How to Land a Job at ICE: 2025 Guide to Careers at the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement Agency

Introduction

If you’re looking for a meaningful federal career that contributes directly to national security, you should consider opportunities at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). With mission-critical roles across enforcement, investigations, legal services and support, ICE is actively hiring. In this 2025 guide, we’ll break down what ICE does, highlight available job types, walk you through how to apply on the official government job site USAJOBS, and share key tips to improve your chances.

What ICE Actually Does

Founded in 2003 under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ICE’s mission spans enforcing immigration and customs laws, investigating cross-border crime and protecting national security. ClearanceJobs+2U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement+2

Key directorates within ICE:

• Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO): Handles arrests, detentions and removals of individuals who violate immigration law. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement+1

• Homeland Security Investigations (HSI): Investigates serious transnational crimes like human trafficking, drug smuggling and cyber-crime. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement+1

• Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA), Management & Administration (M&A), ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC): Provide legal, administrative and health-services support. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement+1

Working for ICE means joining an agency where your role can impact national security, immigration enforcement and public safety outcomes.

What Types of Jobs Are Open Now

According to ICE and USAJOBS data, there are several categories of careers you might pursue:

🔹 Deportation Officer (ERO)

An entry-level enforcement role: assisting in the apprehension, processing and removal of individuals who violate immigration law. From a USAJOBS announcement: salary range $49,739 to $89,528/year for GL 5-7 level in many U.S. locations. ice.usajobs.gov

Requirements typically include U.S. citizenship, driver’s license, firearms eligibility, and passing drug testing/fitness exam. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

🔹 Criminal Investigator / Special Agent Positions

For those with a bachelor’s degree, law-enforcement experience or advanced training. USAJOBS shows positions for GS 9-12 levels and higher. usajobs.gov+1

🔹 Mission Support / Professional Roles

Not all roles involve enforcement. ICE also offers jobs in technology, administration, legal services, program analysis, logistics and more. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement+1

🔹 Health Services & Medical Roles (IHSC)

If you have clinical credentials, IHSC positions within ICE may appeal — they require medical exams, background vetting and potentially security clearances. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Why Apply to ICE?

Here are some of the advantages:

• Mission-driven work: You’ll serve roles directly aligned with homeland security, law enforcement and public safety.

• Federal benefits: ICE careers typically include robust retirement, health insurance, paid leave and tuition assistance. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement+1

• Career advancement: Many programs support veterans, students and career-changers with hiring pathways. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

• Diverse locations & roles: From major cities to regional field offices, and from frontline enforcement to tech/administration.

How to Apply: Step by Step

Following are the key steps to applying for a job with ICE:

1. Create a profile on USAJOBS. All ICE announcements are posted on USAJOBS. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

2. Find a job announcement. Use filters like agency = ICE, hiring path (open to public) and job series (e.g., 1801 investigation).

3. Read the announcement carefully. It will include eligibility, salary grade, location, required documents and deadlines.

4. Prepare your federal resume. Follow USAJOBS guidelines: include job titles, dates, duties and quantify performance when possible. Note that ICE resume review uses up to five pages. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

5. Submit your application and documents. Attach required transcripts, certificates, veteran documentation, etc.

6. Prepare for pre-employment screening. Depending on role: background check, drug test, physical fitness, medical exam, polygraph may apply. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement+1

7. Track your status. ICE and USAJOBS provide updates via profile and email.

Tips to Improve Your Chances

• Tailor your experience: Emphasize how your skills match the job series (e.g., investigation, custody, removal, analysis).

• Highlight measurable outcomes: Federal hiring likes percentages, numbers, time saved, risk reduced.

• Use keywords from the announcement: E.g., “case management”, “apprehension”, “cross-border crime”, “multi-agency coordination”.

• Address required criteria explicitly: If fitness test or firearms are required, mention readiness or training.

• Prepare for multiple rounds: Especially for high-risk roles, expect interviews, fitness/medical tests, polygraph.

• Stay patient: The federal hiring process can take months. One Reddit applicant noted delays even under direct-hire authorities. Reddit

Common Misconceptions & Important Facts

• Not all ICE roles require enforcement skills. Many openings are for support, tech or professional paths.

• Age limits vary. For some law-enforcement roles, there is an age cap (e.g., under 40), but veterans or those with certain experience may get waivers. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

• Franchise/contractor jobs are different. Jobs via ICE are federal positions with GS pay scale and federal benefits.

• Location flexibility matters. Field assignments may require relocation or acceptance of duty station wherever needed. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Conclusion

A career at ICE offers a unique combination of purposeful work, federal stability and advancement opportunities. Whether you’re drawn to enforcement or prefer enabling roles behind the scenes, ICE welcomes qualified Americans to apply. If you’re ready to serve, protect and make a difference, start preparing your USAJOBS profile, sharpen your application materials and begin your path toward a federal career in 2025.