Duties
Organizational Location: These positions are located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, in Atlanta, Georgia; Baltimore, Maryland; Buffalo, New York; Burlington, Massachusetts; Centennial, Colorado; Chantilly, Virginia; Chicago, Illinois; Dallas, Texas; Detroit, Michigan; El Paso, Texas; Fort Snelling, Minnesota; Harlingen, Texas; Houston, Texas; Los Angeles, California; Miami, Florida; New Orleans, Louisiana; New York, New York; Newark, New Jersey; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Phoenix, Arizona; San Antonio, Texas; San Diego, California; San Francisco, California; Seattle, Washington; West Valley City, Utah.
Please note: Vacancies may be filled anywhere within the field office Area of Consideration (AOC). Click here to see a list of all Enforcement and Removal Operations office locations. You have the opportunity to identify two (2) geographic preferences in your application. Your preference locations are NOT guaranteed. The duty location extended at the final job offer will be based on the needs of the Agency and availability of positions and funding.
As a Deportation Officer, at the full performance level you will perform the following duties:
- Performing law enforcement duties to investigate, identify, locate, arrest, detain, prosecute, and remove foreign nationals who pose a threat to national security and public safety, as well as those that enter the United States illegally with the intent to undermine the integrity of the nation's immigration laws and border control efforts.
- Conducting difficult, complex, and sensitive investigations that require development of new or substantially modified methods in order to resolve anticipated problems for the purpose of identifying violators of immigration laws through the use of investigative methods and techniques as well as determining citizenship, to include gathering facts and evidence pertaining to aliens who pose a threat to national security and/or public safety.
- Conducting custody determinations regarding the detention of aliens in accordance with constitutional law, federal statutes, regulations and policies; coordinating and negotiating with domestic and foreign law enforcement agencies to manage the detention and removal of aliens in the U.S.; and sharing compiled actionable intelligence information with law enforcement intelligence communities.
- Interviewing witnesses and interrogating suspects to gather critical information and evidence; obtaining and serving criminal and civil warrants of arrest; serving as agency lead on interagency, federal, state, and local law enforcement task forces to address threats to national security or public safety, as well as processing, detaining, and transporting aliens throughout the legal process.
- Determining legal sufficiency to identify cases that meet the elements of a federal crime and the prosecutorial guidelines of the U.S. Attorney's Office (USAO); presenting cases for criminal proceedings; preparing and issuing subpoenas in support of criminal prosecutions; and initiating both criminal and civil prosecutions and deporting aliens to foreign countries as well as performing various aspects of custodial operations related to civil immigration enforcement.
Salary: The salary range indicated in this announcement reflects the lowest and highest potential salaries for this position. The actual salary range will be based on the applicable locality pay for the selected duty location. General Schedule locality pay tables may be found under
Salaries & Wages.
NOTE: Applicants currently serving in the ICE Deportation Officer position cannot use this announcement for reassignment, promotion or change to lower grade purposes.
This announcement will be used to fill vacancies within ICE, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), as vacancies occur.
Applicants may select up to two (2) preferred locations. Although the announcement advertises for multiple locations, vacancies may not exist at every location listed on this job announcement.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position
- You must successfully pass a background investigation.
- You must successfully pass a drug screen.
- Males born after 12/31/59 must certify registration with Selective Service.
- Requirements by Closing Date: Unless otherwise noted, you must meet all requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
- Time in Grade: Current Federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade in the Federal service. Time in grade requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
- Probationary Period: This is a full-time permanent position (Career/Career-Conditional appointment). Upon appointment to this position, you may be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
Qualifications
Please limit your resume to 5 pages. If more than 5 pages are submitted, only the first 5 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
You qualify for the GS-11 grade level if you possess one of the following:
Experience: One (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-09 grade level or equivalent performing duties such as:
- Investigate: Supporting criminal investigations related to alleged or suspected violations of immigration laws, regulations, and policies; and performing investigative functions from planning and fact finding to reporting the results of an investigation.
- Identify and Locate: Identifying and locating aliens who may pose a threat to national security and/or public safety utilizing various methods and techniques which may include the use of actionable intelligence, use of surveillance systems and agency database systems or participation in the interview of witnesses or interrogation of suspects; and initiating removal proceedings.
- Arrest: Obtaining and serving criminal and civil warrants of arrest; participating in interagency law enforcement taskforce operations by providing support to senior officers; and initiating criminal and civil proceedings against immigration violators.
- Custody: Conducting legal research to support custody decisions; recommending custody determinations regarding detention of aliens; under the guidance of senior officers,performing initial review of legal proceedings to deport from the U.S. or release from custody; performing armed and/or unarmed escort of detainees from one facility to another or to country of origin ensuring sufficient documentation for transport; supervising and transporting detainees (including medical, court and prison pick-ups); and ensuring the safe, secure, and humane treatment of detainees while in custody.
- Prosecute: Performing initial review of case documentation to determine legal sufficiency for prosecutorial guidelines and reporting findings to senior officers; preparing criminal complaints, developing facts, gathering evidence, and assisting in the preparation of investigative reports in support of possible prosecution and/or civil action; and providing sworn testimony in Federal, state and local courts.
- Deportation: Performing initial review of case documentation for legal sufficiency determining if agency prosecutorial guidelines are met and reporting findings to senior officers; obtaining case history information for use in determining appropriate custody conditions in support of the adjudication and response to applications for immigration benefits; assisting in the planning, coordination, and execution of the deportation of alien detainees; and maintaining control of assigned aliens.
- Partnering: Performing detention responsibilities assuring appropriate detainee care (physical, mental, and civil rights); reporting findings of conditions observed in contracted state, local and private detention facilities to journeyman level officers and making recommendations for corrective action; and maintaining relationships with state and local law enforcement entities to share information and respond to inquiries. OR
Education: A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; or three full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.M if related. (This education must have been obtained from an accredited college or university and demonstrate the skills necessary to do the work of the position. Check with your school or university to determine how many credit hours comprise three years of graduate education. If that information is not available, use 54 semester or 81 quarters hours.) OR
Combining Education and Experience: A combination of successfully completion of graduate level education and experience. This will be calculated using your resume and unofficial transcripts or a list of courses/course hours submitted with your application.
GS-12: You qualify for the GS-12 grade level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level or equivalent in the Federal Service performing duties in at least THREE (3) of the following major categories:
- Investigate: Reviewing evidence and documentation, analyzing trends, viewing records and/or concerning evidence and other barriers that complicate a case, establishing the interrelationships of facts and evidence; preparing criminal and civil complaints, requesting records, preparing and issuing subpoenas, and taking witness statements.
- Identify and Locate: Identifying and locating aliens who pose a threat to national security and public safety, using actionable intelligence developed through human sources such as detainee population, general public, open sources, and law enforcement contacts; Using a broad range of technologies including biometric software and high speed surveillance systems.
- Arrest: Interviewing witnesses and interrogating suspects, obtaining and serving criminal and civil warrants of arrest for those individuals located in the U.S. which may include use of various levels of force (e.g., deadly force), and initiating deportation and/or criminal proceedings regardless of whether or not the individual is in the custody of another LEA.
- Custody: Conducting legal research to support custody decisions regarding the detention of aliens in federal court actions, to include writs of habeas corpus and mandamus petitions and assisting ICE trial attorneys and U.S. attorneys in representing the government in court actions; making recommendations for custody determinations regarding the detention of aliens.
- Prosecute: Reviewing cases for legal sufficiency and making recommendations regarding whether they meet the elements of a federal crime and/or administrative violations and the prosecutorial guidelines of the U.S. Attorney's Office (USAO); maintaining security of restricted and classified materials; preparing criminal complaints through affidavits, development of facts, and gathering of evidence to support prosecution.
- Deportation: Reviewing cases for legal sufficiency to identify and process for removal, violators of federal immigration laws who meet agency prosecutorial guidelines; presenting cases for civil deportation proceedings including those to federal attorneys; recommending custody conditions and preparing formal detailed documentation for the purpose of adjudication and responding to applications for immigration benefits or relief, including bonds, parole, voluntary departure, stays of removal, and deferred action.
- Partnering: Adhering to any mandatory legal, regulatory or policy requirements under international treaties and agreements regarding consular notification and access; collecting, evaluating and reporting information based on national intelligence collection requirements to include those related to national security, such as terrorism and proliferation of weapons and technology, the president's strategy to combat transnational organized crime, and illegal trafficking of weapons, persons, drugs, and money.
Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification.
Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
Education
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS (continued):
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 critical 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 experience.
Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime (AUO): This position may require substantial amounts of irregular or occasional overtime. You may be required to work on an unscheduled basis in excess of the 40-hour workweek. You must be readily available to perform this unscheduled overtime on a continual basis. To compensate you for this irregular and occasional overtime, you may receive premium pay in the form of Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime (AUO). AUO is currently authorized for this position. However, authorization for AUO is dependent upon the incumbent meeting certain regulatory criteria and is subject to change.
Age Restriction: In accordance with Public Law 100-238, this position is covered under enforcement retirement provisions; therefore, you must be appointed to the position before reaching your 40th birthday unless you presently serve or have previously served in a Federal civilian enforcement position and will have a total of 20 years of coverage prior to your 60th birthday. Note: Veterans' preference eligibles are exempt from this restriction.
Completion of Training: You must have successfully completed Basic Immigration Law Enforcement Training in accordance with 8 CFR 287.1(g) and other applicable agency policy. This includes successful completion of the Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement & Removal Operations (ERO) Basic Immigration Law Enforcement Training Program (ICE_BIETP); ICE Detention & Removal Operations (DRO) Basic Immigration Law Enforcement Training Program (ICE_D); the legacy Immigration Officer Basic Training Course (IOBTC); the Border Patrol Academy (USBPI); the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Academy Officer Basic Training Program (OBT); the combination of both the legacy Basic Immigration Detention Enforcement Officer Training Course and the ICE DRO Equivalency Training Program (ETP); the ICE Special Agent Training Program; the combination of FLETC Criminal Investigator Training Program and the DRO Equivalency Training Program for Special Agents (ETPSA) and for legacy US Customs Special Agents, the ICE / Customs Special Agent Cross Training Program. Due to regulatory requirements, no other training will be accepted. (Note: Completion of training is subject to verification; you must submit a copy of the Training Certificate).
Note: If you previously completed one of the basic immigration law enforcement training courses listed above, but have had a significant break of three years or more from a position that initially required this training, you will be required to attend and successfully complete a new ICE basic law enforcement training course as a condition of your employment. Failure to successfully complete the academy will result in your removal from this position.
Deportation Officer Transition Program (DOTP): Selectees who have not previously held a position as a Deportation Officer, Detention and Deportation Officer, Supervisory Deportation Officer, or Supervisory Detention and Deportation Officer and have not previously attended the six-week DOTP will be required to do so after entrance on duty. Successful completion of this course is mandatory per agency policy. Failure to successfully complete the academy will result in your removal from this position.
Firearms Requirement: You will be required to carry a firearm while performing duties of this position. Maintaining firearm proficiency is also mandatory. You must satisfactorily complete (or have previously completed) the firearms component of the Criminal Investigation Training Program at Glynco, GA. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition. A "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence" is generally defined under the statute as any offense involving the use or attempted use of physical force, or the threatened use of deadly weapon, committed by the victim's current or former domestic partner, parent, or guardian. The term "convicted", as defined in the statute, excludes any person whose conviction has been expunged, set aside, or pardoned or any person whose civil rights have been restored unless the pardon, expungement, or restoration of civil rights expressly prohibits the possession of firearms or ammunition. Candidates who have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence within the meaning of the referenced statute are not qualified for this position. Candidates under consideration will be required to certify whether they have ever been convicted of such an offense. False or fraudulent information provided by candidates is criminally punishable by fine or imprisonment [Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1001].
Motor Vehicle Operation: This position requires a valid state driver's license and the ability to operate an automobile.
Polygraph: ICE has designated this position for polygraph testing, which you may be required to submit to, and successfully complete, as a pre-employment requirement. If referred for polygraph testing, you will be required to travel to a testing location at your own expense. (Current ICE employees applying to this position are not subject to polygraph testing.)
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS (continued):
Background Investigation: Toensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet these standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully obtain and maintain a background investigation for Secret as a condition of placement into this position. This may include a credit check, 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.
Benefits: DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education, and training will be rated using an Assessment Questionnaire that is based on the following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job:
- Accountability
- Attention to Detail
- Decision Making
- Information Management
- Oral Communication
- Technical Competence
- Technology Application
- Writing
Based on your responses, you will receive a score from the Assessment Questionnaire between 70 and 100.
If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview.
Interviews may be required for this position. Failure to complete the interview may result in removal from further consideration.
Due weight will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards in merit promotion selection decisions in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3).
Pursuant to Executive Order 12564, and the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan, ICE is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions (testing designated positions) are subject to random drug testing. Moreover, other drug testing of employees (e.g., reasonable suspicion drug test) may be conducted in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. All applicants tentatively selected for employment at ICE are subject to pre-employment drug testing and a final offer of employment is contingent upon a negative drug test result.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, you must complete the Occupational Questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12769275 and submit the required documentation outlined under the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section.
The complete initial Application must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 07/30/2025.
PLEASE NOTE: If your materials are not received by the closing date, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible. Also, if you do not provide a valid email address, you may not be notified of the outcome of your application.
To begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and or required supporting documentation. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English. We encourage you to apply online.
Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM eastern standard time on07/30/2025.
It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application.
One or more positions may be filled using this vacancy announcement.
Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
Next steps
Once you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best-qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information." We expect to make a job offer within 60 days after the deadline for applications. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. View more information on applying for federal employment.
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 Management and Budget (OMB) and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.