Are ICE Officers Required to Take a Hiring Exam?

Overview: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

Are you interested in a law enforcement position within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)? It can be confusing trying to figure out what entrance exam is required. Here is what you need to know.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is responsible for enforcing U.S. immigration and customs laws. It is the largest investigative agency in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). ICE employs over 20,000 workers, and plans to hire between 10,000–15,000 new officers going forward. 

The two primary law enforcement functions within ICE are Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Hiring Exams

If you are searching for “ICE Entrance Exams,” you won’t find it. There is no exam at the ICE department level. Instead, you need to focus on the departments within ICE called the ERO or HSI as explained next.

Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers enforce the nation’s immigration laws. It identifies and apprehends illegal aliens, detaining those individuals when necessary and removing them from the United States.

ERO Officers Do Not have Entrance Exam

There are two law enforcement arms within the ERO: Deportation Officers (DO) and Detention and Deportation Officers (DDO). These officer positions are not required to take a pre-employment written exam.

HSI Special Agent Candidates Exam

The HSI is responsible for investigating a wide range of domestic and international activities arising from the illegal movement of people and goods into, within, and out of the United States. 

HSI Special Agent applicants must pass the HSI Phase 1 and Phase 2 written exam.

Learn all about the HSI Special Agent exams and how best to prepare.