The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency was created on March 1, 2003. It was established as part of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, which was passed in response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. ICE was formed by merging the investigative and interior enforcement functions of the former U.S. Customs Service (formerly under the Treasury Department) and the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) (formerly under the Justice Department). The creation of ICE aimed to consolidate and strengthen national security and immigration enforcement under the newly formed Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

In summary:

• ICE was created by the U.S. Congress through the Homeland Security Act of 2002.
• It was formed by merging parts of the U.S. Customs Service and the Immigration and Naturalization Service.
• The agency's creation was part of a broader government reorganization following the 9/11 attacks to enhance homeland security.

The director of ICE is appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate, overseeing the agency within the Department of Homeland Security.