Deportation Officer (Over 40) Job

Vacancy No. ERO-12780340-DHA-RY Department Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Salary $63,148.00 to $101,860.00 Grade 9 to 9
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 8/8/2025 Close Date 2/15/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Phoenix, AZLos Angeles, CASan Diego, CASan Francisco, CA


Summary

Are you ready to join the ICE mission? Begin your dynamic and rewarding career as a Deportation Officer with ERO at ICE! Join a dedicated team safeguarding U.S. borders and upholding immigration laws, playing a key role in defending our nation.

This role offers up to $50,000 in recruitment bonuses. If you're ready to serve with pride once again, apply and reclaim your vital role in preserving homeland security!

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

These positions will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority for the occupation and is open to all U.S. citizens.

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.
This is an open continuous announcement until February 15, 2026. The initial cut-off date for qualified applicants to be considered and referred for available vacant positions will be August 15, 2025. Additional cut-off dates will be determined based on the needs of the agency,

View Common Definitions of terms found in this announcement.

These are non-bargaining unit positions.

Recruitment incentives available to eligible candidates require a service agreement.

A student loan repayment incentive may be available, in which case a service agreement will be required.

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 .
  • Additional requirements located under "ADDITONAL INFORMATION"

Qualifications

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-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: Successful completion of a Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of graduate education leading to such a degree or a J.D. or L.L. B. degree. (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 two years of graduate education. If that information is not available, use 36 semester or 54 quarter hours.); OR

Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of successfully completed education and experience. This will be calculated using your resume and unofficial transcripts or a list of courses/course hours submitted with your application.

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification.

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.

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.

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).

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]

Work Conditions: This job requires considerable and strenuous physical exertion. Surveillance frequently require extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, and crawling through a variety of terrain. The work involves high risks with exposure to a wide variety of potential dangerous situations and unusual environmental stress. The officer typically works long and irregular hours, on weekends, holidays, and at night.

Education

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.

Medical Requirements: This position has medical requirements. You must pass medical clearance 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 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.

Additional information

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Direct Hire Authority: These positions will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority. The "Rule of Three", Category Rating and Veterans Preference will not apply to this vacancy. For more information on Direct Hire Authority, please see: OPM Direct Hire Fact Sheet.

Veterans: Although the Direct Hire Authority permits hiring without regard to Veterans Preference, applicants who are eligible for Veterans Preference are still encouraged to include that information in their application and submit supporting documentation (i.e. DD-214, or other substantiating documents). Staffing Policy View information on veterans' preference.

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 eligible under ICTAP, you must be placed in the well qualified category for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this job announcement.

Note: One or more positions may be filled using this vacancy announcement.

Required Documents

  1. Resume showing relevant experience, education and training. Work experience must include: job title, duties, employer's name, employer's telephone number, employer's address, starting and ending dates (MM/YY), hours worked per week, and indicate whether or not we may contact your current supervisor. 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 (for more information, see the Frequently Asked Questions about the Five-Page Resume Limit).
  2. 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.
  3. Are you a veteran? Submit Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 or other (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) or notice form. Those applying for 10-Point preference must fill out the SF-15 and provide documentation that demonstrates preference eligibility. If applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification. This must indicate your dates of service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions. View more veterans' information.
  4. 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.
  5. Are you a current or former federal employee? Submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action that demonstrates your eligibility for consideration, e.g., length of time you have been in your current grade; your highest grade held; your current promotion potential and proof of permanent appointment if applying based on an interchange agreement. Examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, within-grade increases and accessions.
  6. 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/12780340 and submit the required documentation outlined under the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section.

The complete initial Application must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 02/15/2026.

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 on02/15/2026.

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.

Agency contact information

HROC ERO Staffing Unit
Address
ERO DIRECTOR
500 12th Street SW
Washington, DC 20536
US

Next steps

Once you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the minimially 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.

Additional Locations

  • Centennial, CO
  • Washington, DC
  • Miami, FL
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Chicago, IL
  • New Orleans, LA
  • Boston, MA
  • Baltimore, MD
  • Detroit, MI
  • Saint Paul, MN
  • Newark, NJ
  • Buffalo, NY
  • New York, NY
  • Philadelphia, PA
  • Dallas, TX
  • El Paso, TX
  • Harlingen, TX
  • Houston, TX
  • San Antonio, TX
  • Salt Lake City, UT
  • Seattle, WA


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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