What is the main function of the ICE Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA)?

The main function of the ICE Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) is to provide legal counsel and representation in removal proceedings. This office plays a crucial role in legal processes related to immigration enforcement by representing the government in cases where individuals are facing deportation or removal from the United States. The attorneys in OPLA are responsible for preparing legal documents, presenting cases before immigration judges, and advising enforcement personnel on legal matters pertaining to immigration laws and regulations.

While oversight of immigration enforcement operations, management of detention facilities, and development of policies for immigration reform are important aspects of the broader mission of ICE and other related entities, they fall outside the specific mandate of OPLA. The office is primarily focused on the legal aspects of immigration cases, ensuring that the government's actions comply with the law during removal proceedings. This legal representation is essential for upholding the integrity of the judicial process in immigration cases.