The Pour Over TPO Explains: What Is ICE and How Does It Actually Operate?
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Jan 17, 2026 The hosts take a deep dive into ICE and its role within the Department of Homeland Security. Learn why ICE was created after 9/11 and how it operates alongside other agencies. Discover the eligibility criteria for becoming an ICE agent and the distinctions between civil and criminal immigration enforcement. The discussion also highlights how ICE gathers data, the processes that follow identification, and the agency's focus on serious criminal threats. They even explore the rationale behind agents wearing masks to protect their identities.
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Why ICE Exists
- ICE stands for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and was created after 9/11 within the Department of Homeland Security.
- It was formed to consolidate agencies and improve interagency information-sharing for homeland protection.
How ICE Fits With Other Agencies
- ICE operates alongside CBP and USCIS within DHS with distinct roles.
- CBP enforces at borders, ICE enforces immigration inside the U.S., and USCIS handles immigration adjudication.
Eligibility And Training Basics
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens, meet age and education requirements, and pass background, medical, drug, and fitness tests.
- Prior law enforcement or military experience helps, and training for enforcement officers is about 27 weeks.