How does the government typically identify people for deportation?

Referred from local arrests

Largest share

Investigations

For example, workplaces, human trafficking and drug trafficking cases

Border encounters

Student and Exchange
Visitor Program (SEVIS)

Flags overstays and student visa issues

Some of the government’s costs related to this part of the process
Item Amount Source
Salary for HSI investigators $32,918–76,649/year OPM (2025)
Salary for CBP agents $64,229–137,875/year CBP (2025)