As Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers continue to see arrests across the country following Los Angeles County and former President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown on immigrants, many have questioned how and what the job really involves.
Recent videos on social media show that individuals who leave unmarked vehicles, dressed in plain clothes and sometimes claim to be ice agents who are unable to identify themselves immediately. This has raised public concern over reports of people impersonating ICE personnel for criminal purposes, including temptation.
Many civilians wonder what is tempted to become immigration enforcement officers by regular citizens.
In light of these concerns, there is a breakdown of what you need to become an ice agent, based on the official US Immigration Customs Enforcement Career website.
Basic qualifications and application process
The application process is completed online and a wide range of job openings are listed across the country. Applicants are as follows to be considered in most entry-level “frontline” positions:
Become a US citizen. You have a valid driver’s license. He is eligible to carry a firearm. Please work before your 40th birthday. For men born after December 31, 1959, selective service registration is required.
Unlike many law enforcement roles, previous experience in law enforcement is not required. Candidates do not need to take the pre-employment exam. However, veterans and individuals in previous federal employment are given priority during the selection process.
Medical and Background Screening
Prior to employment, applicants must undergo a drug test, a full health check, and a physical fitness assessment. The fitness section includes a Neil and Stand Test, Push Ups and a 5-minute Cardiovascular Endurance Step Test.
All future recruitments usually need to pass a background survey that takes around three months to complete.
Training and duties
Once hired, ICE agents will receive training before they begin fieldwork. Although duties vary by position, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) states that frontline roles include:
Investigation of individuals suspected of violating immigration law or customs. Inspect documents and belongings to determine legal status. Arresting undocumented non-citizens and alleged smuggling. Monitoring boundaries and transport systems using vehicles, vessels, ATVs, etc. Conducting surveillance, traffic checks and city patrols.
Salary and benefits
Starting salaries vary depending on experience and specific roles, with a normal range of between $40,000 and $100,000 per year. ICE also provides financial incentives to military veterans and individuals with related prior experience.
The agency describes its mission as follows: “We call people who want to protect America’s interests and secure our country. The DHS component works collectively to prevent terrorism. We will ensure borders and transportation systems, protect the president and other senior officials, enforce immigration laws, protect cyberspace and ensure resilience to disasters.”
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