Summary
Are you ready to defend the homeland? Launch a dynamic and rewarding career as a Deportation Officer with Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO) at ICE! Join a dedicated team safeguarding U.S. borders and upholding immigration laws, playing a key role in defending our nation.
This entry-level role requires no college degree and offers up to $50,000 in signing and retention bonuses. If you're driven and ready to serve with pride, join ICE and become a vital part of homeland security!
This job is open to
Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.
Clarification from the agency
This announcement is open to applicants who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee eligible under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) or Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and whose current or last permanent position of record is in the local commuting area of the announced duty location.
Duties
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 noncitizens who pose a threat to national security and/or public safety
- Conducting custody determinations regarding the detention of noncitizens 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 noncitizens 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 noncitizens 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 noncitizens to foreign countries as well as performing various aspects of custodial operations related to civil immigration enforcement.
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Common Definitions of terms found in this announcement.
These are non-bargaining unit positions.
The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), and or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707.
Veterans,
Peace Corps/
VISTA volunteers, and
persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.
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.
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.
Promotion Potential: When promotion potential is shown, the agency is not making a commitment and is not obligated to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Future promotions will be dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and administrative approval.
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 complete and PASS a pre-employment drug test as a condition of employment. Employees are subject to drug testing in compliance with the Agency's Drug-Free Workplace Program.
- 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.
- A mandatory pre-employment physical fitness test (PFT) will be used to screen applicants who are required to attend the ICE Basic Immigration Enforcement Training Program (BIETP) and Deportation Officer Transition Program (DOTP).
- Requirement to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance.
- You will be required to carry a firearm while performing the duties of this position. Maintaining firearm proficiency is also mandatory.
- This position requires the selectee to carry a firearm. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition (Title 18, U.S.C. Section 922 (g) (9)).
- Applicants who have completed HSI SA Training, Border Patrol Integrated, and CBP Officer Training will be exempted from attending BIETP, but will be required to attend the Deportation Officer Transition Program (DOTP).
- Relevant Experience (see Qualifications Section)
- Travel: You will be required to travel.
- You must complete a pre-employment medical examination and be found to meet the medical standards for the position.
- If referred for a polygraph, you will be required to travel at your expense to complete the polygraph exam and obtain a favorable result in order to continue in the hiring process.
- Additional requirements located under "ADDITONAL INFORMATION"
Qualifications
You qualify for the GS-9 grade level if you possess one of the following: Experience: One (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-7 grade level or equivalent performing duties such as:
- Assisting with the apprehension of individuals that are accused of violating immigration or related laws;
- Assisting in preparing investigative reports in sufficient detail and accuracy to support possible prosecution and/or administrative action;
- Performing law enforcement support duties such as taking fingerprints and photographs;
- Conducting routine interviews; using various law enforcement methods and techniques (e.g., observation, interviews, document inspection, data analysis, etc.) to respond to a variety of immigration inquiries and complaints;
- Documenting, transporting, deporting, and/or escorting criminal and non-criminal aliens under the guidance of a more senior officer; OR
Education: A master's (or equivalent graduate degree such as a L.L.B/J.D.) or 2 academic years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree. Graduate level education must have been from an accredited college or university and must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of successfully completed graduate level education beyond the first full year and experience as described above that when combined meets 100% of the requirement. Graduate level education must have been from an accredited college or university and must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.
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.
Requirements by Closing Date: Unless otherwise noted, you must meet all requirements by the closing date of the announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification.
Physical Abilities Assessment: All applicants must pass the PAA prior to graduation from FLETC. The PAA consists of two parts: Criterion Task Test (CTT) and a 1.5 mile run. The CTT consists of a timed obstacle course that involves a vehicle exit, barrier surmount, low crawl, window egress, stair climb, repeat crawl, pre-cuffing position, 175 lbs. dummy drag, repeat barrier surmount, and a sprint. The CTT is then followed by a 1.5 mile run in 14 minutes and 30 seconds or less.
Motor Vehicle Operation: You must possess a valid state driver's license and be able to drive an automobile or light truck. You may also need to obtain and maintain a state commercial driver's license to operate an over-the-road bus capable of transporting 30 or more persons.
Age Restrictions: The date immediately preceding an individual's 40th birthday is the last day to be referred for selection (PL 93-950 and 100-238). However, the age restriction may not apply to individuals who are qualified preference-eligible veterans or who are currently or have previously served in a federal civilian (not military) law enforcement position covered by 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or 5 U.S.C.§ 8412(d).
Training: Candidates selected will be required to attend and successfully complete the ERO Basic Immigration Law Enforcement Training Program located at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC). DO training is approximately 13 weeks in duration and a 5-week Spanish Language Training Program. Failure to complete the Spanish language training will result in removal from the DO position. Please note, in accordance to ERO Training policy 11158; no one will be permitted to attend more than two ERO Academy training sessions.
NOTE: Employees who do not successfully complete basic immigration law enforcement training and are terminated from training are ineligible to return to the ERO Academy for training, unless selected as a law enforcement officer under a different vacancy announcement.
No one will be permitted to attend more than two ERO Academy training sessions.
Additional information
Geographic Locations: You may choose ONE 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. Upon final job offer you may be offered a duty location that is not within your geographic preferences. You must be willing to accept any duty location that falls within the area of responsibility (AOR) of one of the 25 Field Offices (FOD) listed in this vacancy announcement. For example, if offered FOD Atlanta, you may be offered a final duty location of Lumpkin, GA. If you decline the duty location offered during the official job offer, you will be removed from further consideration and will have to reapply to a new announcement.
Location: Selectees are required to pay all expenses to initial duty location. Travel expenses for training will be at Agency expense.
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.
E-Verify: 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.
Suitability: 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.
Background Investigation: To ensure 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 clearance 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.
Medical Requirements: This position has medical requirements. Click here for information about the medical process. You must complete a pre-employment medical examination and be found to meet the medical standards for this position.
Polygraph: ICE has designated this position for polygraph testing, which you may be required to submit to as a pre-employment requirement. If referred for polygraph testing, you will be required to travel to a testing location at your own expense. If you previously had an unsuccessful ICE administered polygraph examination within the last 2-Years, ICE will use those results, which will eliminate you from continuing in the hiring process.
NOTE: Applicants currently serving in the ICE Deportation Officer position cannot use this announcement for reassignment, promotion or change to lower grade purposes.
A student loan repayment incentive may be available, in which case a service agreement will be required.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
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
- Interpersonal Skills
- Oral Communication
- Organizational Awareness
- Reading
- 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 found well qualified and meet the minimum specialized experience required, 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).
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not ICTAP eligible. View information about
ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered well qualified under ICTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.
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.
Required Documents
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.
- Your Resume NOTE: For what to include in the resume, click on the link:
- Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) or a list of coursework with hours completed. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. For example, specific courses accepted for college-level credit by an accredited U.S. college or university, or foreign education evaluated by an organization recognized for accreditation by the Department of Education as education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. college or university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information.
- Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)? Submit documentation verifying your CTAP eligibility - this includes a copy of your agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location.
- Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Interagency Career Transition Plan (ICTAP)? If so, submit a copy of your agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) noting your current position, grade level, and duty location.
- Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: Position title, type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee), agency and beginning and ending dates of appointment.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, you must complete the Occupational Questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12822238 and submit the required documentation outlined under the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section.
The complete initial Application must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 10/31/2025.
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 on10/31/2025.
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.