- Position Title
- Criminal Investigator (Special Agent)
- Agency
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- Announcement Number
- HSI-12710420 Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Wednesday, March 19, 2025 to Friday, September 19, 2025
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1.
Do you claim Veterans’ Preference?
2.
This position has an age requirement. Enter or select your date of birth.
3.
Enter the number of MONTHS of Federal service experience you have attained as a firefighter, law enforcement or air traffic controller.
4.
(1) Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who is serving on active duty?
-OR-
(2) Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired with a disability rating of 100 percent at the time of retirement or the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired or separated from the Armed Forces and has a disability rating of 100 percent from the Department of Veterans Affairs?
-OR-
(3) Are you the un-remarried widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed while in active duty status?
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
To verify your eligibility for option 1 identified above, you must submit a copy of your spouse's active military orders and a copy of the marriage certificate.
To verify your eligibility for options 2 and 3 identified above, you must submit the Standard Form 15 and all supporting documentation identified on that document (e.g., Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of service which includes character of service; death certificate and documentation identifying marital status at the time of death; disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service, etc.).
-OR-
(2) Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired with a disability rating of 100 percent at the time of retirement or the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired or separated from the Armed Forces and has a disability rating of 100 percent from the Department of Veterans Affairs?
-OR-
(3) Are you the un-remarried widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed while in active duty status?
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
To verify your eligibility for option 1 identified above, you must submit a copy of your spouse's active military orders and a copy of the marriage certificate.
To verify your eligibility for options 2 and 3 identified above, you must submit the Standard Form 15 and all supporting documentation identified on that document (e.g., Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of service which includes character of service; death certificate and documentation identifying marital status at the time of death; disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service, etc.).
5.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position? If yes, confirm:
You will be required to submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of CTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center.
- you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy
- your grade is equivalent to or higher than the grade level of the vacancy
- the promotion potential (full performance level) of the position you are being separated from is equal to or higher than the promotion potential of the vacancy, and
- your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
You will be required to submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of CTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center.
6.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position?
If yes, confirm:
If yes, confirm:
- you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy
- your grade is equivalent to or higher than the grade level of the vacancy
- the promotion potential (full performance level) of the position you are being separated from is equal to or higher than the promotion potential of the vacancy, and
- your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
7.
Are you a current or former employee of a land management agency (Forest Service; Bureau of Land Management; National Park Service; Fish and Wildlife Service; Bureau of Indian Affairs; or Bureau of Reclamation) who:
https://www.chcoc.gov/sites/default/files/Land%20Management%20Workforce%20Flexibility%20Act%20Implementing%20Policy%20Guidance%20FAQs.pdf
- was originally hired to a time-limited position under a competitive appointment; and,
- served one or more time-limited appointments at a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of two or more years; and,
- performed at an acceptable level of service during each period of service; and,
- if no longer employed by the land management agency, have been separated for no more than two years, and departed that position in good standing.
https://www.chcoc.gov/sites/default/files/Land%20Management%20Workforce%20Flexibility%20Act%20Implementing%20Policy%20Guidance%20FAQs.pdf
8.
Were you formerly employed as a federal civilian on a permanent competitive appointment but are not currently a permanent competitive federal employee?
If eligible, submit a copy of your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status.
• Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2) AND
• Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect your status was in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1).
If eligible, submit a copy of your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status.
• Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2) AND
• Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect your status was in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1).
9.
Are you currently employed as a civilian employee in the competitive service in a federal agency?
If eligible, submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status.
• Your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2) and
• Your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect your status was in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1).
If eligible, submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status.
• Your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2) and
• Your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect your status was in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1).
10.
Are you a veteran whose latest discharge was under honorable conditions and you:
• served three or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (NOTE: if released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the eligibility) OR
• are entitled to veterans' preference .
If eligible, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
• served three or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (NOTE: if released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the eligibility) OR
• are entitled to veterans' preference .
If eligible, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
11.
Do you currently occupy or previously occupied a federal civilian (not military) law enforcement position as specified in 5 USC 8336(c) or 5 USC 8412(d)?
Preferences
1.
Select the location(s) you want to be considered for. You must choose at least one location.
2.
Please identify three location preferences. Note that multiple duty locations fall within the area of responsibility (AOR) of each SAC office. Please view the duty locations within each SAC AOR here. Your location preferences are NOT guaranteed. The duty locations offered will be based on the needs of the agency. If you decline the duty locations offered during the official job offer, you will be removed from further consideration.
3.
Are you willing to accept another location outside of your preference locations?
4.
Which of the following items describes your current or recent (within the last five years) political appointee service? If you responded yes to any of the items below, you will need to include a SF-50 specifying your prior service.
5.
Do any of your family members work for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement?
(A family member means an individual with any of the following relationships to the applicant: (1) Spouse, and parents thereof; (2) Sons and daughters, and spouses thereof; (3) Parents, and spouses thereof; (4) Brothers and sisters, and spouses thereof; (5) Grandparents and grandchildren, and spouses thereof; (6) Domestic partner and parents thereof, including domestic partners of any individual in (2) through (5) of this definition; and (7) Any individual related by blood or affinity whose close association with the employee is the equivalent of a family relationship.)
(A family member means an individual with any of the following relationships to the applicant: (1) Spouse, and parents thereof; (2) Sons and daughters, and spouses thereof; (3) Parents, and spouses thereof; (4) Brothers and sisters, and spouses thereof; (5) Grandparents and grandchildren, and spouses thereof; (6) Domestic partner and parents thereof, including domestic partners of any individual in (2) through (5) of this definition; and (7) Any individual related by blood or affinity whose close association with the employee is the equivalent of a family relationship.)
6.
If the answer to the question above is yes, please provide the relative(s)' name, relationship, and the ICE office or organization for which your relative(s) works (if known).
If the answer to the question above is no, please indicate 'not applicable'. (limit 1,000 characters)
If the answer to the question above is no, please indicate 'not applicable'. (limit 1,000 characters)
7.
There is a time-in-grade (TIG) requirement for promotion into this position. Have you completed 52 weeks in a position at or above the GS-07 grade level?
(Please review all options before selecting a response)
(Please review all options before selecting a response)
8.
There is a time-in-grade (TIG) requirement for promotion into this position. Have you completed 52 weeks in a position at or above the GS-09 grade level?
(Please review all options before selecting a response)
(Please review all options before selecting a response)
9.
There is a time-in-grade (TIG) requirement for promotion into this position. Have you completed 52 weeks in a position at or above the GS-11 grade level?
(Please review all options before selecting a response)
(Please review all options before selecting a response)
10.
Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position.
11.
Applicants who have permanently held a position with a full performance level equivalent to GS-13 or higher in the competitive service can be referred for selection without competition under our agency merit promotion procedures. Please provide an SF-50 to prove your claim. Without an SF-50 as proof, we cannot apply non-competitive rules. Military rank, details and temporary promotions do not count.
The SF-50 submitted MUST indicate the same full performance level (or higher) equivalent to the full performance level shown on this vacancy, career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2), and the status as a competitive service employee (Position Occupied is 1).
Your response to the following question will be used to determine whether or not you can be categorized as a non-competitive eligible.
Have you ever held (or do you currently hold) a competitive service position on a permanent basis in the federal government with a full performance level equivalent to GS-13 or higher?
The SF-50 submitted MUST indicate the same full performance level (or higher) equivalent to the full performance level shown on this vacancy, career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2), and the status as a competitive service employee (Position Occupied is 1).
Your response to the following question will be used to determine whether or not you can be categorized as a non-competitive eligible.
Have you ever held (or do you currently hold) a competitive service position on a permanent basis in the federal government with a full performance level equivalent to GS-13 or higher?
12.
Enter the number of MONTHS of experience you have attained as a firefighter, law enforcement or air traffic controller.
(limit 250 characters)
13.
I acknowledge that I am solely responsible for the answers and documentation submitted in my online application. I understand that my answers cannot be altered once I have submitted my application and the announcement has closed. I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information contained in my online application for Federal Employment is true, correct, complete, and made in good faith. I understand that a false or fraudulent answer to any question or item on any part of my online application may be grounds for not hiring me, or for firing me after I begin work, and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment or both (See section 1001 of title 18, United States Code).
By clicking "Yes" below, I certify that I accept responsibility for the responses and documentation submitted in my online application and that the information I have provided is true to the best of my knowledge.
By clicking "Yes" below, I certify that I accept responsibility for the responses and documentation submitted in my online application and that the information I have provided is true to the best of my knowledge.
Conditions of Employment, Requirements and Suitability
The position in which you are applying must comply with a maximum age requirement. The following questions will assist us in determining your ability to meet this requirement.
1.
This position has an age requirement. Enter or select your date of birth.
2.
All applicants must undergo an intensive background investigation. The background investigation focuses on your honesty, reliability, police record, financial record, use of alcohol and drugs, mental health, and employment record. The background investigation includes interviews with your past and present employers, neighbors, teachers, and references, as well as checks of law enforcement, credit, educational, medical, and other records. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reviews your completed background investigation to determine if you are suitable for employment and meet security standards. ICE may contact you for additional information to refute information in your background investigation before a final decision is made. If you are found unsuitable, you cannot be employed as a Criminal Investigator.
Are you willing to undergo a background investigation for this position?
Are you willing to undergo a background investigation for this position?
3.
Are you currently debarred from federal employment?
4.
As part of the background investigation, you must be prepared to answer questions about the use, sale, possession, or transportation of illegal narcotics, stimulants, and hallucinogenic or other controlled substances. Keeping this in mind, do you wish to continue this process?
5.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year by a civilian or military authority?
6.
Are you currently married to or living/residing with any person(s) residing in the U.S. without a legal/lawful immigration status (e.g., Entry Without Inspection, overstayed visa)?
7.
Have you ever knowingly harbored, concealed, transported, or employed an undocumented individual(s)?
8.
Have you ever been convicted of a crime of domestic violence (misdemeanor or felony) by a civilian or military authority that has not been expunged, set aside, pardoned, or dismissed?
9.
Applicants are required to undergo and successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening test and must submit to random drug testing after employment. Will you comply with these requirements?
10.
A Criminal Investigator can expect to work approximately 50 hours per week. In addition, Criminal Investigators are subjected to callouts at all hours; long-term investigations that will require you to work nights, weekends and holidays; and travel which will require you to be away several days. This type of working schedule may negatively affect or burden family responsibilities. Are you willing to accept these working conditions?
11.
Carrying, use and proficiency in the use of firearms is required, in accordance with ICE policy and regulations. Are you willing to carry a firearm?
12.
Have you ever lost your right to possess a firearm for any reason under Federal law?
13.
The Criminal Investigator position requires moderate to arduous physical exertion involving walking and standing, use of firearms, and exposure to inclement weather. Manual dexterity with comparatively free motion of fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders, and knee joints is required; arms/hands/legs/feet must function separately. The work requires physical strength and stamina to perform such activities as conducting long periods of surveillance, pursuing and restraining suspects, and carrying heavy equipment be utilized in investigative efforts.
Appointment will be contingent upon a candidate passing a pre-employment medical examination to ascertain possession of the physical, emotional, and mental requirements for the position. Any chronic disease or condition affecting the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, the gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, digestive, nervous, endocrine or genitourinary systems that would impair full performance of the job duties will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may be disqualifying. The most common reasons for failing the examination involve vision and hearing impairments. Distance binocular vision without corrective lenses must test at least 20/200. Distant vision must test at least 20/20 in one eye and 20/30 in the other eye with or without corrective lenses. Color vision must be normal. Hearing in both ears is required. The use of hearing aids and cochlear implants in their present form are not acceptable. Any condition that would hinder full, efficient performance of the duties on the Criminal Investigator position or that would cause the individual to be a hazard to himself/herself or to others is disqualifying.
Will you comply with this requirement?
Appointment will be contingent upon a candidate passing a pre-employment medical examination to ascertain possession of the physical, emotional, and mental requirements for the position. Any chronic disease or condition affecting the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, the gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, digestive, nervous, endocrine or genitourinary systems that would impair full performance of the job duties will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may be disqualifying. The most common reasons for failing the examination involve vision and hearing impairments. Distance binocular vision without corrective lenses must test at least 20/200. Distant vision must test at least 20/20 in one eye and 20/30 in the other eye with or without corrective lenses. Color vision must be normal. Hearing in both ears is required. The use of hearing aids and cochlear implants in their present form are not acceptable. Any condition that would hinder full, efficient performance of the duties on the Criminal Investigator position or that would cause the individual to be a hazard to himself/herself or to others is disqualifying.
Will you comply with this requirement?
14.
Did you ever enter the United States undocumented; overstay an authorized period of admission; reside, work, or attend school in the United States without status, violate or assist another to violate immigration or customs laws (e.g., smuggle a noncitizen(s), harbor/shelter an undocumented noncitizen, internationally fail to declare merchandise or funds as required, make false claim to U.S. citizenship, attempt to enter the United States using fraudulent or counterfeit documents or documents belonging to another, etc.) or were you ever removed or deported from the United States?
15.
ICE Criminal Investigators may use deadly force when necessary, in accordance with the law and agency policy. Are you willing to use deadly force if necessary?
16.
ICE Criminal Investigators enforce laws and investigate such issues as immigration crime, customs violations, human rights violations and human smuggling; smuggling of narcotics, weapons and other types of contraband; and financial crimes, cybercrime and export enforcement issues. ICE Criminal Investigators also conduct investigations aimed at protecting critical infrastructure industries that are vulnerable to sabotage, attack or exploitation. Are you willing to investigate these crimes and enforce the laws against them?
17.
Are you now under charges or do you have pending charges for any violations of law?
18.
Have you ever been convicted, been imprisoned, been on probation, or been on parole? (Includes felonies, firearms or explosives violations, misdemeanors, and all other criminal offenses)
19.
Have you engaged in sexual abuse in a prison, jail, holding facility, community confinement facility, juvenile facility, or other institution as defined in 42 USC 1997?
20.
Have you been convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or where the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse, or have you been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in such activity?
21.
Are you delinquent on any federal debt? (Includes delinquencies arising from federal taxes, loans, overpayment of benefits, and other debts to the U.S. Government, plus defaults of federally guaranteed or insured loans such as student and home mortgage loans.)
INSTRUCTIONS: Law enforcement officers and agents are held to a high standard of honesty, integrity and credibility due to the need of public trust and confidence attendant to their job responsibilities. One of these responsibilities is the requirement to testify at criminal trials. Under GIGLIO v. United States 405 U.S. 150, investigative agencies must turn over to prosecutors any potential impeachment evidence with respect to agents/officers involved in court cases. In testifying, an agent/officer's credibility, character of truthfulness and reputation could be used to cast substantial doubt on the evidence and facts of these criminal cases. Keeping this in mind, please answer the next two questions.
22.
Is there anything that would prevent you from testifying in the court of law?
23.
Are you aware of any information regarding your credibility, integrity and/or honesty that may impair your ability to testify in criminal proceedings?
24.
Have you ever been made aware of that any government attorney did not want you to testify on behalf of the government due to concerns under Giglio v. United States, 405 U.S. 150 (1972) (i.e., that you are Giglio impaired)?
25.
Provisions of Public Law 93-950 and 100-238 allow the imposition of a maximum age for initial appointment to a Criminal Investigator position with the Department of Homeland Security. The date immediately preceding an individual's 37th birthday is the final day to be considered eligible for appointment (enter on duty) and you will not be considered for this position if you exceed this age prior to or during the hiring process, unless you are eligible for an exemption. Due to the length of time to clear all requirements for this position, will you have reached age 37 by {DATE (REMINDER: adjust the age in response C)}?
26.
Have you ever participated in a federal polygraph examination in conjunction with a pre-employment hiring process?
27.
If you chose response A in the previous question, provide the approximate date and agency which conducted the polygraph examination, otherwise write "N/A."
28.
In the past 365 days, have you ever been informed by a federal government agency that you did not successfully complete a polygraph examination in conjunction with a pre-employment hiring process?
29.
Applicants who are referred for polygraph testing will be required to travel to a testing location at their own expense. Will you comply with this requirement?
30.
Applicants may be required to undergo and successfully complete a polygraph test. Will you comply with this requirement?
31.
If you are a current federal employee, please select the agency/department in which you are employed. If you are not a current federal employee, please select "none."
32.
If you select "Other," please indicate which agency you work for, otherwise write, "N/A."
33.
Will you be able to obtain a valid driver's license before entering on duty as a Criminal Investigator?
34.
Are you currently an active duty service member in the armed forces? If yes, you are required to submit a written statement from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions within 120 days from the close of this announcement.
35.
A Criminal Investigator must reside within 50 miles of their assigned duty location. If selected, are you willing to reside within 50 miles of your assigned duty location?
36.
Within the last 1 year, have you used (including injecting, snorting, inhaling, swallowing, etc.), experimented with, received, purchased, transferred, or distributed a Schedule I-V controlled substance? Examples of controlled substances include cocaine or crack cocaine (i.e., rock, freebase, etc.), hallucinogenics (i.e., LSD, PCP, mushrooms, peyote, mescaline, etc.), ketamine (i.e., special K, jet, etc.), illegal steroids (i.e., the clear, juice, etc.), narcotics (i.e., opium, heroin, etc.), or stimulants (i.e., speed, crystal meth, ecstasy, etc.).
37.
In the past two-years, have you been administered a polygraph examination by U.S. immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and been informed by ICE officials that you did not successfully complete the polygraph examination in conjunction with a pre-employment hiring process?
Assessment 1
The following questions requires a response and will determine whether or not you meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position. You may wish to consult the vacancy announcement for a description of those requirements. If you do not respond to all questions, your application will be considered incomplete and you will not receive further consideration.
1.
Which of the following statements best describes your experience and/or education to qualify for the GL-09 grade level?
2.
If you chose response A or C in the previous question, please provide the position title and dates of employment referenced in your resume that demonstrates this experience. If you chose any other response, indicate "not applicable."
3.
Which of the following statements best describes your experience and/or education to qualify for the GS-11 grade level?
4.
If you chose response A or C in the previous question, please provide the position title and dates of employment referenced in your resume that demonstrates this experience. If you chose any other response, indicate "not applicable."
5.
Which of the following statements best describes your experience to qualify for the GS-12 grade level?
6.
If you chose response A in the previous question, please provide the position titles and dates of employment referenced in your resume that demonstrate this experience. If you chose any other response indicate "not applicable".
For each of the task statements below, please select the response that best describes your skill level. The statements were developed based on the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies needed to successfully perform the work of this position.
7.
Which of the following options best describes your experience conducting interviews with individuals to gather information?
8.
Which of the following options best describes your experience compiling and organizing information from different sources?
9.
Which of the following options best describes your experience managing electronic or printed records?
10.
Which of the following options best describes how well others would say you review information compiled to ensure its accuracy and completeness?
11.
Which of the following options best describes the way others would describe your dependability?
12.
Which of the following options best describes your experience in working toward a shared group objective by fostering cooperation and teamwork?
13.
Which of the following options best describes your experience making decisions that helped achieve desired objectives?
14.
Which of the following options best describes your experience evaluating problems and generating potential solutions?
15.
Which of the following options best describes your experience conducting interviews with cooperative and non-cooperative individuals to gather information related to an investigation?
16.
Which of the following options best describes your experience compiling information from law enforcement sensitive and classified databases?
17.
Which of the following options best describes your experience managing electronic or printed law enforcement sensitive and classified records?
18.
Which of the following options best describes how well others would say you prepare reports that support general criminal actions?
19.
Which of the following options best describes the way others would describe your dependability?
20.
Which of the following options best describes your experience participating in inter-agency partnerships for law enforcement activities?
21.
Which of the following options best describes your experience making decisions that helped achieve objectives related to criminal investigations?
22.
Which of the following options best describes your experience planning and developing investigative strategies?
23.
Which of the following options best describes your experience using advanced techniques to conduct interviews and interrogations with individuals related to an investigation?
24.
Which of the following options best describes your experience compiling information from law enforcement sensitive and classified databases?
25.
Which of the following options best describes your experience managing highly complex electronic or printed law enforcement sensitive and classified records?
26.
Which of the following options best describes how well others would say you prepare reports that support general criminal actions?
27.
Which of the following options best describes the way others would describe your dependability?
28.
Which of the following options best describes your experience maintaining and enhancing inter-agency partnerships for law enforcement activities?
29.
Which of the following options best describes your experience making decisions that helped achieve objectives related to criminal investigations?
30.
Which of the following options best describes your experience planning and developing long-term investigative strategies?