Deportation Officer

Summary

Are you ready to defend the homeland? Launch a dynamic and rewarding career as a Deportation Officer with Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO) at ICE! Join a dedicated team safeguarding U.S. borders and upholding immigration laws, playing a key role in defending our nation.

This entry-level role requires no college degree and offers up to $50,000 in signing and retention bonuses. If you're driven and ready to serve with pride, join ICE and become a vital part of homeland security!

Summary

Are you ready to defend the homeland? Launch a dynamic and rewarding career as a Deportation Officer with Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO) at ICE! Join a dedicated team safeguarding U.S. borders and upholding immigration laws, playing a key role in defending our nation.

This entry-level role requires no college degree and offers up to $50,000 in signing and retention bonuses. If you're driven and ready to serve with pride, join ICE and become a vital part of homeland security!

Overview

Help

Accepting applications

Open & closing dates

10 / 08 / 2025 to 12 / 31 / 2025

Salary $49,739 to - $89,528 per year Pay scale & grade GL 5 - 7

Locations

Many vacancies in the following locations :

Phoenix, AZ

Los Angeles, CA

San Diego, CA

San Francisco, CA

Show morefewer locations (21)

Denver, CO

Washington, DC

Miami Beach, FL

Atlanta, GA

Chicago, IL

New Orleans, LA

Boston, MA

Baltimore, MD

Detroit, MI

Saint Paul, MN

Newark, NJ

Buffalo, NY

New York, NY

Philadelphia, PA

Dallas, TX

El Paso, TX

Harlingen, TX

Houston, TX

San Antonio, TX

Salt Lake City, UT

Seattle, WA

Remote job No Telework eligible No Travel Required Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position. Relocation expenses reimbursed No Appointment type Permanent Work schedule Full-time Service Competitive

Promotion potential

12

Job family (Series)

• 1801 General Inspection, Investigation, Enforcement, And Compliance Series

Supervisory status No Security clearance Secret Drug test Yes Position sensitivity and risk High Risk (HR)

Trust determination process

Financial disclosure No Bargaining unit status No

Announcement number ERO-12812337-DHA Control number 847763600

This job is open to

Help

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

Clarification from the agency

These positions will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority for the occupation and is open to all U.S. citizens.

Duties

Help

Organizational Location : This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, within the 25 FOD locations and are assigned based on the needs to the agency ERO Field Offices.

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 :

This is an open continuous announcement until12 / 31 / 2025. The initial cut-off date for qualified applicants to be considered will be set for 10 / 10 / 2025. Additional cut-off dates for referral to hiring managers for selection consideration will be established by the agency as needed.

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.

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

Qualifications

You qualify for the GL-5 grade level if you possess one of the following :

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 :

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 : All applicants must pass the PAA prior to graduation from FLETC. The PAA consists of two parts : Criterion Task Test (CTT) and a 1.5 mile run. The CTT consists of a timed obstacle course that involves a vehicle exit, barrier surmount, low crawl, window egress, stair climb, repeat crawl, pre-cuffing position, 175 lbs. dummy drag, repeat barrier surmount, and a sprint. The CTT is then followed by a 1.5 mile run in 14 minutes and 30 seconds 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 13 weeks in duration and a 5-week Spanish Language Training Program. Failure to complete the Spanish language training will result in removal from the DO position. 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.

Additional information

Geographic Locations : You may choose ONE 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.

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. General Schedule locality 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.

NOTE : Applicants currently serving in the ICE Deportation Officer position cannot use this announcement for reassignment, promotion or change to lower grade purposes.

A student loan repayment incentive may be available, in which case a service agreement will be required.

Expand Hide additional information

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.

Benefits

Help

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.

How you will be evaluated

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.

Recruitment incentives available to eligible require a service agreement

Benefits

Help

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.

Required documents

Required Documents

Help

Limit your resume to no more than two pages. The USAJOBS database will not allow an applicant to submit an application that includes a resume over two pages.

The vacancy questionnaire includes four short, free-response essay questions. This provides an opportunity for you to highlight your dedication to public service for the hiring manager and agency leadership (or designee(s)). While your responses are not required and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question. Please provide a response of 200 words or less to each question. You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements :

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and / or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.