How to Identify ICE, Border Patrol, and Other Federal Agencies

• Identify federal agencies during operations
• Visible uniform markers
• Differences among federal forces

Amid the deployment of federal forces ordered by President Trump, distinguishing which agency is carrying out operations has become an urgent need for many communities.

The presence of different federal bodies can create confusion, especially when they operate simultaneously or in residential areas.

How to Identify Federal Agencies

@uninoticias ➡️ ➡️ Augmented reality: we explain how you can identify an FBI agent, ICE, Border Patrol, and the DEA. Amid the federal deployments ordered by President Trump, distinguishing which agency is carrying out operations became essential for many communities. Report by @Ilia Calderón. 📺 More on Noticiero Univision at 6:30pm/5:30C and Late Edition at 11:30pm/10:30C. #inmigración #deportaciones #ICE #agentesmigratorios #redadas ♬ sonido original – Univision Noticias

Knowing who is who allows people to better understand the type of operation taking place, the authority each agency has, and the appropriate way to respond or seek help.

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This guide brings together visible markers commonly used by ICE, Border Patrol, the National Guard, the FBI, and the DEA — relying only on publicly available information — to help communities identify federal agents.

ICE and Their Marked Vests

ICE agents are among the most visible during federal deployments.

They typically operate wearing vests labeled ERO or HSI, the two divisions most commonly seen in immigration interventions and investigative actions.

For many communities, these labels are essential for distinguishing ICE from other federal forces with similar tactical gear.

The use of these letters on vests or outer garments is one of the main ways to identify ICE agents during operations.

In situations where several agencies act simultaneously, these markings become the clearest and most reliable indicator.

Recognizing these identifiers helps people understand the nature of ICE’s presence and the type of intervention they may be conducting.

Border Patrol and National Guard: Uniforms and Insignia

Border Patrol agents typically display identifiers linked to their agency — visible markings that make them recognizable even when participating in operations outside border zones.

At times, they may wear police-style insignia, a detail that can confuse residents not accustomed to seeing them in urban environments.

These visible markers help communities distinguish Border Patrol from other agencies wearing tactical clothing or similar equipment.

Meanwhile, the National Guard is identified by its military camouflage uniform, a consistent element during deployments.

Camouflage is one of the most recognizable indicators and often the first sign that National Guard members are present.

This militarized appearance differentiates them from agencies focused on investigations or border enforcement.

Identifying this uniform provides clarity about the specific role the National Guard plays during joint operations.

FBI and DEA: Clear Use of Official Initials

Both the FBI and DEA are easy to recognize because they prominently display their official initials.

Unlike camouflage uniforms or vests with internal divisions, these investigative agencies rely on visible lettering to mark their presence.

Their initials typically appear on outer clothing, identification gear, or equipment during raids and federal interventions.

For communities, this visual clarity helps differentiate investigative federal agents from those involved in migration enforcement or tactical deployments.

The visibility of these letters reduces confusion when multiple federal forces occupy the same operational space.

Having this information helps residents more easily identify federal agents and understand the kind of operation unfolding around them — empowering communities with essential safety awareness.