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IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION SERVICE
The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) administers our country's immigration and natural-
ization laws. These statutes are concerned with the admission, exclusion, and deportation of aliens and
the naturalization of legal aliens. The statutes are enforced by Border Patrol Agents and Criminal
Investigators, who prevent illegal entries, inspect aliens seeking entrance into the country, and determine
the immigration status of persons applying for citizenship. In addition to these duties, INS personnel
generally assist the U.S. Customs Service in preventing the importation of contraband.
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is an important enforcement agency within the Department of the
Treasury. There are two law enforcement units within the IRS. The first, Criminal Investigation Division
Special Agents, investigate tax fraud including failure to file tax returns and evasion of income or
miscellaneous federal taxes. The second enforcement unit, Internal Security Inspectors, investigate
prospective employees' backgrounds and alleged cases of misconduct or illegal activities involving IRS
personnel. IRS law enforcement personnel have powers limited by the various federal tax laws, but they
cooperate with and assist local enforcement personnel in matters of mutual concern.
U.S. CUSTOMS SERVICE
The U.S. Customs Service (within the Department of the Treasury) assesses and collects duties and taxes
on imported merchandise and controls carriers and goods imported into, or exported from, the United
States. Customs Agents prevent smuggling and customs revenue frauds, cargo thefts, and traffic in illegal
narcotics. They assist with enforcing certain environmental protection programs for other agencies. They
also enforce regulations on agriculture and plant quarantine and safety laws that govern imported vehicles
and equipment.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
The Department of Agriculture enforces numerous laws designed to protect farmers, the public, and the
national forests. These include laws relating to animal disease, quarantine, meat inspection, and the entry
and spread of insects in the United States. The U.S. Forest Service, one of the agencies within the
Department of Agriculture, enforces federal forest-related laws and regulations. Typical violations
involve stealing or damaging trees, setting fires, and operating vehicles that are hazardous to fire safety.
In general, when they are not on federal lands or are not dealing with forest-related violations, Forest
Rangers have very limited powers of enforcement. However, they may call in law enforcement personnel
from other agencies when circumstances warrant it.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
The Department of Defense is responsible for the major branches of the Armed Forces--Army, Navy,
Marine Corps, and Air Force--each of which engages in law enforcement of various kinds. Their
activities include investigating crimes within their own jurisdictions, providing and controlling security
for classified projects, and gathering intelligence and operating counterintelligence.
