20 Facts About Immigration And Customs Enforcement (ICE)

What is ICE?

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a U.S. federal agency under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It was created to enforce immigration laws and investigate criminal activities related to border security.

1. ICE was established in 2003 as part of the Homeland Security Act.
2. It was formed by merging parts of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and the U.S. Customs Service.
3. ICE has over 20,000 employees working in more than 400 offices worldwide.

ICE's Main Responsibilities

ICE has two primary divisions: Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Each division has distinct roles and responsibilities.

4. ERO focuses on identifying, arresting, and deporting undocumented immigrants.
5. HSI investigates crimes such as human trafficking, drug smuggling, and cybercrime.
6. ICE also manages the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which monitors international students in the U.S.

Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO)

ERO plays a crucial role in maintaining public safety by enforcing immigration laws and removing individuals who pose a threat.

7. ERO operates detention centers across the U.S. to hold individuals awaiting deportation.
8. In 2020, ERO deported over 185,000 individuals.
9. ERO prioritizes the removal of individuals with criminal records or those who pose a national security threat.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)

HSI tackles a wide range of criminal activities that threaten national security and public safety.

10. HSI has more than 7,100 special agents working in the U.S. and abroad.
11. HSI collaborates with other federal, state, and local agencies to combat criminal organizations.
12. In 2021, HSI seized over 1.4 million pounds of narcotics.

Controversies and Criticisms

ICE has faced significant criticism and controversy over its practices and policies.

13. Critics argue that ICE's detention centers have poor living conditions and inadequate medical care.
14. The agency has been accused of separating families during immigration raids.
15. Some believe ICE's enforcement tactics disproportionately target minority communities.

ICE's Impact on Communities

ICE's actions have far-reaching effects on communities across the U.S., influencing both public opinion and policy.

16. Local law enforcement agencies sometimes collaborate with ICE through programs like 287(g), which deputizes local officers to enforce federal immigration laws.
17. Sanctuary cities limit cooperation with ICE to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation.
18. Public protests and advocacy groups have called for the abolition or reform of ICE.

Technological Advancements

ICE uses advanced technology to enhance its operations and improve efficiency.

19. The agency employs biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial recognition, to identify and track individuals.
20. ICE's electronic monitoring program uses GPS ankle bracelets to monitor individuals released from detention.

Final Thoughts on ICE

ICE plays a significant role in enforcing immigration laws and ensuring national security. With its two main divisions, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), ICE tackles everything from illegal immigration to human trafficking. Despite controversies and criticisms, the agency remains a crucial part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Understanding ICE's functions helps demystify its operations and impact on society. Whether you're curious about immigration policies or the agency's history, knowing these facts provides a clearer picture of ICE's responsibilities. Keep in mind, the agency's actions and policies continue to evolve, reflecting changes in administration and public sentiment. Staying informed about ICE helps foster a more nuanced view of its role in the broader context of U.S. immigration and law enforcement.