Did You Know....

Did you know that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement “ICE” is authorized under 19 U.S.C. 1401 to cross-designate other federal, state and local law enforcement officers to enforce customs laws?

Officers must complete a rigorous training program before the authority is granted. Once granted, the officers can enforce customs-related laws, perform searches, make arrests and perform other federal law enforcement activities such as apprehending drug smugglers and money launderers.  After completing the training course, cross designated officers are authorized to

·         execute and serve search or arrest warrants, subpoenas and summonses in compliance with customs laws;

·         conduct customs searches at the border for merchandise being imported into or exported from the U.S. and to effect seizures and arrests of persons or articles in violation of U.S law; and

·         carry firearms in compliance with the ICE firearms policy.

The cross-designation status is valid for two years.  Recertification is required after two years and the designation can be revoked by ICE at any time.

This system is more efficient because it saves gas and time while, allowing the designated officers to take action without interrupting  the workload of ICE officers.