U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

Federal Agency Responsible for Handling Deportations

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a federal agency that is specifically responsible for enforcing federal laws that relate to immigration, border control, customs and trade. ICE’s two main areas of focus is Enforcement of Removal Operations (ERO)—or essentially enforcement of deportations—and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).Deportation occurs when a non-U.S. citizen is legally forced to leave the country.

If you are being investigated by ICE or are being threatened with possible deportation for criminal immigration matters, then this means you are coming up against a powerful federal agency. This makes it all the more vital that you secure strong legal representation when trying to fight for your freedom and protect your ability to remain in the United States.

Facts About ICE

ICE, which was established in 2003, is the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS’s) principal investigative arm, according to the ICE website. It is also the government’s second-largest investigative agency. ICE has offices in every state within the U.S., as well as in 47 different countries. I has also has more than 20,000 employees.

ICE states that within it efforts to combat illegal immigration, it specifically targets illegal aliens who are deemed as serving as threats to the public safety. ICE works closely with jails so that it can identify individuals who qualify for deportation because of their criminal offenses. ICE can even place holds on these suspects so they can only be released to the federal agency. If the immigrant is taken into the agency’s custody, he or she will likely be taken to an ICE detention center, will he or she will have the option to either be deported or fight deportation with in an immigration court.

Working with a San Fernando Criminal Defense Attorney

Don’t hesitate to get the help you need if you have been detained by ICE. When you work with our firm, the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Vallens, our San Fernando criminal defense lawyer can serve as a tough legal advocate on your behalf. Contact us immediately so we can help you start building a strong defense plan. If you don’t call me, please call somebody before it’s too late. Once you hit county jail it is often too late to help.

Call a competent criminal defense lawyer early and it may help in the long run.