U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Logo of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency

ICE HQ in DC

ICE HSI Special Response Team (SRT) training using armored vehicle

IPR Center seizes over $28M in counterfeit sports merchandise ahead of Super Bowl LVIII (8228965)

HSI conducts FTX at Nellis 120920-F-AD344-107

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ICE Arrest

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a federal law enforcement agency under the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS). ICE is responsible for enforcing the United States immigration laws and ensuring the homeland security and public safety through the criminal and civil enforcement of federal laws governing border control, customs, trade, and immigration.

History

ICE was created in 2003 through a merger of the investigative and interior enforcement elements of the United States Customs Service and the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) as part of a larger reorganization following the events of September 11, 2001. The reorganization was aimed at consolidating federal security and enforcement functions into a single agency to better address the challenges of terrorism and the management of U.S. borders.

Structure

The agency is divided into three principal components: the Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), and the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA). HSI is responsible for investigating a wide range of domestic and international activities arising from the illegal movement of people and goods into, within, and out of the United States. ERO is responsible for enforcing the nation's immigration laws in a fair and effective manner by identifying, apprehending, and removing aliens who present a danger to national security or are a risk to public safety, as well as those who enter the United States illegally or otherwise undermine the integrity of U.S. immigration laws. OPLA serves as the legal advisor to ICE's senior management and is the primary contact for attorneys and law enforcement partners.

Operations

ICE's operations include a range of activities from immigration enforcement, preventing terrorism, and combating the illegal movement of people and trade. ICE has been involved in numerous operations targeting illegal immigration, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and the prevention of terrorism. The agency also plays a significant role in the fight against the exploitation of children and the illegal trade in weapons and other contraband.

Controversies

ICE has been at the center of several controversies, particularly concerning its enforcement actions and detention practices. Critics argue that some of ICE's operations have led to the separation of families, inhumane treatment of detainees, and violations of human rights. Supporters of ICE's mission emphasize the importance of enforcing immigration laws and protecting the country from criminal activities associated with illegal immigration.

Legal Framework

The legal framework guiding ICE's operations includes a variety of federal laws, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), the Homeland Security Act of 2002, and the Patriot Act. These laws provide ICE with the authority to investigate, detain, and deport individuals who violate U.S. immigration laws.

Impact

The impact of ICE's activities is significant in terms of immigration enforcement and national security. The agency's efforts to enforce immigration laws and secure the U.S. borders have led to thousands of arrests and deportations of individuals found to be in the country illegally. However, the methods and consequences of these enforcement actions have sparked debate and criticism from various stakeholders.