What does ICE mean in immigration? Understanding the Role and Impact of Immigration and Customs Enforcement

What does ICE mean in immigration? Well, this is one of the most feared acronyms for the Latino population in the United States; these initials represent fear.

For many years, we have associated this name with a repressive institution that has caused upheaval for migrants who have entered the United States irregularly.

¿What does ICE mean in immigration?

We must understand that ICE is responsible for identifying criminal activities and eliminating vulnerabilities that pose a threat to the nation’s border, economic, transportation, and infrastructure security.

The functions and responsibilities now exercised by the men and women of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) trace back to the Tariff Act of 1789, the first major piece of legislation passed in the United States after the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

To protect the manufacturing industries developing in the new nation and to raise funds for the young federal government, which was struggling with debts incurred during the American Revolution.

But…what does ICE mean in immigration?

With its approval in November 2002, the Homeland Security Act initiated what would become the largest government reorganization since the creation of the Department of Defense.

Opening its doors in March 2003, one of the agencies that became part of the new Department of Homeland Security was the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office, now known as the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or ICE.

ICE was granted a unique combination of civil and criminal authorities to better protect national security and strengthen public safety in response to the deadly attacks of September 11.

Leveraging these authorities, ICE has become a powerful and sophisticated federal law enforcement agency.

Now that we know what ICE means in immigration, let’s remember some aspects of this institution.

Most Important Moments in the Creation of ICE:

The Homeland Security Act of 2002 was introduced following the September 11 attacks and subsequent postal anthrax spore mailings.

This law was co-sponsored by 118 members of Congress and signed by President George W. Bush in November 2002. The Homeland Security Act created the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the new cabinet position of the Secretary of Homeland Security.

The mission of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is to prevent terrorism and enhance security, protect, and manage U.S. borders.

Meanwhile, on March 1, 2003, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security was created by integrating all or part of 22 different federal agencies and programs into a unified and integrated department.

In doing so, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security absorbed the Immigration and Naturalization Service and the U.S. Customs Service and assumed their duties.

This led to the creation of three new agencies: the Customs and Border Protection Office, the Citizenship and Immigration Services Office, and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office (ICE).

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Notable and Controversial Events of ICE

What does ICE mean in immigration? Now that we know its meaning, one of the most notable events involving the agency was the case of Majid Al-Massari.

ICE removed Majid Al-Massari, 35, a native and citizen of Saudi Arabia and a member of an undesignated terrorist organization.

Al-Massari was ordered to be removed on June 30, 2005, and was removed on January 29, 2007. At the time of his arrest, Al-Massari was a computer security specialist in the Seattle area who used his cyber skills to participate in terrorist activities.

Another significant milestone occurred on September 1, 2007, when ICE launched its electronic travel document system, a system used to review applications for travel documents and issue travel documents electronically.

Another critical step for ICE was establishing the first Fugitive Operations Teams in 2003 to expand the agency’s efforts to locate, arrest, and remove fugitives from the United States.

Another controversial case involving ICE was the death of the Mexican teenager Sergio Hernández.

Hernández was a 15-year-old Mexican teenager on the southern side of the border when he was shot dead in 2010 by a U.S. Border Patrol agent under unclear circumstances.

What does ICE mean in immigration? You already know, but now there is something you should not forget.

If you want to learn more about ICE, it is important that you read the following article: Dead Immigrants in ICE Care: 10 deaths to date. 

How to act if ICE shows up at your door

The United States Constitution provides certain rights to undocumented immigrants. Therefore, these rights must be respected, regardless of the circumstances.

Because of this, ICE immigration officers cannot enter your home unless they present a judicial warrant.

It is important to note that there are two types of warrants: an arrest warrant (issued by ICE) and a search warrant (issued by a court).

When an officer knocks on your door, you are not obligated to open it.

First, ask the officer to identify themselves while keeping the door closed. You can ask if they are alone or accompanied and which agency they belong to.

The officer might say they are from ICE, the “Department of Homeland Security,” or be a local police officer.

Regardless of the agency they mention, do not open the door.

Ask through the closed door if they have a judicial warrant.

If they say yes, still do not open the door. Ask them to slide the warrant under the door.

Examine the warrant carefully and look for your name, address, and the sender’s signature. This way, you will know if the warrant is legal or not.

The warrant is written in English, so if you cannot understand it, seek help or translate it yourself using your phone’s translator.

If you have doubts about the validity of the warrant, slide it back under the door and say that it seems incorrect to you.

If the warrant appears valid, check who issued it, whether ICE or a court. Remember, only with a judge’s warrant can they enter your home.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT ICE

Allowing the officer to enter your home gives them the right to question anyone else inside.

This is important to know, especially when there are other foreigners in the house with immigration issues.

Once outside your home, the officer still does not have the right to enter, so close the door again.

Also, you should not sign any documents and tell the officer that you wish to call your lawyer before making any statements.