In addition to its headquarters in Washington, D.C., OPLA has more than 60 offices in 25 field offices across the United States. Across all locations, OPLA fosters an environment where all voices are valued and welcomes the unique perspectives and opinions that exist within a talented, diverse and inclusive workforce. With a much more diverse workforce than its peers in the private sector, OPLA prides itself on further diversifying the experiences, perspectives and characteristics of its workforce, and is committed to celebrating our differences and adopting practices that promote a fair, safe and inclusive workplace by promoting equal access to opportunity. – Legal advice and assistance for other ICE components and litigation support for U.S. immigration and/or customs attorneys. The position also includes appellate representation before the Immigration Appeals Board, including the preparation of briefs and other briefs. OPLA also provides a full range of legal services to ICE programs and offices, including legal and supervisory advice to ICE employees regarding their customs, criminal law enforcement and immigration agencies, Freedom of Information Act and Data Protection Act, ethics, liability under the Federal Tort Claims Act and a range of administrative matters such as contract, tax and labour law. OPLA represents the Agency before the Merit Systems Protection Board, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Board of Contract Appeals. OPLA attorneys provide critical assistance to the Department of Justice in pursuing ICE cases and defending ICE authorities in federal courts. Field Legal Operations (FLO) is the largest component of OPLA and includes the 25 field offices in the United States.
Each OPLA site is run by a chief attorney who leads DHS advocacy in local immigration courts and the Immigration Appeals Board. FLO also provides a full range of legal services, including customs and labour advice, to the local ERO office and the HSI office of the relevant Special Representative. Learn more about E&L The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appeals to those who want to help protect American interests and secure our nation. DHS components work together to prevent terrorism; the security of borders and our transportation systems; protect the President and other dignitaries; Immigration law enforcement and administration, cyberspace protection; and ensuring disaster resilience. We accomplish these important tasks with a diverse workforce in hundreds of professions. Make a difference; Join DHS. The mission of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is to protect America from transnational crime and illegal immigration that threaten national security and public safety.
ICE focuses on smart immigration law enforcement, preventing terrorism, and combating the illegal movement of people and goods. ICE is DHS`s primary investigative body and the second largest investigative body in the federal government. Created in 2003 by merging the investigative and enforcement components of U.S. Customs and Immigration and Naturalization, ICE employs more than 20,000 people in more than 400 offices in the United States and around the world. ICE is a key component of DHS`s multi-layered approach to protecting our country from various threats. For more information about ICE and career opportunities, see www.ice.gov. Jonathan W. Hitesman was appointed Associate Chief Immigration Justice in June 2020. Justice Hitesman received a Bachelor of Science degree from Norwich University in 1990, a J.D. from the University of Hawaii in 1997, and a Master of Laws degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 2004. From 1990 to 2020, he served on active duty in the United States Marine Corps, first as an infantry officer and then as a judge advocate. In 2020, he retired as Chief Military Appeals Justice at the Navy and Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals.
Richter Hitesman is a member of the Hawaii State Bar and the Minnesota State Bar. E-Verify: DHS uses E-Verify to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and obligations. Promotion Potential: This position has the potential for promotion to GS-15. If promotional potential is demonstrated, the Agency makes no commitment and has no obligation to provide you with future promotions if you are selected. Future promotions depend on your ability to perform tasks at a higher level, the continued need for an employee assigned to the next level, and administrative approval. Direct payment: All federal employees are required to have their federal salary paid by direct deposit. Veteran`s preference: There is no formal rating system to apply Veterans` preference to exempt legal officer appointments; However, OPLA views preferential eligibility of veterans as a positive factor in hiring lawyers.