Other Agencies
Other Agencies in Immigration Enforcement
Section titled “Other Agencies in Immigration Enforcement”The Department of Homeland Security has authorized multiple law enforcement agencies beyond ICE to carry out immigration enforcement functions. Understanding who you might encounter helps with accurate reporting.
Department of Justice Agencies
Section titled “Department of Justice Agencies”These agencies have been authorized to perform immigration officer functions:
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Section titled “Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)”- Identification: Blue vests with FBI in yellow, FBI badges
- Typical operations: May coordinate with ICE on investigations
- Note: Presence suggests a more complex operation
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
Section titled “Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)”- Identification: Vests marked DEA
- Typical operations: May encounter immigrants during drug operations
- Note: Increasingly used for immigration-adjacent enforcement
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms (ATF)
Section titled “Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms (ATF)”- Identification: ATF marked vests and gear
- Typical operations: Weapons-related investigations
- Note: May be present during multi-agency operations
US Marshals Service
Section titled “US Marshals Service”- Identification: Star badges, MARSHAL text on vests
- Typical operations: Fugitive apprehension
- Note: Sometimes leads joint operations with ICE
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Section titled “Federal Bureau of Prisons”- Identification: BOP uniforms and identification
- Typical operations: Transport of detained individuals
- Note: May be seen at detention facilities
Military
Section titled “Military”National Guard
Section titled “National Guard”The National Guard is being used in immigration enforcement activities including:
- Night operations and rural interdiction
- Guard duty and riot control at detention facilities
- Transportation of detainees
- Assisting in locating “fugitives”
Identification:
- Military uniforms with unit patches
- May or may not have visible rank insignia
- State National Guard patches
Marines
Section titled “Marines”Active duty Marines have been deployed for:
- Night operations and rural interdiction
- Transport operations
Identification:
- Military fatigues
- Marine Corps insignia
DHS Component Agencies
Section titled “DHS Component Agencies”Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Section titled “Customs and Border Protection (CBP)”- Identification: Green or brown uniforms, “U.S. BORDER PATROL” or “CBP” text
- Typical areas: Border regions, but increasingly interior
- Operations: Traffic stops, checkpoints, raids
CBP Field Operations
Section titled “CBP Field Operations”- Identification: CBP uniforms, typically at ports of entry
- Note: Different from Border Patrol but same parent agency
Local Law Enforcement (287(g))
Section titled “Local Law Enforcement (287(g))”Under the 287(g) program, local and state law enforcement can act as immigration enforcement agents. There are three models:
Jail Enforcement Model (JEM)
Section titled “Jail Enforcement Model (JEM)”- Targets people already in custody
- Local officers question about immigration status
- Can hold non-citizens up to 48 hours for ICE
Where it happens: Jails and detention facilities
Warrant Service Officer (WSO)
Section titled “Warrant Service Officer (WSO)”- Local officers serve ICE administrative warrants
- Operates within the agency’s jail
Where it happens: Jails and detention facilities
Task Force Model (TFM)
Section titled “Task Force Model (TFM)”This is the most dangerous and invasive form.
- Local officers enforce immigration during routine duties
- Includes traffic stops
- Most likely to encounter in the community
Where it happens: On the street, during any police encounter
Check Your Area
Section titled “Check Your Area”As of October 2025, ICE has signed over 1,000 agreements covering 40 states:
- JEM agreements: 132 agencies in 28 states
- WSO agreements: 381 agencies in 35 states
- TFM agreements: 522 agencies in 35 states
Check if your local law enforcement has a 287(g) agreement: https://www.ice.gov/identify-and-arrest/287g
Multi-Agency Operations
Section titled “Multi-Agency Operations”Large operations may include multiple agencies working together. Signs of a multi-agency operation:
- Different vest markings on different agents
- Multiple vehicle types
- Higher number of agents than typical
- More command/coordination visible
Reporting Multi-Agency Presence
Section titled “Reporting Multi-Agency Presence”When reporting, note all agency identifications you see:
“SALUTE: 6 agents at Main & First. Vests read: 2 x POLICE ICE, 2 x FBI, 2 x DEA. Multiple vehicles including marked DHS van.”
This helps legal advocates understand the scope of the operation.
Implications for Rights
Section titled “Implications for Rights”Different agencies have different authorities:
- ICE/CBP: Immigration-specific authority
- FBI/DEA/ATF/Marshals: Criminal federal authority
- Local police with 287(g): Both local and immigration authority
Know Your Rights resources may vary based on who is involved. Multi-agency operations suggest someone may face both criminal and immigration consequences.