Offices Within ICE

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), responsible for enforcing the nation’s immigration and customs laws that protect national security and public safety.

With more than 20,000 employees worldwide, ICE is a key component of the DHS layered defense approach to protecting the nation. Among the key operational, management and leadership offices within ICE are the following:

Operations

Office of Detention and Removal Operations (DRO)

DRO defends public safety and national security by seeking the departure from the United States of removable aliens through the fair and effective enforcement of the nation’s immigration laws. DRO also performs custody management for detainees and other persons subject to removal proceedings, and enforces final orders of removal. Read more about DRO.

Office of Investigations (OI)

OI investigates, deters and interdicts threats arising from the movement of people and goods into and out of the United States. Highlights include investigations related to national security (arms and strategic technology exports), financial crimes/money laundering, commercial fraud, intellectual property rights, smuggling (contraband, narcotics and aliens), immigration (fraud, transnational gangs and worksite enforcement), child exploitation and pornography, and more. OI also oversees the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. Read more about OI.

Office of Intelligence (Intel)

Intel collects, analyzes and shares strategic and tactical data for use by ICE and DHS management and operational units, as well as to support our federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners. Read more about Intel.

Office of International Affairs (OIA)

OIA, with agents in over 60 locations around the world, represents DHS’ broadest footprint beyond our borders. ICE attaché offices work with foreign counterparts to identify and combat transnational criminal organizations before they threaten the United States. OIA also facilitates domestic ICE investigations. Read more about OIA.

Secure Communities

The Secure Communities initiative increases national security and community safety by identifying, processing, and removing all removable criminal aliens serving sentences in federal, state and local prisons and jails, beginning with those who pose the greatest known risk to public safety. Read more about Secure Communities.

Office of State/Local Coordination (OSLC)

OSLC fosters partnerships with ICE’s law enforcement counterparts to ensure the safety and security of our homeland through education and cross-designation. OSLC has instituted ICE ACCESS (Agreements of Cooperation in Communities to Enhance Safety and Security), an umbrella of services offered for assistance to local law enforcement officers to combat specific challenges in their communities. Read more about OSLC.

National Firearms and Tactical Training Unit (NFTTU)

The NFTTU focuses on all issues related to ICE’s firearms needs, including providing personnel with service weapons, protective equipment, training, logistical support and guidance. NFTTU also is responsible for all ICE firearms property and force policy development.

ICE Reporting Operations Center/National Incident Response Unit (IROC/NIRU)

The IROC/NIRU is the agency’s “nerve center,” overseeing key operational communication functions, and crisis planning and response efforts.

Management

Office of Acquisition Management (OAQ)

OAQ is responsible for ICE acquisition and procurement needs, overseeing all contracting for equipment and services in a swift, efficient and cost-effective manner.

Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO)

OCFO provides effective and efficient management of all ICE financial resources through the implementation of best business practices and by linking strategic planning, budgeting and performance reporting.

Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO)

OCIO provides information technology services and solutions in support of the ICE mission.

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Office

The FOIA office ensures openness and transparency by responding to FOIA requests about agency activities and operations. The office receives, tracks and processes all FOIA requests except those that relate to sensitive investigative matters. Contact the FOIA office or submit a FOIA request.

Office of Human Capital (HC)

HC oversees all agency human resources programs and activities, ensuring the recruitment, training, development and retention of a diverse and highly qualified workforce across all ICE offices and programs.

Office of Policy and Planning

The mission of the Office of Policy and Planning supports the ICE mission by providing policy and legislative analysis, program evaluation, strategic planning, performance measurement, community outreach, marketing research, statistical analysis and modeling, and quantitative and qualitative research methods. Read more about the Office of Policy and Planning, including Small Business Information, Agency Good Guidance Practices and the National Community Outreach Program.

Office of Training and Development (OTD)

OTD provides a variety of technical, educational, and career and leadership development programs that help ICE employees perform their duties more effectively and expand their professional knowledge and abilities. Many OTD programs, including foreign language training and other learning opportunities, are available online through the ICE Virtual University.

Leadership

The following leadership offices are located within the Office of the Assistant Secretary:

Office of the Chief Diversity Officer

The Office of the Chief Diversity Officer is responsible for directing and integrating the application of federal civil rights laws and other non-discrimination complaint systems and affirmative employment programs. The office strives to ensure the rights of employees and applicants are protected and that the agency promotes a proactive Equal Employment Opportunity program. Read more about the Office of the Chief Diversity Officer.

Office of Congressional Relations (OCR)

OCR provides liaison services to members of the U.S. Congress and their staffs to promote awareness and understanding of ICE operations, national and local programs, policies and initiatives. Contact OCR.

Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA)

OPLA provides legal advice, training and services to support the ICE mission and defends the interests of the United States in administrative and federal courts. OPLA prosecutes immigration and customs law violators, particularly those who threaten the safety of our citizenry. Contact OPLA.

Privacy Office

The Privacy Office develops internal policies to protect personal privacy, promotes awareness of and compliance with privacy requirements, and ensures that ICE technology systems have appropriate privacy protections in place. Read more about the Privacy Office.

Office of Public Affairs (OPA)

OPA is the agency’s public face, dedicated to telling the ICE story and building understanding of and support for the ICE mission through outreach to employees, the media and the general public. OPA strives to maintain consistency, accuracy and credibility in the agency’s communication efforts. Contact OPA.

Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR)

OPR is responsible for investigating allegations of misconduct involving employees of ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). OPR also provides independent reviews of ICE programs and offices, adjudicates ICE background investigations, and issues security clearances for all prospective and current ICE employees and contract staff. Contact OPR.

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