1

Immigration Enforcement Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Immigration Enforcement information

See salary details

$38.5K

$90.2K

$146.5K

How much do immigration enforcement jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for immigration enforcement in the United States is $90,223.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $97,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is immigration enforcement?

Immigration enforcement refers to the set of practices, policies, and agencies responsible for ensuring that individuals comply with a country's immigration laws. This includes preventing unauthorized entry, apprehending those who violate immigration laws, and processing deportations or removals. Immigration enforcement officers may work at borders, airports, or within the country to investigate and enforce these laws. The goal is to maintain the integrity of legal immigration systems while addressing security and public safety concerns.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In the field of immigration enforcement, most roles such as officers or agents typically require specialized training or experience and do not usually pay $4,000 weekly without a degree. However, some related security or private investigation positions in the broader security industry can pay high weekly wages, especially for experienced professionals or those working in high-risk environments. These roles often require relevant certifications, physical fitness, and security clearances but may not always require a college degree.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Immigration Enforcement, and why are they important?

To thrive in Immigration Enforcement, you need a solid understanding of immigration laws, investigative techniques, and often a background in criminal justice or law enforcement training. Familiarity with case management software, law enforcement databases, and sometimes required certifications such as firearms training are typical for the role. Strong decision-making, cultural sensitivity, and effective interpersonal communication set standout professionals apart. These skills are crucial for ensuring lawful, ethical, and effective enforcement of immigration policies while maintaining public trust and safety.

What is the difference between Immigration Enforcement vs Immigration Officer?

AspectImmigration EnforcementImmigration Officer
CredentialsVaries; often law enforcement training, specialized certificationsTypically requires immigration or law enforcement training, certifications vary by agency
Work EnvironmentField operations, detention centers, border areasOffices, border crossings, airports, community outreach
Employer & IndustryU.S. Department of Homeland Security, ICEU.S. Department of Homeland Security, ICE, or other agencies
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for enforcement roles, law enforcement dutiesFocuses on immigration processing, compliance, and assistance

Immigration Enforcement primarily involves law enforcement activities related to immigration laws, including detention and deportation. Immigration Officers handle immigration processing, documentation, and assisting individuals with immigration procedures. While both roles work within the same agency, their duties, environments, and required credentials differ significantly.

Do ICE agents make $200,000 a year?

ICE agents, part of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, typically earn salaries that range from around $45,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and rank. Earning $200,000 a year is uncommon for most ICE agents, though higher salaries may be possible for senior or specialized roles with overtime or additional responsibilities.

How hard is it to get into ICE?

Becoming an Immigration Enforcement officer typically requires meeting minimum qualifications such as U.S. citizenship, a clean background check, and relevant education or experience. Candidates often undergo a competitive hiring process that includes written exams, physical fitness tests, interviews, and background investigations, making entry somewhat challenging but achievable with proper preparation.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in immigration enforcement, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in immigration enforcement often encounter challenges such as managing high-stress situations, handling sensitive interactions with diverse populations, and staying current with frequently changing laws and regulations. These challenges are typically addressed through ongoing training, strong teamwork, and access to support resources such as legal counsel and counseling services. Additionally, clear communication and collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and community organizations help ensure that protocols are followed and individuals are treated fairly and respectfully.

What qualifications do you need to be an immigration officer?

To become an immigration officer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring a bachelor's degree in fields like criminal justice, law enforcement, or public administration. Relevant skills include strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to handle sensitive situations; some agencies also require background checks and training programs. Certifications or specialized training in immigration laws may enhance prospects.
More about Immigration Enforcement jobs
What cities are hiring for Immigration Enforcement jobs? Cities with the most Immigration Enforcement job openings:
What states have the most Immigration Enforcement jobs? States with the most job openings for Immigration Enforcement jobs include:
Infographic showing various Immigration Enforcement job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,223 per year, or $43.4 per hour.

IMMIGRATION OFFICER

Citizenship and Immigration Services

Houston, TX • On-site, Remote

$103K - $159K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Summary
Protect your homeland and defend your culture. Join USCIS, America's frontline defense against illegal foreign infiltration and fraud.
As an IMMIGRATION OFFICER, you will provide guidance, conduct research for the purpose of enhancing current policies and procedures, and identify, articulate, and pursue suspected immigration benefit fraud..
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
  • The responsibilities described are for the full performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope performed with less independence, and limited complexity.
  • Identify, articulate, and pursue suspected immigration benefit fraud, public safety, and national security concerns.
  • Conduct administrative investigations and site visits to obtain documents, conduct interviews, perform system checks, and make determinations regarding potential administrative and/or criminal violations.
  • Serve as a liaison to law enforcement and intelligence agencies and participate in inter-agency task forces and partner-agency investigations to combat fraud, and deter and detect national security and public safety threats.
  • Develop anti-fraud tools and methodologies to collect and analyze data to identify fraud trends and patterns and to make recommendations to address vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the immigration system.
  • Develop, document, and disseminate intelligence-related data and training materials to internal and external partners.
  • Serve as an expert witness and represent USCIS in related court proceedings.

Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
Conditions of Employment:
  • You must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National to apply for this position
  • Successfully pass a Background Investigation including financial disclosure
  • You must pass a drug screening
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service
  • Political appointees may require OPM approval before on-boarding
  • USCIS applies the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010 to its telework program

This position IS NOT considered "essential" for purposes of reporting to work when the facility might otherwise be closed.
THIS IS NOT A LAW ENFORCEMENT (COVERED) POSITION.
Residency Requirement: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This residency requirement states that candidates must have, for three of the last five years immediately prior to applying for this position; (1) resided in the United States; OR (2) worked for the United States Government as an employee overseas in a Federal or Military capacity, OR (3) been a dependent of a U.S. Federal or Military employee serving overseas.
Probationary Period: You may be required to serve a probationary period of 1 year.
Motor Vehicle Operation: This position requires operation of a motor vehicle. You must possess a current valid driver's license.
Qualifications
The qualifications for this position must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on 07/09/2026.
Current Federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the lower grade or equivalent grade band in the Federal service. The Time-in-Grade requirement must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on 07/09/2026.
GS-12: You qualify at the GS-12 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, which is equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the federal government, that equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have experience performing the majority of the following duties:
  • Applying immigration laws and procedures to uncover potential fraud schemes that threaten the integrity of the legal immigration system;
  • Reviewing evidence by those applying for immigration benefits;
  • Conducting liaison with law enforcement/intelligence agencies regarding immigration fraud;
  • Reviewing policies and procedures relating to the detection of immigration fraud, public safety and national security

GS-13: You qualify at the GS-13 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, which is equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the federal government, that equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have experience performing the majority of the following duties:
  • Applying immigration laws and procedures to uncover potential complex fraud schemes and national security concerns that threaten the integrity of the legal immigration system;
  • Conducting research on the impactor implementation of enforcement/anti-fraud related programs, directives, or policies have had on past or future performance on the agencies mission;
  • Preparing responses to inquiries from peers, supervisors, management, or external customers regarding existing immigration enforcement/anti-fraud actions, programs, or policies;
  • Develop and/or recommend changes and/or enhancements to procedures or processes relating to anti-fraud, public safety, and/or national security programs or policies.

Please read the following important information to ensure you submit everything we need to consider your application: It is your responsibility to ensure that you submit your responses and appropriate documentation prior to 07/09/2026. You must upload your resume under the "Resume" category. Resumes submitted under the "Other Documents" category will not be considered. Your most recently submitted resume will be used to determine your qualifications for the position advertised in this announcement. Therefore, your resume must highlight your most relevant, significant experience related to the requirements found in the qualification section of this announcement, as well as any applicable education. Limit your resume to no more than two pages. The USAJOBS database will not allow an applicant to submit an application that includes a resume over two pages. To help ensure your resume remains clear and easy to read, we recommend using margins of at least 0.8 inches and a font size of at least 11 point.Be clear and specific when describing your work history since Human Resources cannot make assumptions regarding your experience. Your application will be rated and ranked based on your responses to the online questions.
Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information:
  • Job Title (include series and grade if Federal Job)
  • Duties (be specific in describing your duties)
  • Employer's name and address
  • Supervisor name and phone number
  • Start and end dates including month, day and year (e.g. June 18 2007 to April 05 2008)
  • Start and end dates for each grade/pay level if you've held a federal position.
  • Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)
  • Salary

Determining length of General or Specialized Experience is dependent on the above information and failure to provide the above information may result in a finding of ineligible.
Note: Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration.
Federal Experience: If you are using current or prior federal experience as a basis for qualifying for this position, the grade levels and length of employment (mm/dd/year) at each grade level must be listed in your work history. This information will be further validated if selected for this position.
National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build criteria competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer service.
Education
EDUCATIONAL SUBSTITUTION: There is no educational substitution at these grade levels.
The Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS) was established within USCIS to strengthen national security and the integrity of the country's legal immigration system by closely aligning the adjudication of immigration benefits and services with the identification of potential threats to national security and/or public safety, the detection and deterrence of fraud, and the use of law enforcement and intelligence information to ensure optimal security for U.S. communities. FDNS systematically identifies updates, and records indicators of fraudulent activities; manages fraud cases; identifies vulnerabilities and other weaknesses that compromise the integrity of the legal immigration system; and coordinates and provides logistical support in law enforcement and national security matters. FDNS is the primary conduit for information sharing and collaboration with law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
Training: If you have not already done so, you will be required to attend the residential, paid FDNS Officer Basic Training course. Additionally, if you have not already done so, you will be required to attend any FDNS RAIO Division-specific course(s), that relate to this position. In addition, if you have not already done so, you may be required to attend the residential, paid USCIS BASIC Officer training program, lasting six weeks, at a USCIS training facility. All three trainings must be completed successfully according to the standards of the agency. Failure to do so will be grounds for mandatory removal from the position. Such failure will result in either reassignment to a different position, demotion, or separation by appropriate procedures.
Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP): Per 5 CFR 576.202, An employee who receives a Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP) and later accepts employment for compensation with the Government of the United States within 5 years of the date of the separation on which the VSIP is based, including work under a personal services contract or other direct contract, must repay the entire amount of the VSIP to the agency that paid it (proof of payment is required) before the individual's first day of reemployment.
Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Personnel Management guidance and U.S. Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.
Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
Common definitions for hiring terms found in this announcement.
Additional information
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us/articles/45424542500371-How-to-request-a-reasonable-accommodation.
Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation. This may include a review of financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs. The background investigation process is initiated after a selection is made. For more information visit the OPM Mythbuster Page.
If a SECRET or TOP SECRET clearance is needed or the position is designated a Sensitive National Security position, all selected candidates must meet the requirements for these clearances or Sensitive National Security position prior to placement AND maintain that level of clearance or national security eligibility while encumbering the position.
DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
It is our responsibility to eliminate any risks to national security, public health, and public safety that could be posed by individuals who use illegal drugs. This position may be subject to random testing as a condition of employment. A positive drug test or refusal to be tested will result in disciplinary action, up to and including removal from Federal service.
Note: If you previously retired from the Federal service and are receiving an annuity, your salary may be offset by the amount of your annuity.
The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201