Review of the Immigration Control
Officer Network – Final Report

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Background

The Immigration Control Officer Network was established in 1989 as an element of the immigration control strategy, which aimed at better protecting the integrity of the refugee determination process and the immigration program as a whole. Immigration control officers (ICOs) were created to be key players in promoting and enhancing international cooperation to counter illegal migration. ICOs were to provide advice and assistance to airlines and local authorities and to gather information for immigration intelligence purposes. They were also to contribute to the interception of improperly documented travellers, and to monitor organized smuggling networks.

The ICO Network performs an important function in the immigration process. ICOs are located abroad and are an integral part of the screening, identification and interception of undocumented or improperly documented persons trying to enter Canada. To perform this role, ICOs are involved in a number of activities including interdiction; gathering and analysis of intelligence; intelligence reporting; and liaison. Within the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) structure, ICOs have a functional reporting relationship with the Enforcement Branch. From an operational perspective, they report through their program manager to the International Region (IR).

In performing their duties, ICOs work closely with immigration program managers, visa officers, other departmental officers, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) liaison officers, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, other Canadian officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, airlines and other governments. These organizations are involved in the gathering and sharing of intelligence, and direct and indirect interdiction. The ICO Network is involved in training the airlines and their staff in overseas control and interdiction. They also work with local, national and international law enforcement agencies.

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