Thread: THE ROLE I.C.E. PLAYS IN SECURING OUR BORDERS

(quote)

The Role I.C.E. Plays In Securing Our Borders

by B. Jay Johnson

I had been trying to get in touch with someone with I.C.E. -- Immigration and Customs Enforcement -- for several weeks. Finally, last Wednesday I made contact with one of the top spokespersons within the agency. His name is Temple Black.

Black is the spokesman for Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the division of I.C.E. that is headquartered in New Orleans. Five states are included in that division, including Tennessee.

The reason I had been searching for an I.C.E. spokesperson is because the agency is the largest investigative branch of the Department of Homeland Security.

Obviously, with the Bradley News publishing a series of Special Reports called Illegal Invasion, we were anxious to hear what members of I.C.E. have to say about the issue of illegal immigration here in Tennessee.

First, before I get to what I.C.E. revealed to us about illegal immigration, let me briefly tell you a little more about how the agency operates.

It was created in March 2003 by combining the law enforcement arms of the former Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and the former U.S. Customs Service.

The two agencies were combined to more effectively enforce our immigration and customs laws and to protect the United States against terrorism, in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. I.C.E. does this by targeting illegal immigrants: the people, money and materials that support terrorism and other criminal activities.

On its website the agency describes itself as "a key component of the Department of Homeland Security's 'layered defense' approach to protecting the nation."

The I.C.E. website lists at least ten responsibilities it carries out.

They include:

? The dismantling of gang organizations by targeting their members, seizing their financial assets and disrupting their criminal operations.

? The investigation of employers and targeting of illegal workers who have gained access to critical infrastructure worksites, such as nuclear and chemical plants, military installations and airports.

? The identification of fraudulent immigration benefit applications.

? To help combat criminal organizations that smuggle and traffic in humans across U.S. borders.

I.C.E. has a regional office in Chattanooga, however, the agents who work there are not allowed to talk to the media about the way they operate. They are allowed to speak to the media under special circumstances, such as when an emergency has been declared.

Therefore, the questions I had were addressed by Mr. Temple Black. The questions and answers are listed below.

Q: What empowerment do local law enforcement agencies have regarding illegal aliens?

Black: Routinely, local police call ICE agents if/when they encounter individuals they think are illegal aliens. Our agents work closely with local law enforcement agencies to ensure illegal aliens are identified. When a crime has been committed and an illegal alien is a suspect in the case, ICE agents place a "detainer" on that individual. A detainer is an administrative hold that ensures the individual will be turned over to ICE at the conclusion of the individual's case review. If an individual is accused of a crime, is tried and convicted in a local jurisdiction, they must serve their sentence in that jurisdiction. When their sentence is completed, they are turned over to ICE and deported.

Q: How does the deportation process play out once someone is chosen to be deported?

Black: If an individual is identified to be deported they are processed by ICE Agents. This means they are fingerprinted, photographed and their backgrounds run to see if they had any outstanding warrants, etc. If so, they are referred to the local U.S. Attorney for possible prosecution. The U.S. Attorney makes the decision on whether to prosecute or not. Depending on the Country, the deportation process may be quick or drawn out. Mexico is normally a quicker process than Vietnam or Cuba. There are some countries who will not take their citizens back. There are other countries that take a very long time to provide documents allowing their citizens to be returned. Depending on the location in the U.S., illegal aliens are either driven or flown back to Mexico.

Q: Why aren't all illegals taken into Custody when it's determined they have no identification, driver's license or other required documents?

Black: ICE prioritizes law enforcement actions. Our goal is to find those individuals who are most likely to harm the citizenry of this country. So, we focus on aggravated felons and the like first. If we find illegal aliens during that process, we also detain them and process them for removal from the U.S. However, we have cases where illegal aliens claim asylum due to fear of being hurt or killed if they return to their home country. When that occurs, those individuals go before an Immigration Judge who reviews their case.

Q: Why is 287 (g) so difficult to obtain? (287 (g) is a program that trains local law enforcement officers to take part in the detection, detainment and deportation of illegal aliens.)

Black: The 287 (g) program is very popular throughout the country. There are a number of requests for the program which are being considered and reviewed at this time.

Q: How many illegals are coming into Tennessee on a daily basis?

Black:There is no way to know such a number.

Mr. Blacks's answers were very informative and greatly appreciated. Even though he couldn't give a precise number on how many illegals are migrating into Tennessee on a daily basis, State Immigration Officials in Nashville say there are approximately 46,000 illegal aliens currently living in Tennessee.

State Representative Eric Watson estimates Bradley County is home to some 5,500 to 6,000 illegal aliens.

Just recently, Sheriff Tim Gobble told the Bradley News, "We feel like we're seeing an influx of illegals."

Sheriff Gobble said his office has begun the process of applying for the 287 (g) program.

It's estimated that the Bradley County Justice Center is currently incarcerating at least 30 illegal aliens. If the sheriff's office had the database that comes with the 287 (g) program, his department could do an instant background check on each individual inmate to determine whether they have a criminal record.

State Representative Watson is also a Bradley County Sheriff's Deputy. He told the Bradley News, "As it stands now, we don't know who we're holding or how dangerous they might be."

Representative Watson and Sheriff Gobble are concerned about what takes place on July 1. That's when sweeping new legislation goes into effect in Georgia. New laws there will cut off most if not all of the social services currently provided to illegal aliens in Georgia.

Both Watson and Gobble say they believe the illegal aliens in Georgia will head north into Bradley County and other areas of southeast Tennessee.

Are we ready for the influx? Only time will tell. Our next Special Report will come out on July 11. By then we should have some idea of the impact the Georgia law is having on the Chattanooga/Cleveland area.

(quote)

http://www.bradleyweekly.com/news.cfm?id=5289&issue=293

Sheriff Tim Gobble has applied for the 287 (g) and the County Commission is refusing to allot the funds for this and other law enforcement funding requests. At least one or two local citizens have volunteered to pay for or help pay for the 287 (g).

Mayor Tom Rowland of Cleveland, TN is pleased with his association with the Ocoee Regional Multicultural Services Center which according to the news assists illegal aliens. Jerry Bohannon, President of the Cleveland Bradley Chamber of Commerce is associated with the Ocoee Regional Multicultural Center as well. The Police Chief of Cleveland, TN and the Sheriff Tim Gobble also have an association with the ORMS. No wonder Cleveland is known as a "safe haven" for illegal aliens and lenient in response to their activities and ability to get documents.

Cleveland, Tn in Bradley County is effectively a "SANCTUARY CITY." What a legacy for Mayor Tom Rowland and what a reputation for a former small town in Tennessee now besieged by thousands of illegal aliiens.

The two agencies were combined to more effectively enforce our immigration and customs laws and to protect the United States against terrorism, in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. I.C.E. does this by targeting illegal immigrants: the people, money and materials that support terrorism and other criminal activities

.

And yer doin' a heck of a job, Blacky

ICE told me that they couldn't help me when it came to my neighbors smuggling in illegals.

I think ICE is just there once in awhile when the camera rolls to make us think they are doing something.

I think they are actors that is what I think, hired of course by BUSH!

i wonder how these idiots spend their days. at first i was thinking playing marbles... but i'm sure they aren't allowed that, choke risk. darts... velcro dart!

Paige, did you contact your Representative and Senators? It took a year for an I.C.E. raid at a home in Cleveland, Tn to occur. This home harbors and transports up to 18 people every day to a local Chinese restaurant.

The raid occured in April. Illegal Aliens were removed by I.C.E. Prior to I.C.E. finally coming, the following were contacted:

Mayor Tom Rowland
Mayor Gary Davis
County Commission
City Council Members
State of Tennessee Attorney General
Sheriff Tim Gobble
Police Chief Wes Snyder
Code Enforcement
I.C.E.
Local Television Stations
Radio
Senator Lamar Alexander's Office
Representative Zach Wamp
State Representative Eric Watson
State Representative Kevin Brooks

One year later they finally came, illegal aliens were removed and 3 were identitfied as fugitives from the Republic of China - this is one home - how many other homes and apartments in Cleveland, TN are full of criminals?

Within three days, the home was full again - I.C.E. says they are returning - we won't hold our breath (April, May, June, July)

Call everyone you can to expose the problem. Broadcast the situation loud and clear.

Psalm 91

One year later they finally came, illegal aliens were removed and 3 were identitfied as fugitives from the Republic of China - this is one home - how many other homes and apartments in Cleveland, TN are full of criminals?

Once again it makes me wonder if we have any inkling of the millions upon millions of illegal aliens from ALL OVER THE WORLD that have crept into America. No wonder the highways are impassable.

Originally Posted by pjr40

One year later they finally came, illegal aliens were removed and 3 were identitfied as fugitives from the Republic of China - this is one home - how many other homes and apartments in Cleveland, TN are full of criminals?

Once again it makes me wonder if we have any inkling of the millions upon millions of illegal aliens from ALL OVER THE WORLD that have crept into America. No wonder the highways are impassable.

i so agree, that's why we need to keep fighting.

On the news Chertoff said every American needs to be vigilant, needs to watch for anything out of the ordinary. I have seen things out of the ordinary on a daily basis. ICE will not respond. What more can an American do Chertoff? When we call you, you won't show up. You are a damn liar and are not representing yourself or ICE in a truthful manner. The fact is Chertoff you don't care if tomarrow we are blown up. Just as long as you stay a Bush Bot you feel you are safe.