View source for ICE vs CBP vs HSI vs ERO

= [[ICE]] vs CBP vs HSI vs ERO =

== Overview ==
The United States immigration-enforcement system is split across several agencies with overlapping but distinct responsibilities. Understanding the differences between [[ICE]], CBP, HSI, and ERO helps identify which units appear in incidents, how they operate, and how they cooperate with state and local law enforcement.

== CBP: [[Customs and Border Protection]] ==
CBP operates primarily at and near the border.
* Manages ports of entry: airports, seaports, and land crossings.
* Conducts passport and visa inspections.
* Patrols between ports of entry through the U.S. Border Patrol.
* Handles customs duties, trade enforcement, cargo inspections, and smuggling interceptions.
* Controls initial admissions and denials of entry.

CBP is usually responsible for uniformed officers at airports, border stations, and international checkpoints.

== [[ICE]]: [[Immigration and Customs Enforcement]] ==
[[ICE]] operates mainly inside the United States (interior enforcement).
* Enforces federal immigration law within the country.
* Identifies, arrests, detains, and removes people subject to deportation.
* Conducts investigations into cross-border crime, trafficking, financial violations, and document fraud.
* Works with local police, sheriff offices, and federal task forces.

[[ICE]] has two main enforcement branches: HSI and ERO.

== HSI: [[Homeland Security Investigations]] (Branch of [[ICE]]) ==
HSI is the criminal-investigations arm of [[ICE]].
* Investigates human trafficking, human smuggling, and transnational crime.
* Targets narcotics, weapons trafficking, and gang networks.
* Handles financial crimes, money laundering, and trade fraud.
* Conducts cybercrime and child-exploitation investigations.
* Often operates in plain clothes with tactical vests.

HSI focuses on criminal cases, not civil immigration violations.

== ERO: [[Enforcement and Removal Operations]] (Branch of [[ICE]]) ==
ERO is [[ICE]]’s immigration-enforcement arm.
* Locates and arrests undocumented individuals inside the U.S.
* Manages [[ICE]] detention centers and private-contracted facilities.
* Oversees custody, processing, transport, and deportations.
* Executes removal flights and transfers.
* Works with local police through programs like 287(g).

ERO is responsible for most street arrests, home raids, and detention operations.

== How They Work Together ==
Although each agency has a defined mission, operations often overlap.
* CBP transfers individuals to [[ICE]]/ERO after border apprehensions.
* HSI conducts criminal investigations that may lead to ERO removals.
* Joint task forces can include [[ICE]], CBP, FBI, DEA, and local police.
* Local law-enforcement cooperation varies widely depending on state and city policy.

Understanding which agency is involved helps accurately classify incidents, identify units, and verify footage.

== See Also ==
* [[287g Agreements Explained]]
* [[How Field Offices Operate]]
* [[Know Your Rights]]