Mission and Organizational Structure

ICE's Core Mission

According to ICE.gov, the agency's mission is to protect the United States from the cross-border crime and illegal immigration that threaten national security and public safety.
This broad mandate encompasses a range of activities designed to enforce immigration laws, investigate transnational criminal activity, and ensure the integrity of the nation's borders.

Key aspects of their mission include:

• Identifying, arresting, and removing noncitizens who pose a threat to national security or public safety.

• Investigating and prosecuting human trafficking, drug smuggling, financial crimes, and other transnational criminal organizations.

• Disrupting illicit trade and travel.

• Protecting critical infrastructure.

• Responding to national emergencies.

Organizational Structure

ICE is primarily composed of three main operational directorates, each with distinct responsibilities:

• Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO): This directorate is responsible for identifying, arresting, and removing noncitizens who violate U.S. immigration laws. ERO manages a range of activities, including immigration detention, alternatives to detention programs, and the removal of individuals ordered deported by immigration judges. They conduct targeted enforcement operations, manage the custody of detained individuals, and facilitate their departure from the U.S. ERO also operates ICE Air Operations, which provides air transportation for deportations.

• Homeland Security Investigations (HSI): HSI is the principal investigative arm of DHS. It is responsible for investigating a wide array of transnational crime, including human trafficking, child exploitation, cybercrime, narcotics smuggling, financial crimes, intellectual property theft, and export enforcement. HSI agents work both domestically and internationally, often collaborating with other federal, state, local, and international law enforcement agencies.

• Management and Administration (M&A): This directorate provides essential support services to the entire agency, including human resources, financial management, information technology, and procurement. M&A ensures that ICE has the necessary resources and infrastructure to carry out its mission effectively.