Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Agent

When United States Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) was dismanted in 2003, it was replaced by three new agencies that were established within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and last but not least, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – more commonly referred to as "ICE". The closure of INS and the establishment of these new agencies was part of a reorganization of U.S. law enforcement and homeland security initiatives following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City.

Of these three newly created DHS agencies, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) grew to be the largest, most recognized of DHS agencies – its primary mission to identify, investigate and dismantle national security threats relating to U.S. borders, transportation, and infrastructure. ICE is composed of two major divisions: Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). HSI is the investigative arm of DHS. It is made up of more than 6,500 special agents and law enforcement personnel. ERO is the enforcement arm of DHS. It was formerly called the Office of Detention and Removal Operations (DRO).

ERO comprises six sub-components or divisions: Removal Division, Secure Communities and Enforcement Division, Immigration Health Services Division, Mission Support Division, Detention Management Division, and Local Field Offices.

The primary responsibility of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) is the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws. ERO agents physically remove illegals and aliens that have violated the nation's immigrations laws from the United States. Some ERO agents are Deportation Officers (DOs). DOs work within the borders of the United States and are not uniformed. DOs find, apprehend and remove illegals from the United States. DOs also transport aliens into the custody of ICE special agents for interrogation and prosecution. DOs often apprehend illegals attempting to re-enter the United States, monitor the progress and status of deportation cases, supervise the release of aliens who are being deported, and physically transport aliens to be released and removed from the United States. Deportation Officers often work as members of Fugitive Operation Teams (FOTs). FOTs are tasked with locating, apprehending, and removing aliens who fail to appear for immigration or deportation proceedings and remain illegally in the United States with outstanding warrants. EROs also operate Secure Communities – a deportation program for criminal aliens residing within U.S. prison and jail system. Secure Communities is a joint program that relies on a partnership between ICE and other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

The responsibilities of Detention and Deportation Officers (DDOs) overlap with those of Deportation Officers (DOs). The primary responsibility of DDOs is the direction, coordination, and execution of detention and removal of aliens. DDOs also help develop policies, procedures and provide oversight of removal operations. Some DDOs are involved in program analysis, budgeting and assist in ongoing investigations.

Through a strategic partnership between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) was was established. IHSC was developed and operates to ensure that undocumented migrants, immigrants and aliens in ICE custody receive needed healthcare services. Currently, IHSC oversees and administers to the healthcare needs of over 35,000 migrants residing in ICE Service Processing Centers (SPC).

All new ICE agents and personnel are required to complete a new hiree training program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynco, Georgia – also know as the ICE Academy. Program length is determined by the ICE division where agents are going to work and the position being applied to. A typical training program lasts from 4 to 6 months. Following graduation from the ICE Academy, most recruits are required to undergo position specific training and orientation. ERO agents and new hires will be trained in immigration law, emergency response driving, firearms, law enforcement tactics, and Constitutional law. ERO agents specializing in immigration must demonstrate proficiency in Spanish. Speaking Spanish before applying to ERO is advantageous.

Most ICE agents and law enforcement personnel are required to have completed a four-year college degree. Earning a degree in criminal justice, law enforcement or a closely related descipline is useful, but not absolutely necessary. Earning a degree in linguistics, a foreign language or a technology discipline can also prepare you for a career with ICE.

The following degrees and programs can prepare candidates for a successful career in law enforcement and criminal justice.

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Criminal Justice, Legal and Safety Criminal Justice Criminology Forensic Science and Technology Corrections Crime Scene Investigation Criminal Justice Administration Emergency and Crisis Management Fire Science Fire Services Administration Homeland Security and Terrorism Juvenile Justice Law Enforcement Police Law School Legal Studies Court Reporting - Legal Transcription Legal Administration and Assisting Legal Administrative Assistant - Secretary Legal Office Management and Administration Paralegal - Legal Assistant Public Safety and Personal Safety Security and Loss Prevention Services Computer Crimes Cyber Security Private and Public Investigations Security Services Administration - Management All Degrees Associate's Bachelor's Master's Doctoral Certificates Diplomas Coursework Campus & Online Online Campus

ERO Officers and Agents are all issued the SIG Sauer P229R pistol as their primary sidearm. The P229R pistol is .40 caliber and comes with an agency-modified DAK trigger. Other weapons systems that ERO law enforcement personnel may us include the Colt M4 carbine, Remington Model 870 and the Heckler & Koch MP5 submachine gun.

You can learn more about a career with the Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) division of ICE at https://www.ice.gov/careers/occupations.