Hey everyone, As promised, here’s my one-week overview of my current experience as a Deportation Officer (DO) with ICE-ERO. If you haven’t seen my initial post, you can check it out here: My First Impressions. https://www.reddit.com/r/ICE_ERO/s/g2PuHrFgYu This first week has been an incredible experience—challenging, eye-opening, and rewarding. On my third official day during orientation, I witnessed the shooting incident in Dallas, TX. It was a shocking reminder of the dangers we face in this profession. May the Lord bless the one who lost their life, and keep the rest of us safe. We live in tough times, but I firmly believe good will overcome evil. Despite the risks, this job is worth it. Serving this country and growing in this role has a purpose bigger than ourselves. For those of you who are new hires or still waiting for your EOD, here’s some advice that may help you: Key Advice for New Hires NEO Emails: Be patient—your New Employee Orientation (NEO) email can arrive anytime before your official EOD date. ICE is hiring thousands right now, and if you’re in the process, trust that you’ll get your turn. POC Communication: If you have a point of contact (POC), especially an MSS (Mission Support Specialist), reach out to them for clarification on any questions. They’re a great resource. Polygraphs: If you fail the ICE polygraph, you won’t be hired. Federal policy requires you to wait two years before reapplying or retaking the test. There are very rare exceptions. EOD & Duty Station: Your Entry on Duty (EOD) determines your duty location or sub-office. You’ll spend time in orientation before leaving for FLETC, so keep an eye on your academy dates once they’re assigned. FLETC Registration: Register for FLETC as soon as you receive the email instructions. You’ll also get a confirmation shortly after. PIV Card: Do your best to get your PIV (ID badge) before NEO. It makes the transition smoother and saves you from daily “airport-style” security scans. If you’re fingerprinted on or after your official EOD, you can often request the card the same day. Paperwork: Complete and submit as many forms as you can through the portal before NEO. Print out the rest at home. Trust me—showing up prepared saves you time and avoids frustration. Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Consider maximizing contributions early. Ask MSS for details or do some research; it’s worth it in the long run. Firearms: If you’ve never shot before, get some range time. Learn to safely handle and build confidence with a firearm. ICE-ERO is moving away from the SIG P320 and returning to Glock 19s (or something similar). Like one of our trainers said: invest in yourself and come ready. Academy Length: The academy is 54 days long—not because it’s easier, but because you’ll work six days a week with only one day off. Be prepared for long days and stay sharp. Transportation: Personally, I recommend not driving if you want to save money. FLETC provides transportation, and you’ll avoid putting miles on your car. That said, if you live nearby, weigh your options. Final Thoughts I could go on, but I think these are the essentials to set you up for success. This is a dangerous but honorable job—come prepared, stay humble, and invest in yourself. If you have questions, feel free to drop them here. Please be specific so I (and others) can give you the clearest answers possible. Stay safe, God bless, and welcome to the journey. 🙏🏾