Dean Cain, the actor famed for portraying Superman in the 1990s, has found himself in a new kind of fight – against a wave of public scorn. The trigger? His recent completion of a training programme with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, more commonly known as ICE.
The actor, a vocal conservative, proudly shared a series of photographs on his social media, showing him in agency gear, posing with ICE officials, and even aiming a weapon on a firing range. He described the experience as an 'incredible honour' and praised the agency's 'brave men and women'.
However, the online reaction was swift and overwhelmingly negative. The post became a magnet for criticism, with users launching a barrage of mockery and anger.
A Torrent of Online Ridicule
Social media users were quick to draw ironic parallels between his new venture and his most famous role. Many quipped that the Man of Steel, an immigrant from another planet, would hardly be siding with a agency known for its hardline immigration policies.
Comments ranged from pointed sarcasm to outright fury. One user noted the stark contrast, writing, 'Superman was a refugee. You're a clown.' Others labelled him a 'grade A loser' and accused him of 'cosplaying as a fascist'.
The backlash highlights the deep cultural and political divisions in the US, where ICE is a polarising symbol. For some, it represents national security and the rule of law; for others, it is synonymous with cruelty and the separation of families.
More Than Just a Photo Op
The training course Cain attended is part of ICE's Citizens Academy, a programme designed to give community leaders a behind-the-scenes look at the agency's operations. Participants learn about various divisions, including investigative techniques and deportation procedures.
For Cain, this is not his first foray into political controversy. The actor has been an outspoken critic of what he calls 'woke culture' and has actively supported right-wing causes and figures, a move that has increasingly alienated a segment of his former fanbase.
This incident underscores a growing trend of celebrities facing intense blowback for their political alignments, proving that in today's digital age, a post can spark a super-powered backlash.
