ICE, ERO and HSI Written Exams

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

 
DHS Organizational Chart

Learn about the HSI Special Agent Entrance Exam

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) Entrance Exams

HSI Special Agents

ICE Officer candidates are not required to pass an Entrance Exam.

ERO enforces the nation’s immigration laws in a fair and effective manner. It identifies and apprehends removable aliens, detaining those individuals when necessary and removing them from the United States. 

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

Summary: Officer job titles do not have entrance exams, but Special Agent position do.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent Exam

HSI Special Agent

Learn about the HSI Special Agent Entrance 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 several challenging entrance exams. The HSI Written exam consists of Phase 1 and Phase 2 assessment.

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