The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency is a part of the Department of Homeland Security.
An immigration customs agent has the responsibility of enforcing customs laws and immigration laws in the United States.
According to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE.gov), several different job opportunities are available:
Deportation Officer
One position with ICE is as a deportation officer.
Deportation officers conduct the research that is necessary to support decisions that are made in exclusion/deportation cases and help lawyers who represent the government during court actions.
HSI Special Agent
Special agents or criminal investigators who work for the deportation department conduct investigations that involve terrorism and other threats to the security of the nation.
This includes child exploitation, drug smuggling, human trafficking, financial crimes, benefit fraud, illegal arms export, identity fraud, commercial fraud, as well as other issues.
Immigration Enforcement Agents (IEA)
Immigration Enforcement Agents are responsible for performing duties that are related to the identification, investigation, detention, prosecution, and deportation of illegal aliens.
An IEA will help with the processing and the removal of an alien to their original country of citizenship.
Intelligence Careers
There are numerous intelligence careers available with ICE.
This includes intelligence officers who analyze and evaluate information and coordinate large criminal investigations.
An intelligence research assistant provides administrative support for intelligence operations by gathering data.
Intelligence research specialists evaluate and analyze information and prepare intelligence products accordingly.
There are also positions as managers, program analysts, and mission support specialists, who work in the office to make sure each operation runs according to plan.
Preparing for a Career as an Immigration and Customs Agent
A person interested in becoming an immigration customs agent should strongly consider learning a foreign language, particularly Spanish.
ICE jobs are posted online at www.usajobs.gov.
Most people will have to start at an entry-level position within their area of expertise.
When applying for a position with the ICE, it is important to make sure that you meet all of the requirements for the position, which may include a combination of education and experience.
In addition, it is important to note that to obtain a job with ICE, you will have to go through an extensive interview process that includes a thorough background check.
Anyone who has ever been convicted of a crime or has a previous drug use will automatically be disqualified from a position with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Once a person has gone through the application and interview process, they will then have to participate in the ICE training program.
All new hires of ICE are required to attend 22 weeks of basic training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynco, Georgia.
The formal FLETC training program involves basic technical instructions that must be completed to continue as an ICE agent.
Trainees are also expected to undergo regular physical fitness assessments during training.
U.S. Average Salary: $79,200
Salary Information by State
| State | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 11,710 | $55,130 | $26.51 | $77,220 | $37,480 |
| Alaska | 1,260 | $101,770 | $48.93 | $137,340 | $60,670 |
| Arizona | 12,010 | $81,720 | $39.29 | $98,560 | $60,990 |
| Arkansas | 5,710 | $49,850 | $23.96 | $70,190 | $35,210 |
| California | 65,940 | $112,980 | $54.32 | $153,190 | $76,300 |
| Colorado | 9,610 | $90,550 | $43.54 | $109,300 | $65,340 |
| Connecticut | 6,500 | $83,920 | $40.35 | $102,660 | $63,310 |
| Delaware | 1,800 | $93,210 | $44.81 | $130,870 | $62,470 |
| D.C. | 4,720 | $92,390 | $44.42 | $119,660 | $66,420 |
| Florida | 43,630 | $75,320 | $36.21 | $98,190 | $51,330 |
| Georgia | 22,170 | $58,520 | $28.14 | $76,250 | $43,690 |
| Hawaii | 2,420 | $90,360 | $43.44 | $108,110 | $77,480 |
| Idaho | 2,810 | $70,860 | $34.07 | $97,980 | $48,840 |
| Illinois | 29,180 | $92,450 | $44.45 | $119,560 | $58,420 |
| Indiana | 12,980 | $75,130 | $36.12 | $100,010 | $52,170 |
| Iowa | 5,130 | $76,280 | $36.67 | $101,520 | $59,360 |
| Kansas | 6,130 | $61,450 | $29.55 | $90,530 | $42,040 |
| Kentucky | 7,890 | $59,840 | $28.77 | $77,970 | $38,780 |
| Louisiana | 12,400 | $51,250 | $24.64 | $69,140 | $36,470 |
| Maine | 2,120 | $69,830 | $33.57 | $91,270 | $55,930 |
| Maryland | 9,720 | $82,400 | $39.62 | $113,700 | $58,580 |
| Massachusetts | 17,040 | $83,230 | $40.01 | $108,150 | $61,160 |
| Michigan | 16,750 | $70,310 | $33.80 | $89,220 | $47,780 |
| Minnesota | 9,160 | $85,130 | $40.93 | $106,160 | $60,670 |
| Mississippi | 8,070 | $47,010 | $22.60 | $61,550 | $33,230 |
| Missouri | 13,570 | $62,520 | $30.06 | $90,770 | $43,210 |
| Montana | 2,160 | $69,540 | $33.43 | $84,150 | $55,330 |
| Nebraska | 3,490 | $75,290 | $36.20 | $95,210 | $54,680 |
| Nevada | 5,720 | $86,470 | $41.57 | $102,810 | $62,250 |
| New Hampshire | 2,460 | $70,630 | $33.96 | $89,940 | $57,930 |
| New Jersey | 21,780 | $93,700 | $45.05 | $134,260 | $57,740 |
| New Mexico | 4,580 | $66,700 | $32.07 | $85,740 | $48,400 |
| New York | 53,470 | $87,110 | $41.88 | $118,250 | $53,000 |
| North Carolina | 22,370 | $61,390 | $29.51 | $80,240 | $46,040 |
| North Dakota | 1,630 | $72,400 | $34.81 | $91,440 | $58,620 |
| Ohio | 23,430 | $76,730 | $36.89 | $103,210 | $51,110 |
| Oklahoma | 9,660 | $63,120 | $30.34 | $94,940 | $36,480 |
| Oregon | 5,030 | $87,990 | $42.30 | $109,350 | $66,380 |
| Pennsylvania | 26,510 | $81,910 | $39.38 | $109,780 | $48,680 |
| Rhode Island | 1,940 | $78,760 | $37.86 | $91,760 | $59,020 |
| South Carolina | 12,930 | $60,420 | $29.05 | $78,760 | $45,060 |
| South Dakota | 2,000 | $64,320 | $30.93 | $91,900 | $47,540 |
| Tennessee | 15,630 | $61,830 | $29.72 | $79,480 | $43,520 |
| Texas | 63,100 | $76,160 | $36.62 | $98,350 | $51,240 |
| Utah | 5,500 | $78,760 | $37.87 | $99,920 | $60,290 |
| Vermont | 1,020 | $70,560 | $33.92 | $95,530 | $53,950 |
| Virginia | 19,970 | $70,450 | $33.87 | $96,820 | $50,000 |
| Washington | 9,160 | $104,140 | $50.07 | $132,200 | $79,120 |
| West Virginia | 2,900 | $55,900 | $26.88 | $69,980 | $41,950 |
| Wisconsin | 12,320 | $76,560 | $36.81 | $94,450 | $58,530 |
| Wyoming | 1,310 | $67,080 | $32.25 | $76,840 | $57,130 |
| Guam | 540 | $66,940 | $32.18 | $98,030 | $36,590 |
| Puerto Rico | 11,640 | $42,920 | $20.63 | $50,240 | $30,500 |
Annual Average Salary: Top 10 States
California tops the list in this field, with an average salary of $112,980.
These are the leading 10 states in terms of earnings in the field:
* Salary estimates are based on data from the May 2025 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers, (SOC Code 33-3051).* Employment opportunities may vary depending on your area.
Immigration Customs Agents require a blend of analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills to succeed. Proficiency in languages other than English is highly valued in dealing with diverse populations. The role also demands physical stamina and the ability to remain vigilant in high-pressure situations. Career progression can include roles such as supervisors or special agents, offering opportunities for specialization in areas like intelligence analysis or counterterrorism.
To become an Immigration Customs Agent, candidates typically need a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, homeland security, or a related field, or relevant professional experience in law enforcement or customs. Applicants must pass rigorous screening processes, including physical fitness tests, background checks, and written assessments. New agents complete training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), focusing on immigration law, investigative techniques, and physical readiness.
An Immigration Customs Agent works to enforce immigration and customs laws, protecting national borders from illegal activities such as smuggling, human trafficking, and unauthorized entry. Agents are responsible for inspecting travelers, cargo, and vehicles at ports of entry, investigating immigration violations, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations. They may also collaborate with other law enforcement agencies during operations to prevent and address security threats.
Reading about what it takes to become an immigrations and customs agent really opened my eyes it’s not just border patrol stuff, It’s enforcement, investigating, and a lot of coordination with other agencies. Made me appreciated how much training and responsibility’s involved.