration Services (la migra) as heroic figures, while labeling undocumented individuals as sinister villains who merit swift and harsh deportation. However, much like many aspects of American history, the Trump administration has twisted Superman’s legendary narrative. In early June, they showcased Donald Trump, who isn’t capable of jumping over a bingo card, let alone a tall building, in Superman attire on the White House’s social media accounts. This was accompanied by the slogan: “Truth. Justice. The American Way.” Ironically, this occurred just a day before Warner Bros. released its newest Man of Steel movie.

Born on the alien planet Krypton as Kal-El, this hero was always known for his goodness and bravery, standing tall against bullies and championing the oppressed. Arriving on Earth as an infant from a doomed world, Clark Kent, his human persona, embodies humility and kindness. These qualities persist when he transforms into Superman.

The caretakers of the character often used the imaginary setting to offer insights on contemporary issues. For instance, in a 1950 poster during the height of McCarthyism, DC Comics produced a poster featuring Superman addressing a group of children, stating that mocking individuals based on their “religion, ethnicity, or country of origin” is against American values.

Approximately ten years later, Superman appeared in a comic book public service announcement where he scolded a teenager who said “Those refugee children can’t speak English or play sports, or do anything,” by taking him to visit a rundown camp to demonstrate the struggles these refugees faced.

In simpler terms, the Trumpworld’s interpretation of Superman might portray him transporting a child to a place resembling “Crocodile Alcatraz,” a swamp filled with alligators, to demonstrate the supposed coolness of detaining immigrants in such a dangerous environment inhabited by crocodiles.

In a 2017 comic book, it might shock you to discover that Superman intervened to protect a group of undocumented immigrants. This group was being attacked by an individual wearing an American flag do-rag who started shooting at them. The attacker argued that the immigrants had taken his job, but Superman retorted, “The only person to blame for the darkness consuming your soul… is you.

Previously, Superman advocated for Americans to extend compassion towards immigrants; however, Super Dean suggests deporting them en masse.

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In simpler terms, filmmaker James Gunn kick-starts the DC Extended Universe with an energetic Superman portrayed by actor David Corenswet, accompanied by fellow actors Nicholas Hoult and Rachel Brosnahan in key roles.

As a film enthusiast, it’s disheartening to hear Superman né Cain’s claims about the individuals Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are targeting – those labeled “rapists,” “murderers,” or “terrorists.” However, a study by Syracuse University’s Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse reveals that as of July 27, 71% of people currently detained by ICE have no criminal records whatsoever.

It’s unlikely that the genuine Superman, referring to the fictional character, not Cain who portrayed him in a mediocre drama decades ago, would use his powers to apprehend such individuals, as it seems unnecessary for a character of his might and abilities.

Dean “Bargain Superman” Cain might as well pick up a bag of popcorn and immerse himself in a Superman film marathon, reacquainting himself with the values that the Man of Steel embodied. Let’s start from the most recent ones.

The story revolves around Lex Luthor attempting to persuade the U.S. authorities that Superman, an extraterrestrial, has come to Earth with the intention of causing its destruction.

As a cinephile, I’d put it this way: “He’s not just a man – he’s an entity, a force,” the villain sneers at one instance, later suggesting that Superman’s boy-scout demeanor is a ruse to make us underestimate him, allowing him to assert dominance over our nation without challenge.

Lex Luthor’s plan, aimed at shaping public sentiment against his opponent using media manipulation on social platforms and television networks, proves successful. Superman voluntarily surrenders himself and is transported to a remote prison in the U.S., where he joins other political detainees. With pride, Luthor asserts that “constitutional rights do not extend to extraterrestrial beings.

Tweak that line a little and it could have come from the mouth of Stephen Miller.

In simpler terms, the director, James Gunn, shared with a UK publication that the main theme of his movie revolves around human compassion. He acknowledged that there might be individuals who, despite the message being about kindness, may find it offensive. However, he expressed that he doesn’t care about those people.

Additionally, he referred to Superman as an “immigrant,” a comment that ignited Cain’s anger. On TMZ, he labeled Gunn as being “woke” and suggested that Gunn should develop unique characters and steer clear of politics when it comes to Superman.

Surely, Super Dean is capable of performing tasks for ICE and the Trump administration. He can show off his bright smile in promotional videos for the Trump administration, while also contributing mysteriously to the immigration enforcement system.

Just leave Superman out of it.

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2025-08-12 13:33