ICE selects new leader for San Diego Enforcement and Removal Operations program

SAN DIEGO — A former San Diego resident and veteran federal law enforcement official has become the new head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) San Diego.

Gregory J. Archambeault, 47, who most recently served as assistant director for ERO's Secure Communities and Enforcement division in Washington, D.C., took over as the San Diego Field Office Director last month. In his new position, Archambeault manages one of ICE's largest ERO field offices, including a cadre of federal law enforcement officers and administrative staff in San Diego and Imperial counties, as well as two major immigration detention centers. ERO is responsible for identifying and arresting deportable aliens, detaining these individuals when necessary, and ultimately removing them from the United States.

"San Diego is a world class city and its residents deserve to live, work and play in safe communities," Field Office Director Archambeault said. "I look forward to continuing our efforts to enhance public safety in San Diego by targeting high-risk criminal aliens and others who pose a potential threat to our communities. As part of that mission, we'll seek to build on the very productive partnerships we've established with the San Diego law enforcement community."

Archambeault began his law enforcement career in 1987 while working for the former U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) through a cooperative education program at San Diego State University. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, he served in the INS' offices in Greece and India, providing assistance to foreign and U.S. government officials and law enforcement. In 2002, Archambeault was named head of the INS Office of Investigations in Springfield, Ill., becoming the resident agent in charge for ICE Homeland Security Investigations Springfield following the establishment of ICE in March 2003.

Prior to returning to San Diego, Archambeault held served key posts at ICE headquarters in Washington, D.C., including overseeing ERO's Fugitive Operations Program.

Archambeault holds a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice administration from San Diego State University.