Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a federal law enforcement agency within the Department of Homeland Security responsible for enforcing immigration laws, investigating transnational crime, and protecting national security. Founded in 2003, ICE employs over 20,000 personnel in more than 400 offices across the United States and abroad. The agency’s dual mission includes immigration enforcement and criminal investigations, making it a key player in homeland security efforts. For a detailed introduction, see An Overview of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Immigration Enforcement and Deportation

ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) handles locating, detaining, and deporting individuals who violate immigration laws. These enforcement actions include raids, arrests, and managing detention facilities. To understand how ICE carries out these operations on the ground, review Inside ICE Raids: How Immigration Enforcement Works.

Legal Limits and Rights During ICE Encounters

It is important to know what ICE agents can and cannot legally do during enforcement activities. This includes rules on searches, questioning, and individuals’ constitutional rights. For guidance on these legal boundaries, see What ICE Agents Can and Cannot Do.

Workplace Verification and Employment

Employers must verify the legal work status of their employees through the Employment Eligibility Verification process (Form I-9). This process helps ICE enforce immigration laws related to employment. For detailed information on employers’ and employees’ responsibilities, consult the Guide to Employment Eligibility Verification.

Investigations and Interagency Data Sharing

ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division tackles transnational crimes such as human trafficking, drug smuggling, and terrorism. To enhance investigations, ICE collaborates with other federal agencies, including sharing taxpayer data under agreements like the one with the IRS during the Trump administration. Learn more about this collaboration in How the IRS Shares Taxpayer Data with ICE Under Trump Administration Agreement.