Overview
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is an agency that welcomes, values and seeks out America’s veterans to build an inclusive and representative workforce. Veterans at ICE bring exceptional skills, training and commitment to the agency. Many have brought their bravery and selfless to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Management and Administration (M&A) and the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA).
The veterans of ICE carry out the agency’s mission with the same bravery and selflessness as they did while serving the United States in the armed forces. Through initiatives such as the Human Exploitation Rescue Operative Child-Rescue Corps (HERO) program, ICE provides many opportunities for veterans looking to transition from active duty to law enforcement careers.
“The motivation that drives our armed forces to excellence is present every day throughout the ranks of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” said Ronald D. Vitiello, ICE Deputy Director and Senior Official Performing the Duties of Director. “The courage and commitment shown by these dedicated heroes has secured the blessings of liberty for the American people through our nation’s most challenging and difficult days, and we owe them a debt of gratitude that we can never fully repay.”
Veterans Day is set aside to pay respects to the men and women who have served. The men and women of ICE who now serve in a different capacity exhibit a lifelong commitment to securing the country from threats to the homeland.
In Their Own Words
One third of the ICE workforce is made up of veterans. At the end of Fiscal Year 2018, 6,700 ICE employees were veterans. In recognition of Veterans Day, ICE is honored to have select veterans share about their service in their own words.
Francine Bowie
Deportation Officer
United States Navy
“As a United States Navy veteran, working at ICE means I can continue to serve and protect our nation.”
Glenn White
Special Agent, HSI Honolulu
United States Coast Guard
“The core values I obtained while I was on active duty I still employ every single day.”
Susan Collins
Program Manager, Buffalo Federal Detention Center
United States Air Force
“My training and experiences allow me to help the underserved and support the brave individuals who protect our borders.”
David Isenberg
Writer/Editor, ICE Office of the Director
United States Navy
“I believe my experience in the Navy accustomed me to sweating the small details.”
Norman Green
Special Agent, HSI Houston
"I learned intelligence and leadership skills in the military and how to handle different types of operations and criminal investigations. The same skills I learned there helped me here. It's all to safeguard the American people."
Marshall Kennedy
Computer Forensic Analyst, HSI Fayetteville
"The beauty of working with HSI is it's multi-mission. I've learned a lot since being here; and just like the Marines, knowing who I'm and what I'm a part of is important."
Careers at ICE
ICE supports employing veterans and actively recruits qualified veterans for all positions within the agency. ICE values the commitment, work ethic and experience that veterans bring to the job, as well as their specialized skills and talents. As it relates to applying for employment at ICE, veteran’s preference consists of giving qualified, eligible veterans an advantage over others when recruiting under competitive external procedures (i.e., announcements open to anyone in the general public). Depending on the position being filled, veteran applicants may be placed ahead of other candidates in a ranking category.
To learn more about veterans’ careers at ICE, click here.