What agency handles immigration law issues including violations and enforcement?

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is primarily responsible for the enforcement of immigration laws in the United States, which includes investigating violations and taking action against those who violate these laws. ICE operates under the Department of Homeland Security and has specific authority to detain and deport individuals who are in the country unlawfully. This agency focuses on immigration enforcement within the interior of the country as well as addressing criminal activities that are tied to immigration violations, such as human trafficking.

The other agencies listed also play significant roles in the immigration system, but each has a distinct focus that does not align as closely with the specific enforcement aspect addressed in the question. For example, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is primarily focused on processing applications for immigration benefits and naturalization, rather than enforcement. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is more concentrated on securing the borders and preventing unlawful entry into the country. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) serves as an overarching entity that encompasses multiple agencies, including ICE, but it is not directly involved in enforcing immigration laws on its own. Thus, ICE is the agency that directly handles immigration law violations and enforcement.