Which entity is responsible for Immigration Customs Enforcement?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is the entity responsible for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Established in 2003, ICE is a crucial part of the DHS, which was formed to consolidate various governmental functions related to homeland security, including immigration enforcement, border security, and disaster response.

ICE has several primary functions, including the enforcement of immigration laws, the investigation of customs violations, and the combatting of transnational crime. By being part of the DHS, ICE aligns with broader national security objectives and policies, ensuring a coordinated approach to immigration issues within the larger framework of homeland security.

The other entities listed, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), focus primarily on criminal investigations and national security threats, and do not handle immigration enforcement in the same capacity as ICE. Similarly, the United Nations Refugee Agency addresses international refugee protection and does not enforce U.S. immigration laws. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is another agency within DHS but primarily focuses on border security and customs enforcement, rather than the enforcement of immigration laws specifically.