**Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)** is a federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Established in 2003 by the Homeland Security Act of 2002, ICE's primary mission is to protect the United States from cross-border crime and illegal immigration, ensuring national security and public safety[1][3]. The agency was formed by merging parts of the U.S. Customs Service and the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) following the 9/11 attacks[3]. ICE operates through three main operational directorates: Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA)[1][2]. ERO focuses on identifying, apprehending, and deporting unauthorized immigrants, while HSI investigates transnational crimes, such as human trafficking and terrorism[2]. The Office of the Principal Legal Advisor handles legal matters related to deportation proceedings[1]. ICE has been involved in several notable operations, including the disruption of human trafficking networks and the enforcement of immigration laws within the U.S. interior[4]. However, the agency has faced controversy over issues like family separation and detention conditions[4]. Despite these challenges, ICE continues to play a crucial role in U.S. immigration policy, with a significant presence both domestically and internationally[1][3]. Key achievements include the successful investigation and prosecution of transnational crime organizations and the enhancement of national security through immigration law enforcement[2]. ICE's annual budget exceeds $8 billion, supporting over 20,000 employees across more than 400 offices worldwide[3]. The agency's current status reflects ongoing efforts to balance immigration enforcement with humanitarian concerns, amidst evolving U.S. immigration policies[4].