What is the primary mission of ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)?

The primary mission of ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) is to protect the United States from cross-border crime and illegal immigration. This encompasses a broad range of activities, including the enforcement of immigration laws, the investigation of customs violations, and efforts to combat human trafficking, drug smuggling, and other criminal activities that cross the borders of the U.S.

By focusing on cross-border crime, ICE plays a critical role in national security and public safety. It utilizes various investigative tools and collaborates with other law enforcement agencies to identify and apprehend individuals and organizations that threaten U.S. security through illegal immigration and smuggling operations.

The other options reflect narrower or unrelated missions that do not encapsulate the full scope of ICE's purpose. Enforcing international trade laws pertains more to customs enforcement but does not encompass the broader mission that includes immigration and cross-border crime. Providing immigration counseling services is more aligned with advocacy organizations or legal aid organizations, while conducting criminal background checks for immigrants is a part of the immigration process but does not define ICE's overarching mission.