Why does ICE focus on identifying criminal organizations?

ICE, or Immigration and Customs Enforcement, prioritizes identifying criminal organizations primarily to disrupt human trafficking, drug smuggling, and transnational crime. This focus is rooted in the agency's mission to enforce immigration laws and manage customs and border protection effectively.

Disrupting criminal organizations is essential because these groups often engage in activities that threaten national security, public safety, and the integrity of legal trade and immigration systems. Human trafficking, for instance, is a grave violation of human rights and often involves the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. By targeting the networks that enable such illegal operations, ICE is able to protect victims and prevent future crimes.

Similarly, drug smuggling poses significant risks to public health and safety, contributing to addiction and violence in communities. Disrupting drug trafficking organizations helps reduce the availability of illegal substances and diminishes the associated criminal activities that often arise from drug abuse.

Transnational crime, encompassing a range of illegal activities that cross borders, can destabilize regions and create new threats. By focusing on these organizations, ICE seeks to enhance border security, curb crime, and ensure the safety of citizens.

Addressing the other choices, while promoting legal immigration processes and monitoring international trade agreements are also important aspects of ICE's broader mission, they do not directly address