How to Become an Ice Agent
The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, also known as I.C.E., serves as a branch department under the United States Department of Homeland Security. I.C.E. operates out of 26 field offices within the United States and over 50 international offices worldwide. The objective of I.C.E. is to protect the United States and uphold safety, through investigating illegal activities presenting threats to the security of the nation's borders, including drug trafficking and illegal immigration. Becoming an I.C.E. agent can be difficult, but can also be a very rewarding career choice.
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Things You'll Need
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- Educational credentials
- Personal references
- Clean criminal history
- Strong eyesight and hearing
Instructions
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Obtain a minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, or possess at least three years of progressively responsible work experience. Work experience must be at least equivalent to a GL-4 level position to qualify. Meeting the minimum I.C.E. agent job requirements will result in a GL-5 level position. Individuals possessing additional experience and educational credentials may be elevated to GL-7 or GL-9 status.
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Prove U.S. citizenship and required government work history. At the time of the job application, qualified candidates will have met one of the following conditions for at least three of the previous five years: 1) residency in the United States; 2) government employment overseas in a federal or military capacity; or 3) been a dependent of a government employee in a federal or military capacity stationed overseas.
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Complete a set of two interviews. The first interview is a structured oral interview with three I.C.E. criminal investigators. No prior knowledge is necessary for the interviews. The investigators will evaluate situational thinking by providing you with a series of scenarios and asking for responses. The objective of the oral interview is to evaluate your judgment and decision making, emotional maturity, and ability to relate to other people in various situations. The criteria used to evaluate the interview will be either pass or fail. However, a successful candidate must receive all passes to advance in the hiring process. The second interview will be conducted the same day as the oral interview, and will be a personal question and answer session with an I.C.E. management official. This interview will serve as supplementary evidence in the final decision making of the hiring process.
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Prepare a writing sample on the same day as the oral and personal interviews. You will be given a photograph and asked to write a descriptive summary of everything that appears in the photograph. You will be evaluated on your ability to present ideas, writing skills, organization and grammar. You must receive a passing grade to advance in the hiring process.
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Clear the personal background check, including criminal, employment, and drug use background. In addition to the background check, you will also need to meet the physical and medical requirements. This involves passing a medical exam. Candidates must meet minimum requirements in physical abilities, vision, hearing. Hired candidates will report to a 22-week basic training program, and must be willing to accept relocation as assigned. Candidates must be younger than 37 years old, and be capable of carrying and operating a firearm.
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