What is the primary role of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)?

The primary role of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is to enforce immigration laws and investigate customs violations and illegal activities. This agency operates under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the nation’s borders. ICE plays a critical role in enforcing federal laws related to immigration and customs and is tasked with identifying and investigating violations such as human trafficking, drug smuggling, and other criminal activities that compromise security and public safety.

Moreover, ICE comprises two main divisions: Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). ERO focuses on the identification, apprehension, and removal of individuals who are unlawfully present in the U.S., while HSI investigates a variety of criminal activities including immigration fraud, human smuggling, and other cross-border crimes.

The other options refer to functions that are typically outside the purview of ICE. Assisting applicants with immigration paperwork is generally the role of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Providing legal advice to immigrants is not a service offered by ICE; instead, this is typically the role of legal professionals or organizations specializing in immigration law. Finally, managing refugee admissions and resettlement falls under the responsibilities of the Office of Refuge