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Immigration Enforcement Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Code Enforcement Officer

Stafford, VA · On-site

$28.38 - $49.67/hr

Code Enforcement Officer I: $26.52/hour to $36.47/hour Code Enforcement Officer II: $28.38/hour to ... with the Immigration Control and Reform Act of 1986. 01 Do you have experience conducting ...

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Immigration Enforcement Officer information

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$32.5K

$62.1K

$103.5K

How much do immigration enforcement officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for immigration enforcement officer in the United States is $62,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How hard is it to become an immigration officer?

Becoming an immigration enforcement officer typically requires meeting minimum age and education requirements, passing background checks, and completing specialized training. Candidates often need to pass written exams, physical fitness tests, and sometimes polygraph or drug tests, with some positions requiring prior law enforcement experience or relevant certifications.

What is the difference between Immigration Enforcement Officer vs Customs Officer?

AspectImmigration Enforcement OfficerCustoms Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require specialized training or certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training in customs procedures
Work EnvironmentBorder crossings, immigration detention centers, enforcement operationsPorts of entry, border crossings, airports, cargo inspection areas
Employer & Industry UsageU.S. Department of Homeland Security, ICEU.S. Customs and Border Protection, DHS

Immigration Enforcement Officers focus on enforcing immigration laws, investigating violations, and apprehending individuals unlawfully present. Customs Officers primarily inspect goods and travelers at borders to prevent illegal smuggling and ensure compliance with customs regulations. While both roles work within border security and share some training, their specific duties and environments differ significantly.

What qualifications do you need for an immigration officer?

To become an immigration enforcement officer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, or related fields. Applicants must pass background checks, physical fitness tests, and often complete specialized training or certification programs related to immigration laws and enforcement procedures.

Do ICE agents make $200,000 a year?

Immigration Enforcement Officers, commonly known as ICE agents, typically earn salaries that range from around $45,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and rank. High-level supervisory or specialized roles may earn higher salaries, but $200,000 is not a standard annual income for most ICE agents.

How hard is it to get hired by ICE?

Getting hired as an Immigration Enforcement Officer typically requires meeting minimum qualifications such as U.S. citizenship, a clean background check, and relevant experience or education. The application process involves multiple steps, including written exams, interviews, and physical fitness tests, making it competitive and thorough.

What are some common challenges faced by Immigration Enforcement Officers during field operations?

Immigration Enforcement Officers frequently encounter challenging situations during field operations, such as handling confrontational interactions, working in unpredictable environments, and ensuring the safety of all parties involved. Officers must balance enforcing the law with treating individuals respectfully and ethically. Effective communication, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial for success in these scenarios. Additionally, officers often collaborate closely with other law enforcement agencies, which requires strong teamwork and adaptability.

What are Immigration Enforcement Officers?

Immigration Enforcement Officers are government officials responsible for upholding immigration laws and policies within a country. Their duties often include investigating immigration offences, conducting raids, detaining individuals who violate immigration regulations, and facilitating removals or deportations when necessary. They may work at borders, airports, or within communities to ensure compliance with legal requirements. These officers play a vital role in maintaining national security and managing migration flows. The job requires strong communication, investigative, and decision-making skills.

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

To thrive as an Immigration Enforcement Officer, you need a strong understanding of immigration laws, investigative techniques, and law enforcement procedures, often supported by relevant training or a background in criminal justice. Proficiency with case management systems, databases, and communication equipment is typically required. Excellent interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help officers interact effectively with diverse populations. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring lawful enforcement, fair treatment, and maintaining public trust in sensitive situations.
More about Immigration Enforcement Officer jobs
What cities are hiring for Immigration Enforcement Officer jobs? Cities with the most Immigration Enforcement Officer job openings:
What states have the most Immigration Enforcement Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Immigration Enforcement Officer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Immigration Enforcement Officer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Immigration Enforcement Officer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Immigration Enforcement Officer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,148 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Immigration Officer

Citizenship and Immigration Services

Atlanta, GA • On-site, Remote

$94K - $172K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 17 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, egregious public safety cases, and national security concerns
  • Serve as a liaison and collaborate with a variety of internal and external Department of Homeland Security entities regarding national policies and procedures.
  • Prepare concept and position papers designed to enhance a variety of policies, procedures, and projects.
  • Coordinate, plan, and organize briefings and information exchange-related programs and projects.
  • Serve as an expert in the development and dissemination of regulatory information to include, standard operating procedures, operational manuals, and other background and security check information.

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 and remote work programs

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.
Shift Work: Shift work may be required.
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 06/17/2026.
Time in Grade does not apply to Delegated Examining Announcements, any reference to Time in Grade in the questionnaire will not apply to the rating and ranking of applicants.
This announcement is issued under the Direct Hire Authority to recruit for positions for which the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, has a critical hiring need.

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:
  • Determine admissibility and review documentation of those seeking admission to the United States.
  • Review evidence by those applying for immigration benefits and liaise with law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
  • Identify and research potential fraud, public safety, and national security concerns.
  • Assist with planning and implementing policies and procedures related to the detection of immigration fraud

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:
  • Prepare analytical reports on immigration related issues and benefit applications.
  • Conduct portions of studies on the impact or implementation of new immigration enforcement/anti-fraud programs or policies.
  • Prepare analytical data, reports, and responses to inquiries regarding existing immigration enforcement/anti-fraud programs or policies.
  • Develop or recommend procedures for implementing immigration enforcement/anti-fraud programs or policies.

GS-14: You qualify at the GS-14 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, which is equivalent to at least the GS-13 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:
  • Analyze issues related to the establishment of anti-fraud and other national security-related program goals and objectives.
  • Devise and implement long-range project management plans and determining the actions necessary to accomplish these objectives.
  • Provide technical and administrative guidance on policies and procedures.
  • Liaise and collaborate with management and internal/external entities.
  • Oversee development of research on immigration benefit programs.

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 06/17/2026.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 the residential, paid USCIS BASIC Officer training program, lasting six weeks, at a USCIS training facility. Both trainings must be successfully completed 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.
Training: New recruits will attend a 6-week BASIC training program (if not previously attended). This technical training must be successfully completed 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. FOBTP: Selectees will be required to attend FOBTP (FDNS Officer Basic Training Program). A pre-requisite to this course is attendance at USCIS BASIC (if not previously attended).
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.
Additional information
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.
If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.
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 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to our Staffing Helpdesk.
DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance...