Police and ICE: Bias Busters ‘answer the questions everyone’s asking’

In recent weeks, are you among the millions wondering about ICE and police in general?

Since we began publishing our two dozen “100 Question & Answer” books, the Michigan State University School of Journalism Bias Busters students have been working toward a simple yet very important goal: We answer the questions everyone’s asking—but no one seems to be answering.

In fact, some of the information in our books has been described as “pretty basic.”

To that, we respond: “Thank you. That’s how we help people learn more about their co-workers and neighbors. We’re trying to answer questions that might come up, say, during conversations on a coffee break or over lunch.”

That’s especially important, right now, with our book 100 Questions & Answers about Police Officers.

“Google Trends” shows that searches for basic information about police and ICE have been exploding across the Internet since December. The upward trend line looks like a rocket launching.

What people are asking amounts to: What is ICE? And: Are ICE police? And: What is ICE supposed to do? And—well you get the idea. There are lots of other formulations of those seemingly simple questions.

The problem is: Nobody seems to be pausing long enough to explain the answers. And, that connects with our Bias Busters mission. Our Bias Busters teams of journalism students conduct their research and other reporting with faculty guidance. The students also, then, work with “blue ribbon” advisors nationally to ensure that their work is fair, accurate and balanced.

Together, these remarkable teams of students write answers in a balanced format like this:

How do ICE, DHS and CBP fit together?

ICE is U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. CBP is U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Both are parts of the Department of Homeland Security and enforce immigration laws. Customs and Border Protection is responsible for borders and hundreds of entry ports. It can detain, question and arrest people. It covers areas within 100 miles of the border. This is where you are more likely to see CBP vehicles. They do not need warrants to arrest people. ICE handles enforcement, searches, detentions and deportation in the rest of the country. The agencies work together.

Are these officers police?

The Constitution assigns policing to the states and territories, but federal officers have police powers to detain, search and arrest where federal laws are concerned. Federal officers do not enforce state laws. Police work in thousands of state, city and tribal jurisdictions. County officers enforce laws but are typically called deputies. The national Fraternal Order of Police admits “Any full-time, sworn law enforcement officer with arrest power who is employed by a government entity.”

How many DHS officers are there?

With 45,600 officers and agents, the CBP is the largest federal law-enforcement agency. For comparison, the largest city police department, New York City, has 33,475 officers. ICE has more than doubled to 22,000 officers at 400 sites across the country since early in 2026. Besides covering the interior, they can be deployed internationally.

What are job qualifications?

Customs and Border Patrol applicants must Be U.S. citizens who have lived in the country for at least three of the five previous years. They must be between the ages of 21 and about 40. They need to have a valid, non-restricted driver’s license, be eligible to carry firearms and be willing to travel. They must pass the application process. They are tested and must clear drug, medical and fitness tests.

How much is the pay?

There is a range depending on age, experience and whether someone is an officer or an agent. According to a DHS posting, starting wages range from $51,632 to $84,277 a year. There are also signing incentives of up to $60,000, student loan forgiveness, benefits and pension eligibility at age 50.

May they make arrests without warrants?

Federal law allows “immigration officers” to make warrantless arrests when they suspect someone of an immigration-related felony, have probable cause to arrest them and believe the person will escape before a warrant can be obtained. 

Are they armed?

They typically carry handguns but may also have rifles and tactical gear. 

What is the training?

Specific training depends on the assignment, but typically includes immigration law, firearms and tactics. Under pressure to get more officers into the filed, ICE training was reduced around the beginning of the year from 16 weeks to about six.

How do these agencies work with local police?

Local police agencies are used to working with each other. Working with federal officers has not been unusual, but it has reached new levels with The Immigration and Nationality Act’s Section 287(g). That lets ICE delegate some functions to state and local officers. This includes detaining removable aliens suspected of certain crimes in local jails.

Do communities welcome them?

Some do and some don’t. Local governments, communities and police have mixed feelings about immigration enforcement. Some cities have declared themselves sanctuaries for immigrants. Some say they support immigration enforcement goals but not the tactics. 

Do federal and local agencies share resources?

ICE rents detention space for about $152–$165 per bed. Some municipalities say the contracts help. Other say the arrangement drives up crowding and costs.

When were the agencies created? 

ICE is new; the CBP has old roots. ICE was created by the Homeland Security Act of 2002. This was in response to the attacks of 9/11. The CBP, created in 2003, used to be the Customs Service, which dates to 1789.

Care to Learn more?

100 Questions & Answers about Police Officers is currently available in paperback and eBook versions.

This and more than 20 other guides are on Amazon.