Who is ICE?
Immigration and Customs Enforcement: history, structure, authority, and current leadership
What is ICE?
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) is a federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It was created in 2003 after the September 11 attacks as part of government reorganization.
ICE Structure
ICE has two main divisions: • Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) - investigates cross-border crimes, human trafficking, and smuggling • Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) - handles immigration enforcement, detention, and deportation
ICE Authority
ICE agents have broad authority, but there are limits: • They CAN arrest people they believe are in the country illegally • They CAN conduct workplace raids with proper warrants • They CANNOT enter your home without consent or a judicial warrant signed by a judge • They CANNOT search you without probable cause
Current Leadership (2026)
The agency operates under the Department of Homeland Security. Policies and enforcement priorities can change with different administrations.
Important to Know
ICE is NOT the same as CBP (Customs and Border Protection). CBP operates at borders and ports of entry. ICE operates throughout the interior of the United States.
Even if ICE contacts you, you have constitutional rights. You have the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the right to refuse entry to your home without a warrant.