As far as government agencies go, U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a relative newcomer. However, the roots behind ICE and its focus on national security date back hundreds of years — 1789 to be exact. That's when Congress established the U.S. Customs Service (CSCS). Since then, the Immigration Act of 1891 was implemented, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) was created, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was established. All have paved the way for ICE.
Today, ICE serves as the largest investigative arm of DHS. ICE's National Security Investigations Division (NSID) — part of ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) — leads efforts to identify, disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal enterprises and terrorist organizations that threaten the security of the United States. Each program housed under NSID serves a specific purpose, whether that be protecting our borders, keeping terrorists out of the United States or identifying war criminals and making them accountable for their crimes.
"As a threat evolves, we evolve," says ICE Deputy Assistant Director John P. Woods. "As we identify vulnerabilities, we address those vulnerabilities."
The following programs fall under NSID's jurisdiction.
"All [our programs] link together," says ICE Associate Deputy Assistant Director Frank Cabaddu. He refers to the interconnectedness as a "storyline" where each program plays a role in helping U.S. citizens "sleep better at night."
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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security.
ICE is a 21st century law enforcement agency with broad responsibilities for a number of key homeland security priorities. For more information, visit www.ICE.gov. To report suspicious activity, call 1-866-347-2423 or complete our tip form.