Matthew Ochoa

Matthew R. Ochoa serves as Acting Field Office Director for the Harlingen Field Office (HLG) within Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). As chief executive officer, he directs enforcement, detention, and removal operations across 15 counties, seven facilities with over 4,000 beds, 350 employees, and a multimillion-dollar operating budget.

Mr. Ochoa began his federal law enforcement career in 2008 as a Border Patrol Agent in Laredo Sector, advancing through intelligence, operations, and executive support roles, including Adjutant to the Chief Patrol Agent and to the Director of DHS' Joint Task Force–West.

He joined ERO San Antonio in 2016, progressing from Deportation Officer to Assistant Field Office Director and later serving as Chief of Staff. His assignments at HQ Domestic Operations and the Southwest Border Coordination Center shaped national policy and strengthened interagency response to record migration surges. In 2022, he became an Acting Deputy Chief of Staff, advising ERO's senior leadership on national policy and department-level strategic initiatives.

In 2025, Mr. Ochoa served at the White House as Director of Interior Enforcement on the Homeland Security Council, advising the Homeland Security Advisor, President, and senior officials on national and domestic security matters.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Texas A&M International University and a Master of Public Affairs from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin.