From where does the Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) obtain its authority?

The Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) derives its authority primarily from the Constitution, statutes, and regulations. This comprehensive basis for authority is crucial in understanding the scope and limitations of ERO’s operations within the immigration enforcement framework.

The Constitution provides the foundational legal principles that guide federal agencies, including ERO. Statutes refer to the specific laws enacted by Congress that grant agencies their powers and outlines their responsibilities. Key immigration laws, such as the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), delineate the procedures for enforcement and removal activities.

Regulations, which are rules created by federal agencies that explain how the statutes will be implemented, further clarify the authority of ERO. They provide detailed guidance on how immigration laws should be applied in practice. This multi-faceted framework of authority—rooted in constitutional principles, specific laws, and regulatory guidelines—ensures that ERO operates within the bounds of the law while also achieving its enforcement objectives.

The other options do not encompass the complete legal grounding that ERO requires to function effectively. Relying solely on legislation, executive orders, or international treaties would present a limited and incomplete view of ERO's authority.