As a Deportation Officer at the Entry Level you will work with more experienced officers to provide support and perform the following segments of work related to immigration investigation, custody, identification and location, arrest, prosecution and deportation:
- Assist with the apprehension of individuals that are accused of violating immigration or related laws;
- Assist with preparing investigative reports in sufficient detail and accuracy to support possible prosecution and/or administrative action;
- Perform law enforcement support duties such as taking fingerprints and photographs;
- Conduct routine interviews using various law enforcement methods and techniques (e.g., observation, interviews, document inspection, data analysis, etc.) to respond to a variety of immigration inquiries and complaints; and
- Document, transport, deport, and/or escort criminal and non-criminal migrants under the guidance of a more senior officer.
- Initiate both criminal and civil prosecutions and deport migrants to foreign countries as well as performing various aspects of custodial operations related to civil immigration enforcement.
This is an open continuous announcement until 09/30/2026
. The initial cut-off date for qualified applicants to be considered will be set for 05/31/2026. Additional cut-off dates for referral to hiring managers for selection consideration will be established by the agency as needed.
NOTE: Applicants currently serving in the ICE Deportation Officer position cannot use this announcement for reassignment, promotion or change to lower grade purposes.
View Common Definitions of terms found in this announcement.
These are non-bargaining unit positions.
The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), and or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.
Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
Probationary Period: This is a full-time permanent position (Career/Career-Conditional appointment). Upon appointment to this position, you may be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
Promotion Potential: When promotion potential is shown, the agency is not making a commitment and is not obligated to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Future promotions will be dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and administrative approval.
- You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
- You must successfully pass a background investigation.
- Complete the initial online assessment and USAHire Assessment, if required
- You must complete and PASS a pre-employment drug test as a condition of employment. Employees are subject to drug testing in compliance with the Agency's Drug-Free Workplace Program.
- Males born after 12/31/59 must certify registration with Selective Service.
- Requirements by Closing Date: Unless otherwise noted, you must meet all requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
- Probationary Period: This is a full-time permanent position (Career/Career-Conditional appointment). Upon appointment to this position, you may be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
- A mandatory pre-employment physical fitness test (PFT) will be used to screen applicants who are required to attend the ICE Basic Immigration Enforcement Training Program (BIETP) and Deportation Officer Transition Program (DOTP).
- Requirement to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance.
- You will be required to carry a firearm while performing the duties of this position. Maintaining firearm proficiency is also mandatory.
- This position requires the selectee to carry a firearm. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition (Title 18, U.S.C. Section 922 (g) (9)).
- Applicants who have completed HSI SA training, BP Integrated, CBP Officer Training and/or a Local, State or other Federal Law Enforcement training with arrest authority will be exempted from attending BIETP, but will be required to attend the DOTP.
- Relevant Experience (see Qualifications Section)
- Travel: You will be required to travel.
- You must complete a pre-employment medical examination and be found to meet the medical standards for the position.
- If referred for a polygraph, you will be required to travel at your expense to complete the polygraph exam and obtain a favorable result in order to continue in the hiring process.
- Additional requirements located under "ADDITONAL INFORMATION"
Please limit your resume to 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
You qualify for the GL-5 grade level if you possess one of the following:
Experience: Three (3) years of progressively responsible general experience, one (1) year of which was equivalent to at least a GS-4, in the Federal government. The experience must demonstrate the ability to: analyze problems to identify significant factors, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions; plan and organize work; communicate effectively orally and in writing; and deal effectively with others in person-to-person situations. (Note: Such experience may have been gained in administrative, professional, technical, investigative, or other responsible work. Experience in substantive and relevant secretarial, clerical, or other responsible work is qualifying if it provided evidence of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of this position. Experience of a general clerical nature, i.e. typing, filing, routine procedural processing, maintaining records, or other non-specialized tasks, is NOT creditable.);
OR-
Education: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in any field leading to a Bachelor's degree. This education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. One year of full-time undergraduate study is defined as 30 semester or 45 quarter hours;
OR-
Combination of Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements for GL-5 and will be computed by first determining the total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience requirement; then determining education as a percentage of the education requirement; and then adding the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent.
You qualify for the GL-7 grade level if you possess one of the following:
Experience: One (1) year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-5 level in the Federal government) performing basic trainee level duties such as: conducting interviews and writing basic reports to be included in case records; securing signed statements, affidavits and documentary evidence; searching databases to obtain information; answering general inquiries from federal, state, and local government representatives; and under the guidance of a more experienced officer, providing support for the arrest of individuals accused of violating immigration law;
OR-
Education: Successful completion one year of full-time graduate level education at an accredited college or university. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.
OR-
Superior Academic Achievement: Successful completion of all the requirements for a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and claim eligibility for superior academic achievement based on one of the following:
- Class standing in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses;
- Grade-point average (G.P.A.) - Applicants must have a grade-point average of:
- 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or
- 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.
- Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.
OR-
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of successfully completed graduate education in an appropriate discipline and experience as described above. To meet total qualification requirements for GS-7, first determine the total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required; then determine the education as a percentage of the education required; and then add the two percentages. The total combination must equal at least 100 percent of the requirement.
A college transcript(s) is required if claiming education in lieu of experience and must show your grade point average for your undergraduate study, including all transferred courses. GPAs are rounded to one decimal place. For example, 2.95 will round to 3.0 and 2.94 will round to 2.9.
National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Requirements by Closing Date: Unless otherwise noted, you must meet all requirements by the closing date of the announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification.
Physical Abilities Assessment (PAA): All applicants must pass the PAA prior to graduation from FLETC. The PAA consists of four parts: 1-Dynamic warn-up (non-scored); 2 - a 220-yard sprint in 47 seconds or less; 3 - an obstacle course in 1 minute and 30 seconds (1:30) or less; and 4 - a 1.5 mile run in 14 minutes (14:00) or less.
Motor Vehicle Operation: You must possess a valid state driver's license and be able to drive an automobile or light truck. You may also need to obtain and maintain a state commercial driver's license to operate an over-the-road bus capable of transporting 30 or more persons.
Age Restrictions: The date immediately preceding an individual's 40th birthday is the last day to be referred for selection (PL 93-950 and 100-238). However, the age restriction may not apply to individuals who are qualified preference-eligible veterans or who are currently or have previously served in a federal civilian (not military) law enforcement position covered by 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or 5 U.S.C.§ 8412(d).
Training: Candidates selected will be required to attend and successfully complete the ERO Basic Immigration Law Enforcement Training Program located at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC). DO training is approximately 50 days in duration. Please note, in accordance to ERO Training policy 11158; no one will be permitted to attend more than two ERO Academy training sessions.
NOTE: Employees who do not successfully complete basic immigration law enforcement training and are terminated from training are ineligible to return to the ERO Academy for training, unless selected as a law enforcement officer under a different vacancy announcement.
No one will be permitted to attend more than two ERO Academy training sessions.
Geographic Locations: While the location in this announcement is identified as "location negotiable after selection," you have the opportunity to identify TWO geographic preferences in your application. Your preference locations are NOT guaranteed. The duty location extended at the final job offer will be based on the needs of the Agency and availability of positions and funding. Upon final job offer you may be offered a duty location that is not within your geographic preferences. You must be willing to accept any duty location that falls within the area of responsibility (AOR) of one of the 25 Field Offices (FOD) listed in this vacancy announcement. For example, if offered FOD Atlanta, you may be offered a final duty location of Lumpkin, GA. If you decline the duty location offered during the official job offer, you will be removed from further consideration and will have to reapply to a new announcement. View Field Office locations here ERO Field Offices.
Location: Selectees are required to pay all expenses to initial duty location. Travel expenses for training will be at Agency expense.
Salary: The salary range indicated in this announcement reflects the lowest and highest potential salaries for this position. The actual salary range will be based on the applicable locality pay for the selected duty location. Special Salary pay tables may be found under Salaries & Wages.
E-Verify: DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
Suitability: If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.
Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet these standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully obtain and maintain a background investigation for Secret clearance as a condition of placement into this position. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.
Medical Requirements: This position has medical requirements. Click here for information about the medical process. You must complete a pre-employment medical examination and be found to meet the medical standards for this position.
Polygraph: ICE has designated this position for polygraph testing, which you may be required to submit to as a pre-employment requirement. If referred for polygraph testing, you will be required to travel to a testing location at your own expense. If you previously had an unsuccessful ICE administered polygraph examination within the last 2-Years, ICE will use those results, which will eliminate you from continuing in the hiring process.
A student loan repayment incentive may be available, in which case a service agreement will be required.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Benefits: DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. As part of this process, you will be required to complete a writing assessment to meet a minimum level of writing proficiency. You must attain a minimum passing score in order to be considered further in the evaluation process.
In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process.
Direct Hire Authority: These positions will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority. The "Rule of Three", Category Rating and Veterans Preference will not apply to this vacancy. For more information on Direct Hire Authority, please see: OPM Direct Hire Fact Sheet.
Veterans: Although the Direct Hire Authority permits hiring without regard to Veterans Preference, applicants who are eligible for Veterans Preference are still encouraged to include that information in their application and submit supporting documentation (i.e. DD-214, or other substantiating documents). Staffing Policy View information on veterans' preference.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not ICTAP eligible. View information about ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered eligible under ICTAP, you must be considered well qualified for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this job announcement.
Interviews may be required for this position. Failure to complete the interview may result in removal from further consideration.
Pursuant to Executive Order 12564, and the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan, ICE is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions (testing designated positions) are subject to random drug testing. Moreover, other drug testing of employees (e.g., reasonable suspicion drug test) may be conducted in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. All applicants tentatively selected for employment at ICE are subject to pre-employment drug testing and a final offer of employment is contingent upon a negative drug test result.
