What Is a Detention and Deportation Officer?
Detention and deportation officers work for the federal government, usually as an extension of the Department of Homeland Security. Detention and deportation officers are responsible for detecting and holding illegal aliens and overseeing their return to their own countries. There are many immigrants who attempt to cross the United States’ borders illegally. After crossing the border without going through legal procedures, those immigrants are then considered to be illegal, which poses a problem for the United States Security.
Therefore, detention and deportation officers play a critical role in the security of the U.S. borders. These officers work closely with other Immigration and Customs Enforcement law officers in order to identify, locate and apprehend individuals who have crossed the border illegally. They are also involved in preparing and presenting information for any necessary court proceedings dealing with illegal immigration and deportation of illegal immigrants.
Detention and deportation officers need to have strong analytical skills and extensive knowledge of federal immigration law.
How to Become a Detention and Deportation Officer
In order to become a detention and deportation officer, an individual must, first and foremost, be a United States citizen. In order to qualify, all candidates must also have lived within the country for at least three out of the last five years. This can include serving the United States in federal or military service outside of the country. So, individuals who have been living outside of the United States in a military capacity will not be disqualified.
Candidates must also possess a U.S. driver’s license and have good vision. Most federal agencies require at least a bachelor’s degree in order to be accepted. There is no particular degree requirement, but individuals with degrees in homeland security or criminal justice will have a leg up on the competition.
Also, coursework in foreign languages will increase an individual’s chances of being hired. It is also possible to qualify through at least one year of work experience in a related background, such as law enforcement, private security or military service.
Detention and Deportation Officer Career Outlook & Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the career outlook for United States detention and deportation officers will be very good from 2008 to 2018. Employment of detectives and criminal investigators will grow by 17 percent within the 2008-18 decade. This rate of growth is much faster than the average for all occupations.
The Bureau reports that the median annual wages of detectives and criminal investigators in 2008 were $60,910. The middle 50% made from $45,930 to $81,490. The lowest 10% earned under $36,500, and the top 10% made over $97,870 per year. The median annual wages for detectives and criminal investigators working in the Federal Government were $73,170.
Detention and deportation officers who can speak second and third languages will have the most opportunity for placement into more advanced positions. Those who display extensive knowledge of immigration law and are able to consistently contribute to the detention of illegal immigrants will have the highest career security and potential for advancement within the field.
