Enforcement and Removal Operations
ERO enforces immigration law in the U.S. interior, detains removable noncitizens and provides ICE’s detained population with healthcare. Arresting and removing noncitizens who threaten public safety and national security — including known or suspected terrorists, gang members, and those who have committed egregious human rights violations or war crimes — are among ERO’s most important missions. ERO uses public safety tools, such as immigration detainers, so its exceptionally trained officers can carry out its mission in the U.S. interior.
Homeland Security Investigations
HSI identifies and builds criminal cases against transnational criminal organizations, terrorist networks and other criminal elements that threaten the United States. It investigates and prosecutes human trafficking, child exploitation, cybercrime, financial crime and a variety of other crimes of exploitation. The directorate’s expert special agents also investigate intellectual property crime, trade fraud and export violations.
Office of the Principal Legal Advisor
OPLA is the largest legal program in the Department of Homeland Security. It represents the U.S. government in hearings before the Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review and prosecutes human rights violator cases and national security cases. OPLA attorneys exercise prosecutorial direction and provide the agency with a full suite of legal services, including customs law and employment law advice.
Office of Professional Responsibility
OPR upholds ICE’s professional standards through security, inspections and investigations. It manages security programs, conducts independent reviews and investigates misconduct allegations. OPR also inspects, audits and reviews ICE directorates and programs, and it inspects ICE detention facilities to ensure they comply with national detention standards.