Information On ICE Attack In Mexico, ICE’s Role In Mexico

Information Pertaining to Tuesday’s Attack on ICE Agents in Mexico

? U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has personnel in 69 locations in 47 countries around the world, coordinating investigations involving transnational criminal organizations and serving as the Agency’s liaison to government and law enforcement partners internationally.

? Using its customs authorities, ICE special agents and officers provide investigative case support and information to work with their Mexican law enforcement counterparts. This joint effort targets a wide range of cross-border crime including narcotics trafficking, child exploitation, sex trafficking, special interest alien smuggling, human trafficking, drug tunnels and bulk cash smuggling.

? In Mexico, ICE and other U.S. law enforcement personnel support their law enforcement counterparts by sharing information, equipment and professional experience. The ICE Attach Office is comprised of approximately 30 agents stationed throughout Mexico.

? The ICE agents brutally attacked on Tuesday were returning to Mexico City after meeting other U.S. personnel in the state of San Luis Potos.

? Such meetings among U.S. law enforcement personnel working in Mexico are a regular part of ICE’s bilateral cooperation in Mexico under existing agreements.

? The Mexican government does not authorize U.S. law enforcement personnel to carry weapons.

? Today, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Attorney General Eric Holder established a joint task force between the two departments, which will be led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and will leverage the investigative capabilities of both departments to work with Mexico in tracking down the perpetrators and swiftly bringing them to justice.

? U.S. law enforcement agencies continue to work closely with Mexican authorities who are investigating the shooting to ensure the perpetrators of this unconscionable crime are captured as quickly as possible.