U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is the second largest investigative agency within the federal government and the largest agency within the Department of Homeland Security, employing more than 20,000 professionals throughout all 50 states and in 47 foreign countries. ICE is responsible for detecting, investigating and eliminating weaknesses in U.S. borders, immigration systems, transportation and infrastructure.
The professionals of ICE maintain a constant vigil over the passengers, workers, vehicles, goods and materials that pass through the nation’s airports, seaports, and land borders.
Careers with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
ICE careers are accessible to former military and law enforcement professionals, as well as to those pursuing a immediately following post-secondary education. Careers with ICE include the following:
ICE Special Agent – These law enforcement officers conduct investigations into criminal and civil matters related to terrorism, national security, narcotics, human trafficking, illegal weapons export, minor exploitation, identity fraud and commercial fraud. ICE Special Agents in Charge (SAC) operate out of 26 field offices located throughout the United States. They plan, implement and enforce strategies for ensuring and improving national security. They coordinate and supervise operations in conjunction with federal, state and local agencies that detect and neutralize threats to national security and public safety. Read more…
Immigration Enforcement Agent – Immigration Enforcement Agents (IEA) are uniformed officers that investigate, apprehend, detain and deport aliens and fugitives. IEAs are also responsible for secure transport of suspected criminals and terrorists to detention facilities as well as their deportation to foreign agencies or facilities. They question visitors seeking entry into the United States through airports, seaports and border crossings. IEAs often operate in conjunction with metropolitan jurisdictions under special federal imperatives like Secure Communities, which mandates the fingerprinting and removal of foreign nationals suspected of criminal activity. Read more…
Intelligence Officer – Intelligence officers use the vast resources of ICE and the federal government to track and monitor terrorist and criminal activity within and outside the United States. Intelligence officers provide critical information about the tactical disposition of individuals who pose a threat to the safety of the country and its citizens. ICE intelligence divisions collaborate closely with the FBI and other intelligence organizations to provide up-to-the-minute information about suspects. Read more…
Management and Program Analyst – These administrative and management professionals provide very important services that support and coordinate law enforcement and tactical personnel and resources. Management and program analysts supervise the day-to-day operations in the field offices, including information systems, budgeting, telecommunications, logistics, human capital management, training, data management, mail, travel, and office equipment. Without these critical managers, law enforcement personnel could not perform at the highest levels necessary to maintain the security of the nation. Read more…
Investigative Assistant – These professionals provide support services for criminal investigators both in the field and in the office. They may conduct follow up investigative inquiries with suspects or crime scenes. They assist primary investigators by gathering information, analyzing it and developing theories about various aspects of cases. They supervise information systems investigations, crime lab tests, and procedural protocols for gaining access to property, witnesses and information. In the course of a law enforcement operation they often liaise with local and state authorities, while coordinating other support personnel. They often provide auxiliary support and legal advice during the interrogation of suspected terrorists and criminals. Read more…
Mission Support Specialist – Mission support specialists perform a variety of critical functions in HSI field offices. They often procure and test weapons, protective equipment, vehicles, communications equipment and other resources for the success of law enforcement and counter terrorism operations. They help secure the funding for these resources and play a critical role in maintaining the readiness and morale of front line officers. They often interface with other government agencies as well as outside vendors to gain specific knowledge about tactical procedures, legal protocols and critical equipment. Read more…
Technical Enforcement Officer – Technical enforcement officers provide critical operational support related to electronic equipment. This may include telecommunications equipment, wiretapping, electronic eavesdropping, GPS tracking, and other types of surveillance. Technical enforcement officers are expected to work in high security operations in close collaboration with front line agents, as well as provide training and expertise to other ICE personnel on the use of electronics equipment. Technical enforcement officers also conduct crime scene and other investigative techniques in order to provide critical information and build a case for legal prosecution. Read more…