Office Locations
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What Is the Role of Immigration and Customs Enforcement?
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is an essential part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which is responsible for enforcing federal laws in immigration, customs, trade, and border security. To protect national security and public safety, ICE is committed to combating cross-border crime and illegal immigration.
What Are the Branches of ICE?
ICE carries out investigations and oversees detention centers all over the U.S. Through its three operational components, the ICE deports undocumented immigrants and criminal aliens on a daily basis:
Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO)
The ERO protects the integrity of the immigration system and ensures nationwide compliance with U.S. immigration laws. In addition, it manages the immigration enforcement process, including investigating, arresting, detaining, and deporting aliens that illegally reside within the U.S.
The ERO Divisions include custody management, enforcement, field operations, and the ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC).
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
The HSI directorate primarily conducts investigations on criminal organizations, terrorist networks, and the illegal entry or cross-border movement of people and goods within the U.S. It supervises the ICE’s international operations and collects information on criminal elements that seek to exploit or threaten trade, travel, and immigration systems in the United States.
Some of the transnational crimes it investigates include:
- Contraband smuggling
- Cybercrimes
- Financial fraud
- Human rights violations
- Human trafficking
- Illegal immigration
- Intellectual property theft
- Money laundering
- Narcotics smuggling,
- Terrorism
- War crimes
HSI employs over 8,700 people, including agents, criminal analysts, mission support personnel, and contract employees across the country. Their mission is to disrupt, indict, and arrest criminals.
Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA)
The OPLA is primarily concerned with U.S. immigration removal proceedings against terrorists, illegal immigrants involved in criminal activities, and human rights violators. It exclusively represents the DHS in immigration court proceedings and helps the Department of Justice prosecute ICE cases.
It comprises over 1000 attorneys and over 200 support staff and provides a full range of legal services to the ICE on customs, trade, immigration, and other criminal matters. Further, it represents the ICE before various boards and commissions, including the Board of Contract Appeals and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
What Are the Responsibilities of Customs Enforcement Agents?
ICE agents are responsible for ensuring safety and security in the U.S. by arresting and deporting criminal immigrants. In addition, they inspect cargo and documents at customs and immigration checkpoints. They also work with the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in enforcing, detaining, and removing undocumented immigrants in violation of immigration laws.
They conduct investigations and surveillance on suspicious organizations and work with other federal agencies to limit potential threats in the U.S.
ICE Field Office in Houston
You may contact the Enforcement & Removal Operations Houston field office or reach out to immigration lawyers for assistance if you believe you have been wrongfully placed in removal proceedings.
The Houston field office is located at 126 Northpoint Drive, Houston, TX 77060, and can be reached at (281) 774-4816. It is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 3 PM.
If you would like to report a terrorism-related activity or a transnational crime, you can contact the HSI Houston Field office:
Address: 4141 N. Sam Houston Parkway East, Houston, TX 77032
Phone: (281) 465-3900
Fax: (281) 292-6406
Locating an Alien in the ICE Detention Center
You can locate a detainee in ICE custody on the ICE’s online detainee locator system found on their website. You will need the detainee’s nine-digit Alien number and country of birth to use the online system.
You can also search by biographical information using the detainee’s first, last, and hyphenated names, any aliases they may use, country of birth, and date of birth.
Inside ICE Detention Centers
More than 200 immigrant detention centers and jails exist throughout the United States. The centers hold immigration detainees on civil and criminal charges.
As uniformed officers guard detainees, the conditions inside the center can be challenging. Detainees are dressed in jumpsuit uniforms and assigned bunks and have limited mobility within the facility. An immigration attorney in Texas can assist individuals who experience serious mistreatment and abuse at their detention facility.
Each detention center has specified visiting hours and conditions, and family, friends, and attorneys can visit only at those specific times.
ICE Detention Facilities in Houston
There are four detention facilities in Houston:
- Houston Contract Detention Facility, located at 15850 Export Plaza Drive, Houston, TX 77032.
- Joe Corley Detention Facility, located at 500 Hilbig Road, Conroe, TX, 77301.
- Montgomery Processing Center, located at 806 Hilbig St, Conroe, TX 77301.
- IAH Secure Adult Detention Facility, located at 3400 FM 350 South, Livingston, TX, 77351.
Individuals who require information about a detainee housed in any of Houston’s four detention facilities will need to contact the facility between 8 AM and 4 PM. They must provide the detainee’s biographical information (first and last names, date of birth, and country of birth) and the alien’s registration number (A-number). A detainee cannot receive calls at the facility, and incoming callers will be required to leave a message for the detainee.
A request for relief from removal must be filed directly with the immigration court. Delivery bonds can be posted for eligible detainees in ICE custody who are in removal proceedings. Bonds are payments made to the Department of Homeland Security to guarantee that you will attend all future court hearings and ICE check-ins if you’re released.
Working With Immigration Lawyers for Assistance
If you or a loved one has been arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), it is essential to seek the assistance of an immigration lawyer. An experienced attorney can assist with understanding your rights and options and provide legal counsel during removal proceedings, deportation hearings, appeals, and waivers.
An immigration lawyer can also guide you in obtaining a visa, green card, or other legal status. Furthermore, they can provide advice on filing for lawful permanent residence and naturalization if eligible.
It is essential to seek legal help as soon as possible after your arrest to have the best chance of success with your immigration case. Don’t hesitate to reach out to an experienced attorney for help
Why Should You Contact Andrew T. Thomas, Attorneys at Law?
You don’t need to panic if ICE detains you in Texas because our skilled immigration attorneys are prepared to help secure your release.
If you have been arrested and detained, the Houston ICE Detention and Removal Office will issue you a Notice to Appear.
Our attorneys know Houston Immigration Court procedures and can help you appeal your deportation order.
To learn more about how we can help, contact us today!
