How to Report Illegal Immigrants to USCIS

Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), formerly known as the Immigration & Naturalization Services (INS), now falls under the Department of Homeland Security. This department includes Customs and Border Protection (CPB), as well as the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), and you can provide illegal immigrant immigration to any of the three.

1. Understand that even though any of the three agencies will accept illegal immigration activity, the enforcement responsibility still falls under ICE. 


2. Gather the information necessary that the agency will use to carry out enforcement and provide detailed description. Information that the agency can use includes immigrant abuse, such as child labor or employment of illegal immigrants. Make sure you have the parties' names and addresses. 


3. Visit a USCIS field office or call, if you have concrete illegal immigrant information. The main responsibility of a USCIS field office is to carry out functions such issuing visas, alien registration cards (green cards) and naturalization function. However, there are some employees on staff who can make sure you get this information routed to someone who can resolve the issue.


4. Understand that most locales may not have a USCIS field office, and in those situations you will need to contact a field office in a location close by either in writing or via the telephone. 


5. Compose a letter and write down specific information regarding the illegal immigrant activity, if directed to by the immigration officer. In some cases, the officer will not request information in handwriting. However, to make sure the information is well documented in case of future problems, follow up with the immigration officer with a written letter giving concrete information. Make sure you have your contact information, if the agent wants to talk to you. Having your contact information also gives your letter credibility.