UNDERSTANDING 2 KEY IMMIGRATION AGENCIES USCIS vs. ICE When people hear the word “immigration,” it’s easy these days to picture badges and arrests. However, not all immigration agencies operate the same way. In fact, the two main federal agencies involved in immigration, USCIS and ICE, have completely different missions. If you or a loved one is dealing with immigration issues, it helps to know the difference. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the agency most people interact with when applying for legal immigration services. That includes green cards, work permits, visas, DACA renewals, and naturalization. USCIS handles paperwork, reviews evidence, and conducts interviews. Officers may request additional information or issue decisions on a case, but they don’t make arrests or conduct raids. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plays a very different role. When people fear being “picked up” or deported, they’re usually thinking of ICE. Its main responsibility is upholding immigration law after someone has entered the country. That means ICE may detain individuals who are undocumented, overstayed a visa, or violated immigration terms. In some situations, they work with law enforcement to identify people for renewal. ICE officers may also be involved in investigating smuggling, trafficking, and other serious offenses.
These two agencies don’t always operate in sync, and it’s important not to confuse them with each other. USCIS may send a letter requesting that you appear for an interview, but that doesn’t mean you’re under arrest. In some complex cases, especially if you have a past deportation order or criminal history, it’s smart to have legal support before dealing with either agency. An attorney can review your case and help you avoid unintentional risk. Knowing who does what won’t fix the system, but it can help you better protect yourself. At The Medlin Law Firm, we have decades of combined experience handling immigration cases and are here to guide you through the process one step at a time.
Slow Cooker Birria Tacos
Ingredients • 3 dried guajillo chiles • 2 dried ancho chiles • 1 medium onion, chopped • 4 garlic cloves • 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes • 3 lbs beef chuck roast • 2 cups beef broth • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp dried oregano • 2 tsp ground cumin • 2 bay leaves • 1 tsp salt • Pepper, to taste • Corn tortillas • Fresh cilantro and diced onion for garnish
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Directions 1. Soak dried chiles in hot water for 15 minutes. 2. Process chiles, onion, garlic, and tomatoes in a blender until smooth. 3. Place beef in a slow cooker and pour the chili mixture over it. 4. Add beef broth, vinegar, oregano, cumin, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. 5. Cook on low for 8–10 hours or until the beef is tender. 6. Shred the beef using forks, then mix back into the sauce. 7. Fry tortillas in oil until crispy, then assemble tacos as desired.
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