Immigration and Customs Inspectors Investigate and inspect persons, common carriers, goods, and merchandise, arriving in or departing from the United States or between states to detect violations of immigration and customs laws and regulations. Immigration and Customs Inspectors analyze the passports and visas of international persons wishing to enter the country, interview questionable individuals, detain those who violate immigration laws and look for illegal contraband. They might inspect baggage or cargo for illegal or forbidden products and record their findings. One of the most important duties is to conduct line watch, which is the covert act of discovering and apprehending terrorists, illegal immigrants and smugglers. This also involves monitoring electronic sensor cameras, evaluating aircraft carriers and conducting routine traffic checks along the borders. As a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer, may also be required to handle seized animals and handle cases of diseases that have been detected at the borders. The duties of Immigration and Customs Inspectors includes to detain persons found to be in violation of customs or immigration laws, and arrange for legal action such as deportation and to determine duty and taxes to be paid on goods. Interpret and explain laws and regulations to travelers, prospective immigrants, shippers, and manufacturers. Investigate applications for duty refunds, and petition for remission or mitigation of penalties when warranted. They also locate and seize contraband, undeclared merchandise, and vehicles, aircraft, or boats that contain such merchandise. They are also engaged to record and report job-related activities, findings, transactions, violations, discrepancies, and decisions.

Work Environment

• Uniformed Immigration and Customs Inspectors, officers, detectives, agents, and wardens usually work full time. Paid overtime is common. Shift work is necessary because the public must be protected at all times. Immigration and Customs Inspectors, police and detective work can be very dangerous and stressful. In addition to the obvious dangers of confrontations with criminals, police officers and detectives need to be constantly alert and ready to deal appropriately with a number of other threatening situations.