NICOLE L. REYES
Waldorf,MD
Summary
Experienced, knowledgeable, and resourceful law enforcement officer with experience in conducting a wide variety of duties pertaining to international relations and homeland security. Accurately make decisions and judgement under extreme pressure situations with respect to the application of U.S. immigration and customs enforcement laws, rules, and regulations. Ready to contribute skills, traits, and experience of the highest standards to the agency.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Deputy Chief of Staff
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security
11.2025 - Current
- Assist the Chief of Staff in managing Washington DC ERO field office’s operations, policies and strategic priorities
- Support Field Office leadership in managing daily ERO operations, administrative functions and strategic initiatives
- Coordinate operational planning, policy implementation, and executive correspondence at the field office level
- Prepare briefings, reports and decision memoranda for Field Office Director and senior leadership
- Facilitate coordination between operational units, headquarters components and external law enforcement partners
- Maintain continuous operational awareness by monitoring arrests, deployment and critical incidents and report to ICE Headquarters
- Initiate both criminal and civil prosecutions and deport migrants to foreign countries as well as performing various aspects of custodial operations related to civil immigration enforcement.
- Enforce Title 8; law governing immigration and nationality
- Initiate removal proceedings by identifying allegedly removable noncitizens incarcerated in jails and prisons.
- Preparing investigative reports in sufficient detail and accuracy to support possible prosecution and/or administrative action
- Deportation Officer GS 7 Step 10 Criminal Alien Program Unit
- Assistant Field Office Director & Chief of Staff: Ashia Larkin; ashia.d.larkin@ice.dhs.gov
Customs and Border Protection Officer GS 12, San Ysidro Port of Entry
Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security
04.2022 - 11.2025
- Sustain National Security by detecting and preventing terrorists, weapons, and terrorism instruments from entering the United States through interviews.
- Enforce USC Title 19 & Title 8; Customs, Immigration, and agricultural laws and regulations at U.S. Ports of Entry by issuing penalties or removals.
- Prevented the illegal smuggling and trafficking of people, narcotics, and contraband into the United States.
- Performed inspection, intelligence analysis, examination and law enforcement activities including apprehension, detention and arrest relative to arrival and departure of persons, conveyances at the U.S. ports of entry
- Conducting developmental level officer duties to protect the U.S. homeland, enforce federal laws and efficiently facilitate legitimate trade and travel
- Processed seizures of narcotics, medication, contraband, and other items considered evidence and established a chain of custody
- Conducted extensive interviews of suspected unlawful entrants of travelers to determine and verify compliance with U.S. Customs and Immigration law.
- Watch Commander: Juan Vera (619) 690-8886; juan.f.vera@cbp.dhs.gov
Paralegal
The Law Office of Peter Darwin Chu
08.2020 - 01.2022
- Prepared and filed immigration petitions and applications, including family-based, employment based, and asylum cases
- Drafted legal forms, affidavits, cover letters, and supporting documentation for USCIS filings
- Managing the caseload from client intake through processing and filing
- Coordinated filings, tracked case progress, and ensured compliance with immigration laws and USCIS regulations
- Supervisor: Peter Darwin Chu (Contact information available upon request)
Deputy Legal Assistant
The Law Office of Bernard Grimm
05.2017 - 10.2017
- Drafted and finalized legal documents, such as motions, discovery requests, subpoenas and correspondence
- Assisted with trial preparation, including exhibits, witness lists and case summaries
- Assisted with legal research and filing legal documents in the DC Superior Court.
- Enhanced trial proceedings by organizing evidence and preparing exhibits, organizing case files, monitored calendars, and meet court deadlines.
- Supervisor: Atty. Bernard Grimm (Contact information available upon request)
Paralegal
Madrid Crost Immigration Law Group
06.2016 - 11.2016
- Prepared and filed immigration petitions and applications, including family-based, employment based, humanitarian, and removal defense cases
- Drafted legal forms, affidavits, cover letters, and supporting documentation for USCIS filings
- Assisted attorneys with legal research, case strategy, and preparation for hearings and interviews
- Coordinated filings, tracked case progress, and ensured compliance with immigration laws and agency regulations
- Supervisor: Mindy Pineda (Contact information available upon request)
Education
Bachelor’s Degree - Legal Studies
University of Maryland University College
05.2019
Associate’s Degree - Legal Studies
College of Southern Maryland
05.2016
Skills
- Attention to Detail
- Risk/Time Management
- Critical Thinking
- Judgement and decision making
- Written and oral communication/interviewing
- Manage and organize information
- Coordinating with other law enforcement agencies
LANGUAGE SKILLS
English & Tagalog/Filipino - Native Proficiency
Spanish - Professional working proficiency
Timeline
Deputy Chief of Staff
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security
11.2025 - Current
Customs and Border Protection Officer GS 12, San Ysidro Port of Entry
Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security
04.2022 - 11.2025
Paralegal
The Law Office of Peter Darwin Chu
08.2020 - 01.2022
Deputy Legal Assistant
The Law Office of Bernard Grimm
05.2017 - 10.2017
Paralegal
Madrid Crost Immigration Law Group
06.2016 - 11.2016
Associate’s Degree - Legal Studies
College of Southern Maryland
Bachelor’s Degree - Legal Studies
University of Maryland University College
AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Superior Achievement Officer Award-San Ysidro Port of Entry, 2022, 2023 & 2024