Fact Sheets

To aid public awareness and understanding of the ICE mission, ICE regularly prepares and distributes fact sheets on key issues related to agency operations, activities and performance. The following fact sheet library, organized by topic, is regularly updated to reflect new information.

Enforcement and Removal

287(g)
- 287(g)
  ICE, the largest investigative agency in DHS, is responsible for enforcing federal immigration laws as part of its homeland security mission. ICE works closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in this mission.
- 287(g) - Reform
  In 2009, ICE fundamentally reformed the 287(g) delegated authority program, strengthening public safety and ensuring consistency in immigration enforcement across the country by prioritizing the arrest and detention of criminal aliens.

Enforcement and Removal Operations
- 37 KB
  
  Criminal Alien Program
  ICE, the largest investigative agency in DHS, places a high priority on combating illegal immigration, including targeting illegal aliens with criminal records who pose a threat to public safety. ICEs Criminal Alien Program (CAP) is responsible for identifying, processing and removing criminal aliens incarcerated in federal, state and local prisons and jails throughout the United States, preventing their release into the general public by securing a final order of removal prior to the termination of their sentences, when possible.
- 104 KB
  
  Detainee Health Care
  The ICE, Office of ERO is responsible for ensuring safe and humane conditions of confinement for detained aliens in federal custody, including the provision of reliable, consistent, appropriate and cost-effective health services.
- Detention Management
  The ICE Office of ERO maintains custody of one of the most highly transient and diverse populations of any correctional or detention system in the nation. This administrative custody environment presents significant management challenges compared to the typical static prison environment.
- Detention Standards
  When U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was formed, the agency operated its detention system under a set of National Detention Standards (NDS) based upon existing policies and procedures at the time of its issuance in September 2000. The NDS established consistent conditions of confinement, program operations and management expectations within the agency's detention system.
- 45 KB
  
  Fugitive Operations Program
  ICE established the first Fugitive Operations Teams in 2003 to dramatically expand the agency's efforts to locate, arrest, and remove fugitives from the United States. An ICE fugitive is defined as an alien who has failed to leave the United States based upon a final order of removal, deportation, or exclusion; or who has failed to report to ICE after receiving notice to do so.
- ICE Enforcement in Arizona
  Detailed information on ERO and HSIs enforcement actions in Arizona..
- March 2012 National Cross Check Fact Sheet
  Arrests were made in all 50 states, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, three Territories (Virgin Islands, N. Mariana Islands and Guam) and the District of Columbia. This operation is the third nationwide Cross Check operation in the agency's history. The first nationwide Cross Check operation occurred at the end of May 2011 and resulted in the arrest of 2,442 convicted criminal aliens. The last Cross Check operation in September 2011 resulted in the arrest of 2,901 convicted criminal aliens.
- 28 KB
  
  Rapid REPAT
  In November 2007, ICE began meeting with state executive agencies to discuss the concept of ICE Rapid REPAT (Removal of Eligible Parolees Accepted for Transfer) as part of the ICE ACCESS (Agreements of Cooperation in Communities to Enhance Safety and Security) initiative. The concept, recently implemented in Puerto Rico and Rhode Island, is modeled after two programs in the States of New York and Arizona that capitalize on ICE's ability to more effectively identify and ultimately remove criminal aliens from the United States while still preserving the integrity of the criminal justice system.
- Residential Standards
  ICE opened the T. Don Hutto Family Residential Facility in Taylor, Texas, in May 2006 to accommodate alien families in ICE custody. This facility was retro-fitted for families who have been placed in administrative immigration proceedings and is one of the major reasons the Department of Homeland Security has been able to successfully end the 'catch and release' of illegal aliens at the southern border. ICE also operates the Berks Family Residential Center in Leesport, Pennsylvania. These facilities are an effective and humane alternative to maintain the unity of alien families as they await the outcome of their immigration hearings or return to their home countries. ICE began formulating the standards by analyzing operations at both facilities and applicable state statutes.
- Revised Parole Policy for Arriving Aliens with Credible Fear Claims
  Under the new policy, aliens who arrive in the United States at a port of entry and are found to have a credible fear of persecution or torture will automatically be considered by DRO for parole.
- 89 KB
  
  T. Don Hutto Residential Center
  The T. Don Hutto Residential Center (TDHRC) in Taylor, Texas, represents a unique and pioneering setting, offering the least restrictive environment permissible to manage persons in administrative ICE custody. In keeping with the assistant secretarys call for civil detention reform, TDHRC represents a clear departure from historical detention settings: residents experience expanded services that include free and open movement, recreational and educational participation, food services, and medical and mental health care.

Detention Reform
- 2009 Immigration Detention Reforms
  Today, Assistant Secretary John Morton announced substantial steps, effective immediately, to overhaul the immigration detention system. These reforms will address the vast majority of complaints about our immigration detention, while allowing ICE to maintain a significant, robust detention capacity to carry out serious immigration enforcement.
- ICE Detainers: Frequently Asked Questions
  DHS issues an immigration detainer (Form I-247) to federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to inform that law enforcement agency that ICE intends to assume custody of an individual in that law enforcement agency's custody. This fact sheet sheets provides answers to frequently asked questions regarding the issuance of immigration detainers.

Homeland Security Investigations

Financial Crimes/Cornerstone
- Bulk Cash Smuggling
  In recent years, the smuggling of bulk currency has become a preferred method for drug dealers and other criminals to move illicit proceeds across our borders. Congress criminalized the act of smuggling large amounts of cash as part of the USA PATRIOT Act.
- Illegal Pay Schemes: Operation Paycheck
  ICE is the largest investigative agency in DHS. ICE is charged with enforcing a wide array of customs and immigration laws through investigations that target the people, money, and materials that support terrorists and other criminal activities.
- Organized Retail Crime
  Organized retail crime is the orchestration of a scheme to convert stolen goods to cash. The scheme involves individuals known as boosters, who are members of organized criminal networks. Many of the boosters have recently immigrated to the United States and work in an orchestrated manner to illegally obtain high-value, over-the-counter retail products.

Human Smuggling & Trafficking Unit
- DHS Blue Campaign: ICE Efforts to Combat Trafficking in Persons
  ICE continues to enhance its Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Strategy and plays a key role in DHS's anti-human trafficking initiative, the Blue Campaign. The Blue Campaign is organized around the three "Ps" of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA): Protection (victim assistance), Prevention (public awareness) and Prosecution (law enforcement efforts). The Blue Campaign also emphasizes a fourth "P": Partnerships.
- Human Trafficking and Smuggling
  U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the largest investigative agency in DHS, has responsibility for enforcing a wide range of crimes related to border security, including investigations of human trafficking and human smuggling. In fact, ICE is the federal government's lead agency with responsibility for combating human trafficking.
- Operation In Plain Sight – Targeting Arizona Smuggling Organizations
  In 2009 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) initiated an investigation targeting transportation companies involved in the illicit movement of recently smuggled aliens in the Phoenix and Tucson Arizona area. Dubbed 'Operation In Plain Sight' because of the brazen nature of the transportation companies' activities, this investigation marks the most comprehensive human smuggling investigation in ICE history.

ICE ACCESS
- 45 KB
  
  ACCESS
  ICE Agreements of Cooperation in Communities to Enhance Safety and Security (ACCESS) provides local law enforcement agencies an opportunity to team with ICE to combat specific challenges in their communities. ICE developed the ACCESS program based on experience gained in responding to widespread interest from state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies in the Delegation of Immigration Authority—287(g) program. ICE ACCESS coordinates an umbrella of services and programs.
- Customs Cross-Designation
  ICE, the largest investigative agency in DHS, is charged with a wide array of law enforcement duties aimed at protecting the homeland. In order to be more effective in that mission, ICE works collaboratively with federal, state, and local partners in a force multiplier approach to investigations.

Law Enforcement Officer Mission Support
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Pattern Analysis and Information Collection System (ICEPIC)
  The DHS ICEPIC Program has been authorized to address the ICE requirement for disrupting and preventing terrorism activities. The mission of ICE is to investigate possible violations of U.S. customs and immigration law as well as identify possible terrorist threats and plots. ICEPIC assists ICE in achieving this mission by helping to identify suspicious identities and discovering possible non-obvious relationships among individuals and organizations. All ICEPIC activity is predicated on valid and ongoing law enforcement investigations.
- 45 KB
  
  Law Enforcement Support Center (LESC)
  LESC is a national enforcement operations facility administered by ICE, the largest investigative agency in DHS. LESC is a single national point of contact that provides timely customs information and immigration status and identity information and real-time assistance to local, state and federal law enforcement agencies on aliens suspected, arrested or convicted of criminal activity.

National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Coordination Center
- 28 KB
  
  Intellectual Property Right Theft Enforcement Teams
  Established in each ICE HSI Special Agent in Charge (SAC) offices across the country, the Intellectual Property Right Theft Enforcement Teams (IPTETs) build on the investigative best practices identified by the IPR Center, its partner agencies and private industry. The IPTETs use an informal task force approach to enhance coordination of IP theft investigations between federal, state and local law enforcement partners in their local area.
- National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Coordination Center/IPR Investigations
  The IPR Center uses the expertise of its member agencies to share information, perform interdictions and conduct investigations related to intellectual property crimes. With the proliferation of counterfeit goods increasing at an alarming rate, the IPR Center focuses on keeping counterfeit products off U.S. streets while dismantling the criminal organizations behind this activity.
- 100 KB
  
  Operation Apothecary
  Operation Apothecary is a multi-agency effort targeting the sale, import, and distribution of unapproved, counterfeit, or adulterated pharmaceuticals. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of the Internet as the primary means of communication and ordering of pharmaceuticals.
- 91 KB
  
  Operation Guardian
  Operation Guardian is a multi-agency effort to combat the increasing importation of substandard, tainted and counterfeit products that pose a health and safety risk to consumers. The identification of these commodities has led to the successful detention and seizure of numerous containers of hazardous products.
- 106 KB
  
  Operation In Our Sites
  Operation In Our Sites specifically targets websites and their operators that distribute counterfeit and pirated items over the Internet, including counterfeit pharmaceuticals and pirated movies, television shows, music, software, electronics and other merchandise, as well as products that threaten public health and safety.
- 97 KB
  
  Operation Pangea
  Operation Pangea targets the advertisement, sale, and supply of counterfeit and illicit medicines and medical devices that threaten worldwide public health and safety. Enforcement actions are coordinated by law enforcement, customs, and drug regulators across the globe with the goal of raising public awareness to the dangers of purchasing counterfeit and illicit pharmaceuticals and medical devices on the Internet.
- 29 KB
  
  Outreach and Training
  The IPR Center’s Outreach & Training Unit engages in partnerships with public and private sectors to combat Intellectual Property (IP) theft through its Operation Joint Venture (Joint Venture) initiative. This IPR Center-led outreach initiative increases information sharing with the public and private sector to combat the illegal importation and distribution of counterfeit, substandard, and tainted goods.

National Security
- Counter-Proliferation Investigations
  U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), formerly under legacy component U.S. Customs, has led law enforcement efforts in export enforcement for approximately 30 years utilizing the broadest export authorities within the U.S. government.
- Human Rights Violators Investigations
  The United States has always been a place of refuge and freedom from oppression for millions. We must never deny safe haven to those with a genuine and legitimate fear of persecution. But we must also ensure that those who come here seeking freedom and the rule of law do not have to fear that their persecutor may become their neighbor.
- Terrorism-Related Threats and ICE's Authority
  ICE Removes Man who Tried to Purchase C4 Explosives (New York) - On October 14, 2006, ICE removed Sayed Malike to Afghanistan. Malike came to the attention of ICE via the FBI because he attempted to purchase C4 explosives, night vision goggles, bullet proof vests, and drugs from an undercover FBI agent. He was charged in the Eastern District of New York with the crime of lying to a law enforcement officer. Malike pled guilty to this offense on November 2, 2005. ICE placed him in removal proceedings based on this conviction. On June 1, 2006, an immigration judge ordered the removal of Malike from the United States.
- US Visit Program
  Pursuant to the Homeland Security Act of 2002, the Secretary of DHS, in consultation with the Secretary of DOS, is responsible for establishing an automated entry/exit system. DHS has made the US-VISIT (United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology) program one of its top priorities. The US-VISIT, the Department's automated entry/exit system, will expedite legitimate travelers, while making it more difficult for those intending to do us harm to enter our nation.

Operation Predator
- Operation Predator
  U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the largest investigative agency in the Department of Homeland Security, places a high priority on enforcing laws against child pornography, sexual exploitation, child sex tourism and other crimes against children. Under Operation Predator, the agency's flagship initiative targeting child sex predators, ICE has made more than 11,600 arrests since 2003.

Smuggling - Arms, Contraband, Cultural Artifacts
- Cultural Property, Art and Antiquities Investigations
  Investigating the loss or looting of cultural heritage properties and returning them to their countries of origin are an important part of ICE's diverse mission. ICE, as a legacy of the U.S. Customs Service, has authorities that target a wide range of criminal activities, many of them involving smuggling and trafficking, both of goods and people. The agency often investigates leads to art and artifacts that are important evidence of another nation's history and cultural heritage. ICE takes pride in bringing to justice those who would trade in such items for personal profit and in returning to other nations these priceless items.
- In-Bond Merchandise Diversion Smuggling
  The in-bond system allows merchandise not intended for entry into U.S. commerce to travel through the United States without being subject to duties and taxes. The in-bond system makes this feasible to facilitate trade to foreign markets.
- The Shadow Wolves
  The Shadow Wolves comprise an ICE tactical patrol unit based on the Native American Tohono O'odham Nation in southern Arizona. Shadow Wolf officers are known for their ability to track alien and drug smugglers as they attempt to smuggle their illegal commodities across the border. The unit boasts an esteemed history of tracking passed down from generation to generation. The name 'Shadow Wolves' refers to the way the unit hunts, like a wolf pack. When one wolf finds prey, it calls in the rest of the wolf pack.
- 116 KB
  
  World War II Cultural Artifact Cases
  Stolen art, looted antiquities, fraudulently acquired artifacts - these are the little known casualties of war. While the Nazi regime made a practice of looting art and other cultural property during the Holocaust, the loss of other works during World War II has been attributed to Soviet troops and even U.S. servicemen. In the years since, technology has made it easier for thieves and traffickers to move these priceless items around the globe. As such, investigating the loss or looting of cultural properties and returning them to their countries of origin are an important part of ICE's diverse mission.

Student Exchange and Visitor Program
- Employment Authorization Eligibility for Certain Syrian Students
  The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced special relief for certain F-1 Syrian students who have suffered severe economic hardship as a direct result of the civil unrest in Syria since March 2011. This relief applies only to students who were lawfully present in the United States in F-1 status as of April 3, 2012, and enrolled in an institution that is certified by ICE's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

Worksite Enforcement
- Form I-9 Inspection Overview
  On November 6, 1986, the enactment of the Immigration Reform and Control Act required employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of their employees and created criminal and civil sanctions for employment-related violations.
- Worksite Enforcement Overview
  ICE has a vital responsibility to enforce the law and engage in effective worksite enforcement to reduce the demand for illegal employment and protect employment opportunities for the nation's lawful workforce. ICE employs an effective, comprehensive worksite enforcement strategy that addresses both employers who knowingly hire illegal workers as well as the workers themselves.

Management and Administration

Chief Financial Officer - Management and Budget
- 134 KB
  
  Budget Fact Sheet - Fiscal Year 2005
  ICE's budget for FY 2005
- 141 KB
  
  Budget Fact Sheet - Fiscal Year 2006
  ICE's budget for FY 2006
- 127 KB
  
  Budget Fact Sheet - Fiscal Year 2007
  ICE's budget for FY 2007
- 254 KB
  
  Budget Fact Sheet - Fiscal Year 2008
  ICE's budget for FY 2008
- 137 KB
  
  Budget Fact Sheet - Fiscal Year 2009
  ICE's budget for FY 2009
- 127 KB
  
  Budget Fact Sheet - Fiscal Year 2010
  ICE's budget for FY 2010
- Budget Fact Sheet - Fiscal Year 2011
  ICE's budget for FY 2011
- Budget Fact Sheet - Fiscal Year 2012
  ICE's budget for FY 2012

Office of Human Capital - Careers
- Student Hiring Programs
  The Student Volunteer Program offers unpaid, professional training opportunities to undergraduate and graduate college students. These opportunities provide work experience related to the students' academic programs and provide them an opportunity to explore career options, as well as develop their personal and professional skills. These are uncompensated positions and do not have to be announced nor do they count towards existing vacancies.

Enforcement and Removal

287(g)

287(g): ICE, the largest investigative agency in DHS, is responsible for enforcing federal immigration laws as part of its homeland security mission. ICE works closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in this mission.

287(g) - Reform: In 2009, ICE fundamentally reformed the 287(g) delegated authority program, strengthening public safety and ensuring consistency in immigration enforcement across the country by prioritizing the arrest and detention of criminal aliens.

Enforcement and Removal Operations

Criminal Alien Program: ICE, the largest investigative agency in DHS, places a high priority on combating illegal immigration, including targeting illegal aliens with criminal records who pose a threat to public safety. ICEs Criminal Alien Program (CAP) is responsible for identifying, processing and removing criminal aliens incarcerated in federal, state and local prisons and jails throughout the United States, preventing their release into the general public by securing a final order of removal prior to the termination of their sentences, when possible. (PDF | 37 KB)

Detainee Health Care: The ICE, Office of ERO is responsible for ensuring safe and humane conditions of confinement for detained aliens in federal custody, including the provision of reliable, consistent, appropriate and cost-effective health services. (PDF | 104 KB)

Detention Management: The ICE Office of ERO maintains custody of one of the most highly transient and diverse populations of any correctional or detention system in the nation. This administrative custody environment presents significant management challenges compared to the typical static prison environment.

Detention Standards: When U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was formed, the agency operated its detention system under a set of National Detention Standards (NDS) based upon existing policies and procedures at the time of its issuance in September 2000. The NDS established consistent conditions of confinement, program operations and management expectations within the agency's detention system.

Fugitive Operations Program: ICE established the first Fugitive Operations Teams in 2003 to dramatically expand the agency's efforts to locate, arrest, and remove fugitives from the United States. An ICE fugitive is defined as an alien who has failed to leave the United States based upon a final order of removal, deportation, or exclusion; or who has failed to report to ICE after receiving notice to do so. (PDF | 45 KB)

ICE Enforcement in Arizona: Detailed information on ERO and HSIs enforcement actions in Arizona..

March 2012 National Cross Check Fact Sheet: Arrests were made in all 50 states, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, three Territories (Virgin Islands, N. Mariana Islands and Guam) and the District of Columbia. This operation is the third nationwide Cross Check operation in the agency's history. The first nationwide Cross Check operation occurred at the end of May 2011 and resulted in the arrest of 2,442 convicted criminal aliens. The last Cross Check operation in September 2011 resulted in the arrest of 2,901 convicted criminal aliens.

Rapid REPAT: In November 2007, ICE began meeting with state executive agencies to discuss the concept of ICE Rapid REPAT (Removal of Eligible Parolees Accepted for Transfer) as part of the ICE ACCESS (Agreements of Cooperation in Communities to Enhance Safety and Security) initiative. The concept, recently implemented in Puerto Rico and Rhode Island, is modeled after two programs in the States of New York and Arizona that capitalize on ICE's ability to more effectively identify and ultimately remove criminal aliens from the United States while still preserving the integrity of the criminal justice system. (PDF | 28 KB)

Residential Standards: ICE opened the T. Don Hutto Family Residential Facility in Taylor, Texas, in May 2006 to accommodate alien families in ICE custody. This facility was retro-fitted for families who have been placed in administrative immigration proceedings and is one of the major reasons the Department of Homeland Security has been able to successfully end the 'catch and release' of illegal aliens at the southern border. ICE also operates the Berks Family Residential Center in Leesport, Pennsylvania. These facilities are an effective and humane alternative to maintain the unity of alien families as they await the outcome of their immigration hearings or return to their home countries. ICE began formulating the standards by analyzing operations at both facilities and applicable state statutes.

Revised Parole Policy for Arriving Aliens with Credible Fear Claims: Under the new policy, aliens who arrive in the United States at a port of entry and are found to have a credible fear of persecution or torture will automatically be considered by DRO for parole.

T. Don Hutto Residential Center: The T. Don Hutto Residential Center (TDHRC) in Taylor, Texas, represents a unique and pioneering setting, offering the least restrictive environment permissible to manage persons in administrative ICE custody. In keeping with the assistant secretarys call for civil detention reform, TDHRC represents a clear departure from historical detention settings: residents experience expanded services that include free and open movement, recreational and educational participation, food services, and medical and mental health care. (PDF | 89 KB)

Detention Reform

2009 Immigration Detention Reforms: Today, Assistant Secretary John Morton announced substantial steps, effective immediately, to overhaul the immigration detention system. These reforms will address the vast majority of complaints about our immigration detention, while allowing ICE to maintain a significant, robust detention capacity to carry out serious immigration enforcement.

ICE Detainers: Frequently Asked Questions: DHS issues an immigration detainer (Form I-247) to federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to inform that law enforcement agency that ICE intends to assume custody of an individual in that law enforcement agency's custody. This fact sheet sheets provides answers to frequently asked questions regarding the issuance of immigration detainers.

Homeland Security Investigations

Financial Crimes/Cornerstone

Bulk Cash Smuggling: In recent years, the smuggling of bulk currency has become a preferred method for drug dealers and other criminals to move illicit proceeds across our borders. Congress criminalized the act of smuggling large amounts of cash as part of the USA PATRIOT Act.

Illegal Pay Schemes: Operation Paycheck: ICE is the largest investigative agency in DHS. ICE is charged with enforcing a wide array of customs and immigration laws through investigations that target the people, money, and materials that support terrorists and other criminal activities.

Organized Retail Crime: Organized retail crime is the orchestration of a scheme to convert stolen goods to cash. The scheme involves individuals known as boosters, who are members of organized criminal networks. Many of the boosters have recently immigrated to the United States and work in an orchestrated manner to illegally obtain high-value, over-the-counter retail products.

Human Smuggling & Trafficking Unit

DHS Blue Campaign: ICE Efforts to Combat Trafficking in Persons: ICE continues to enhance its Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Strategy and plays a key role in DHS's anti-human trafficking initiative, the Blue Campaign. The Blue Campaign is organized around the three "Ps" of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA): Protection (victim assistance), Prevention (public awareness) and Prosecution (law enforcement efforts). The Blue Campaign also emphasizes a fourth "P": Partnerships.

Human Trafficking and Smuggling: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the largest investigative agency in DHS, has responsibility for enforcing a wide range of crimes related to border security, including investigations of human trafficking and human smuggling. In fact, ICE is the federal government's lead agency with responsibility for combating human trafficking.

Operation In Plain Sight – Targeting Arizona Smuggling Organizations: In 2009 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) initiated an investigation targeting transportation companies involved in the illicit movement of recently smuggled aliens in the Phoenix and Tucson Arizona area. Dubbed 'Operation In Plain Sight' because of the brazen nature of the transportation companies' activities, this investigation marks the most comprehensive human smuggling investigation in ICE history.

ICE ACCESS

ACCESS: ICE Agreements of Cooperation in Communities to Enhance Safety and Security (ACCESS) provides local law enforcement agencies an opportunity to team with ICE to combat specific challenges in their communities. ICE developed the ACCESS program based on experience gained in responding to widespread interest from state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies in the Delegation of Immigration Authority—287(g) program. ICE ACCESS coordinates an umbrella of services and programs. (PDF | 45 KB)

Customs Cross-Designation: ICE, the largest investigative agency in DHS, is charged with a wide array of law enforcement duties aimed at protecting the homeland. In order to be more effective in that mission, ICE works collaboratively with federal, state, and local partners in a force multiplier approach to investigations.

Law Enforcement Officer Mission Support

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Pattern Analysis and Information Collection System (ICEPIC): The DHS ICEPIC Program has been authorized to address the ICE requirement for disrupting and preventing terrorism activities. The mission of ICE is to investigate possible violations of U.S. customs and immigration law as well as identify possible terrorist threats and plots. ICEPIC assists ICE in achieving this mission by helping to identify suspicious identities and discovering possible non-obvious relationships among individuals and organizations. All ICEPIC activity is predicated on valid and ongoing law enforcement investigations.

Law Enforcement Support Center (LESC): LESC is a national enforcement operations facility administered by ICE, the largest investigative agency in DHS. LESC is a single national point of contact that provides timely customs information and immigration status and identity information and real-time assistance to local, state and federal law enforcement agencies on aliens suspected, arrested or convicted of criminal activity. (PDF | 45 KB)

National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Coordination Center

Intellectual Property Right Theft Enforcement Teams: Established in each ICE HSI Special Agent in Charge (SAC) offices across the country, the Intellectual Property Right Theft Enforcement Teams (IPTETs) build on the investigative best practices identified by the IPR Center, its partner agencies and private industry. The IPTETs use an informal task force approach to enhance coordination of IP theft investigations between federal, state and local law enforcement partners in their local area. (PDF | 28 KB)

National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Coordination Center/IPR Investigations: The IPR Center uses the expertise of its member agencies to share information, perform interdictions and conduct investigations related to intellectual property crimes. With the proliferation of counterfeit goods increasing at an alarming rate, the IPR Center focuses on keeping counterfeit products off U.S. streets while dismantling the criminal organizations behind this activity.

Operation Apothecary: Operation Apothecary is a multi-agency effort targeting the sale, import, and distribution of unapproved, counterfeit, or adulterated pharmaceuticals. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of the Internet as the primary means of communication and ordering of pharmaceuticals. (PDF | 100 KB)

Operation Guardian: Operation Guardian is a multi-agency effort to combat the increasing importation of substandard, tainted and counterfeit products that pose a health and safety risk to consumers. The identification of these commodities has led to the successful detention and seizure of numerous containers of hazardous products. (PDF | 91 KB)

Operation In Our Sites: Operation In Our Sites specifically targets websites and their operators that distribute counterfeit and pirated items over the Internet, including counterfeit pharmaceuticals and pirated movies, television shows, music, software, electronics and other merchandise, as well as products that threaten public health and safety. (PDF | 106 KB)

Operation Pangea: Operation Pangea targets the advertisement, sale, and supply of counterfeit and illicit medicines and medical devices that threaten worldwide public health and safety. Enforcement actions are coordinated by law enforcement, customs, and drug regulators across the globe with the goal of raising public awareness to the dangers of purchasing counterfeit and illicit pharmaceuticals and medical devices on the Internet. (PDF | 97 KB)

Outreach and Training: The IPR Center’s Outreach & Training Unit engages in partnerships with public and private sectors to combat Intellectual Property (IP) theft through its Operation Joint Venture (Joint Venture) initiative. This IPR Center-led outreach initiative increases information sharing with the public and private sector to combat the illegal importation and distribution of counterfeit, substandard, and tainted goods. (PDF | 29 KB)

National Security

Counter-Proliferation Investigations: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), formerly under legacy component U.S. Customs, has led law enforcement efforts in export enforcement for approximately 30 years utilizing the broadest export authorities within the U.S. government.

Human Rights Violators Investigations: The United States has always been a place of refuge and freedom from oppression for millions. We must never deny safe haven to those with a genuine and legitimate fear of persecution. But we must also ensure that those who come here seeking freedom and the rule of law do not have to fear that their persecutor may become their neighbor.

Terrorism-Related Threats and ICE's Authority: ICE Removes Man who Tried to Purchase C4 Explosives (New York) - On October 14, 2006, ICE removed Sayed Malike to Afghanistan. Malike came to the attention of ICE via the FBI because he attempted to purchase C4 explosives, night vision goggles, bullet proof vests, and drugs from an undercover FBI agent. He was charged in the Eastern District of New York with the crime of lying to a law enforcement officer. Malike pled guilty to this offense on November 2, 2005. ICE placed him in removal proceedings based on this conviction. On June 1, 2006, an immigration judge ordered the removal of Malike from the United States.

US Visit Program: Pursuant to the Homeland Security Act of 2002, the Secretary of DHS, in consultation with the Secretary of DOS, is responsible for establishing an automated entry/exit system. DHS has made the US-VISIT (United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology) program one of its top priorities. The US-VISIT, the Department's automated entry/exit system, will expedite legitimate travelers, while making it more difficult for those intending to do us harm to enter our nation.

Operation Predator

Operation Predator: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the largest investigative agency in the Department of Homeland Security, places a high priority on enforcing laws against child pornography, sexual exploitation, child sex tourism and other crimes against children. Under Operation Predator, the agency's flagship initiative targeting child sex predators, ICE has made more than 11,600 arrests since 2003.

Smuggling - Arms, Contraband, Cultural Artifacts

Cultural Property, Art and Antiquities Investigations: Investigating the loss or looting of cultural heritage properties and returning them to their countries of origin are an important part of ICE's diverse mission. ICE, as a legacy of the U.S. Customs Service, has authorities that target a wide range of criminal activities, many of them involving smuggling and trafficking, both of goods and people. The agency often investigates leads to art and artifacts that are important evidence of another nation's history and cultural heritage. ICE takes pride in bringing to justice those who would trade in such items for personal profit and in returning to other nations these priceless items.

In-Bond Merchandise Diversion Smuggling: The in-bond system allows merchandise not intended for entry into U.S. commerce to travel through the United States without being subject to duties and taxes. The in-bond system makes this feasible to facilitate trade to foreign markets.

The Shadow Wolves: The Shadow Wolves comprise an ICE tactical patrol unit based on the Native American Tohono O'odham Nation in southern Arizona. Shadow Wolf officers are known for their ability to track alien and drug smugglers as they attempt to smuggle their illegal commodities across the border. The unit boasts an esteemed history of tracking passed down from generation to generation. The name 'Shadow Wolves' refers to the way the unit hunts, like a wolf pack. When one wolf finds prey, it calls in the rest of the wolf pack.

World War II Cultural Artifact Cases: Stolen art, looted antiquities, fraudulently acquired artifacts - these are the little known casualties of war. While the Nazi regime made a practice of looting art and other cultural property during the Holocaust, the loss of other works during World War II has been attributed to Soviet troops and even U.S. servicemen. In the years since, technology has made it easier for thieves and traffickers to move these priceless items around the globe. As such, investigating the loss or looting of cultural properties and returning them to their countries of origin are an important part of ICE's diverse mission. (PDF | 116 KB)

Student Exchange and Visitor Program

Employment Authorization Eligibility for Certain Syrian Students: The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced special relief for certain F-1 Syrian students who have suffered severe economic hardship as a direct result of the civil unrest in Syria since March 2011. This relief applies only to students who were lawfully present in the United States in F-1 status as of April 3, 2012, and enrolled in an institution that is certified by ICE's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

Worksite Enforcement

Form I-9 Inspection Overview: On November 6, 1986, the enactment of the Immigration Reform and Control Act required employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of their employees and created criminal and civil sanctions for employment-related violations.

Worksite Enforcement Overview: ICE has a vital responsibility to enforce the law and engage in effective worksite enforcement to reduce the demand for illegal employment and protect employment opportunities for the nation's lawful workforce. ICE employs an effective, comprehensive worksite enforcement strategy that addresses both employers who knowingly hire illegal workers as well as the workers themselves.

Management and Administration

Chief Financial Officer - Management and Budget

Budget Fact Sheet - Fiscal Year 2005: ICE's budget for FY 2005 (PDF | 134 KB)

Budget Fact Sheet - Fiscal Year 2006: ICE's budget for FY 2006 (PDF | 141 KB)

Budget Fact Sheet - Fiscal Year 2007: ICE's budget for FY 2007 (PDF | 127 KB)

Budget Fact Sheet - Fiscal Year 2008: ICE's budget for FY 2008 (PDF | 254 KB)

Budget Fact Sheet - Fiscal Year 2009: ICE's budget for FY 2009 (DOC | 137 KB)

Budget Fact Sheet - Fiscal Year 2010: ICE's budget for FY 2010 (DOC | 127 KB)

Budget Fact Sheet - Fiscal Year 2011: ICE's budget for FY 2011

Budget Fact Sheet - Fiscal Year 2012: ICE's budget for FY 2012

Office of Human Capital - Careers

Student Hiring Programs: The Student Volunteer Program offers unpaid, professional training opportunities to undergraduate and graduate college students. These opportunities provide work experience related to the students' academic programs and provide them an opportunity to explore career options, as well as develop their personal and professional skills. These are uncompensated positions and do not have to be announced nor do they count towards existing vacancies.