The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a federal agency under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responsible for enforcing immigration laws in the United States. While many people are familiar with ICE’s role in deportations, the agency’s responsibilities extend far beyond that. In this blog, we’ll break down the various roles ICE plays in immigration enforcement, the impact on individuals and families, and what immigrants need to know about interacting with ICE.
What is ICE?
ICE was created in 2003 as part of the more extensive restructuring of U.S. immigration enforcement agencies. It is divided into two main branches:
- Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO): ERO is tasked with apprehending, detaining, and removing individuals violating immigration laws. This includes conducting raids, managing detention facilities, and coordinating deportation efforts.
- Homeland Security Investigations (HSI): HSI investigates criminal activities related to immigration violations, including human trafficking, drug smuggling, and document fraud. HSI also investigates individuals who overstay their visas or work without authorization.
While both branches of ICE work to enforce immigration laws, their activities are distinct. ERO primarily deals with deportations, while HSI focuses on criminal investigations.
Key Responsibilities of ICE in Immigration Enforcement
- Detaining and Deporting Immigrants: ICE is perhaps best known for its role in deportations. When an individual is found to be in the U.S. unlawfully, ICE can detain them and initiate removal proceedings. Individuals can be detained at their homes, places of work, or during encounters with law enforcement.
- Conducting Immigration Raids: ICE frequently conducts raids at businesses, homes, and public spaces in search of individuals violating immigration laws. These raids can lead to arrests and deportations, often causing significant disruption in immigrant communities.
- Managing Detention Centers: ICE operates numerous nationwide detention centers where immigrants are held while their cases are processed. While detained, individuals may wait for their deportation hearings or await a resolution in their cases.
- Criminal Investigations: ICE’s HSI division investigates criminal activities related to immigration violations. This includes tracking down human traffickers, cracking down on immigration-related fraud, and investigating other unlawful activities that are tied to immigration violations.
The Impact of ICE on Immigrant Communities
ICE enforcement can have a significant impact on immigrant families and communities. Many immigrants live in constant fear of detention or deportation, which can lead to anxiety and stress. Children may be left without parents, and families may face separation’s financial and emotional toll.
ICE’s actions can also influence the broader community. In some cases, ICE raids may lead to workers being detained at their places of employment, affecting local economies, especially in industries that rely heavily on immigrant labor. Additionally, fear of ICE may prevent undocumented immigrants from accessing vital services such as healthcare, education, and legal protection.
If ICE is interrogating you, don’t hesitate to contact us.