Return to Article: DHS agency to keep its name
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6591
Well said Mr. Martinez.
What's more depressing than the merger are these posts I've been reading. I realize that Customs got screwed initially and a lot of legacy customs agents will always feel that way. Some of the bickering is just quite childish though; College, no college? What about Veteran, no veteran or prior LEO experience, no prior LEO experience for that matter? I'm sure that a lot of Legacy Customs and INS Agents have one, if not a combination of those experiences. I've worked with all or a combination therof and there are good people/workers and bad people/workers with those experiences. It really doesn't matter to me. It's what they're doing now, whether they have common sense, whether they can do the job or learn the new one, etc. It's definately not sitting in a car with another legacy agency counterpart listening to them bitch all day about the merger. I will acknowledge that in the long run, Legacy INS SA's got the sweet end of the deal. I just want everyone to get along and work together. It's apparent there's a problem in Dallas but Dallas isn't all of ICE. Believe it or not, some SAC's were taken over by Customs, with a Legacy Customs SAC in charge, and everything seems to be going the Customs way (that's our PERCEPTION anyway).
I think most legacy INS agents will acknowledge that there was a problem in our agency with mis-management, politics, lack of direction (Congress/Presidents unwilling to acknowlege and/or do anything about the MAJOR Immigration problems we have in this country, lack of enforcement morale, etc). After all, in my opinion, our lax immigration policies, politics, and border in security was one of the largest, if not the ultimate cause of 9/11. You can slam the agents and inspectors of Legacy INS all you want but you and everyone else knows that it goes way beyond the front line people.
I just want to defend my country as I have for the past 13 years without being put down as a lesser agent because I didn't go to the same school or have the same background as someone else. I want us all to work together and I look forward to working with, and learning from as many of you as I can over my career.
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6213
How many years of college did you do to come up with those two sentences? I recommend you seek a refund. ICE will never realize its full potential with negative attitudes and stereotypes associated with agents from either legacy agency.
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5571
So how many INS agents have actually earned a college degree and completed CI school at FLETC? Maybe 20%? Yeah - give them all GS-13's, I am sure they earned it.
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5545
The problem with ICE is that political appointees i.e. Garcia, Ridge, etc. never have the guts to stand up to the other agency heads. Ridge and Garcia gave up the store to the FBI. The FBI, what a joke, they couldn't even find the spy in their agency!!! And they are in charge of investigating terrorist. Most FBI agents don't even know where the field is. Instead of ICE, how about DHS Office of Special Investigations (OSI). Pretty catchy, huh? To those of you who are legacy customs and don't care for legacy INS, go away!! If I wanted to go to Customs, I would have (and I was offered a job with Customs the same time as I was offered a job with INS)! You like to complain, but boy, when INS was in existence, I got calls from everybody, including Customs, asking for help. Whether it be for information, to helping on a case, to placing holds and removing aliens. In INS, the Special Agents developed their own cases and didn't have to rely on getting cases handed to them by the inspectors. I would rather be a GS-12 SA in INS them continue to be a SSA in ICE and have to listen to a bunch of whiners.
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5401
It saddens my heart to learn of another concession to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In reading the article, why is the head of Department of Homeland Secretary Tom Ridge meeting with the agency head of Federal Bureau of Investigation, Director Robert Mueller, to discuss a DHS agency name change? Is this to say our DHS Secretary is equal to an agency head of the Department of Justice? If so, this explains a lot of problems enacting within and outside of ICE.
FBI Secretary Equivalent -
5388
I have some great names changes for ICE, 1. MICE, 2. LICE, 3. DICE as in roll the dice for a new name, who cares about the FBI and what they dictate for a name change, how long will they last?
As for Garcia he cares nothing for his employees another self serving government employee, he is the morale problem at ICE, DICE, MICE or LICE.
DHS Employee
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5335
Please don't feel that those of us who were forceably drafted into ICE from Customs resent legacy INS agents. We know that you had an unappreciated & difficult job in an agency with dysfunctional management, as evidenced by the large number of INS agents who switched over to Customs over the years. In spite of that, you worked hard and did your best to defend this country, despite confusing and irrational policies & laws formulated by Congress. However, please respect our feelings as well. You get a benefit from this merger, by moving up from journeyman grade 12 to 13, & having a chance to investigate other crimes besides INS violations. We, however, got nothing from this merger, no grades, lousy management and administrative systems, etc. We have a right to feel upset, and betrayed, as the legislation creating DHS specified that INS was to be abolished, but in fact, Customs was. So let us cry in our beer, and enjoy your raises!
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5320
I was proud to show my credentials as a Customs employee, however, there is no longer such an agency, yet a year and a half later, that is what my credentials still say, it is embarrasing to say the least. ICE does not have credentials, badges, or an accountable finance or property system. We can't pick a name unless the FBI says it is acceptable to them. If we had to keep the ICE acronym, what was wrong with "Interdiction and Customs Enforcment"? INS was to be abolished in the transition to DHS, but in fact it was the Customs service that was abolished and the INS is alive and well with their inadequate administrative computer systems and personnel who are uninformed on how an investigative agency runs and its requirements. I came from an office that accounted for every penny in our budget, were efficient in providing services to our customers and all systems were integrated and automated. Now I have six different passwords, everything is paper and nothing is integrated and evidently, automation has not been invented. How can we secure our homeland when we can't even agree on a name for our agency?
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5315
My oh my, sounds like a lot of disgruntled Customs Agents posting on here. How's about this guys: You've worked your butt off for twenty something years, made complex cases involving major corporations and complicated conspiracies, have the respect and admiration of U.S. Attorneys and other agencies far and wide. But your new Customs' boss tells you it's gonna take a while for you to get up to speed doing "real" investigations. How's that for a morale booster?
We have some real issues. You need to learn to respect what the other side has been doing and quit listening to disgruntled old timers who may have made two arrests in the past five years. Being a Special Agent allows you the flexibility to create opportunities, to be independent, and develop your own cases. Enjoy what you do. Sure there are INS guys that haven't made a decent case in their whole lousy career. But you can find plenty of Customs agents who have done nothing but create TECS cases their whole careers.
What they call me really doesn't matter. I still get to put bad guys in jail, or send them out of the country. Quit your whining.
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5300
When Michael Garcia came to Dallas for a "town hall" meeting, he stated that he wanted ICE to be "the premier federal law-enforcement agency." That right there told me that his only goal is to further his own ambitions. He is typical of the ladder-climbers who only want power and prestige. Look at his initiatives--sex offenders, US citizen child pornographers, and busting big companies for hiring illegal cleaning crews. All three get press and the "feel good" effect, but in reality are big farts in the wind. What about all the alien smugglers who help these convicted felons return to the US? Where are all the young girls "rescued" by busting guys who are beating off in front of their computers at home, instead of the people who are actually making kiddie porn? What about the thousands of smaller businesses that don't make $9 billion a year who hire illegals and actually have them smuggled here? The fact is, none of these things have little if anything to do with "Homeland Security." They do, however, allow Garcia to toot his horn in front of Congress and pose all buddy-buddy with John Walsh (another insufferable ham.)
ICE needs to let Customs go back to Treasury and do Customs work, and start enforcing immigration laws (not child porn laws, drug laws, and other stuff that the FBI is supposed to do.) This whole thing has been a boon-doggle from the beginning, and I will be happy when it withers and dies on the vine.
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5298
Customs Agent since 1983. I mourn the passing of Customs only out of respect for comrades from that time. OI/OE was a Law Enforcement organization run by regulators. Republicans supported enforcement & expansion. Democrats opened the borders and made us second class employees. Commissioner Weise wanted "...no agent issues on the table." Com. Kelly wanted to keep us to 10 round mags for our Glocks. INS was even worse. ICE was WAY overdue as a concept. Badges, creds, names and computer systems mean nothing. It's the investigator that makes the difference. Just 15 years ago everything but TECS I was manual. The job got done. Right now immigration enforcement is the priority (JUST WHO ARE THE TERRORISTS?). So be it. I WOULD like more on overall strategy from the top. But I ALWAYS felt that way. Anyone remember GREENBACK? That came from the field, not from HQ or Treasury. "I didn't sign on to do this..." No, I didn't either. I signed on to "...Protect and Defend the Consistution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic..." and I guess I can still do that! I am pretty sick of the chin quiverin', whinin', bellyachin', and assorted snickerin'! It is what it is. Can't change it, but we can be faithful to our oath and the folks that pay us! It can always be better, but NOT if we don't get involved to make it so. If you want to leave for greener pastures. Don't let the door hit ya on the way out! ICE needs agents committed to the long haul, overall mission with the will to work through the problems and be successful. After only 10 months, I think things are worse than I hoped and better than I thought. With Customs, after 20 YEARS, things were worse than I hoped and better than I thought. We have the ability and OPPORTUNITY to make a significant difference and I think this is marvelous!
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5297
Customs Agent since 1983. I mourn the passing of Customs only out of respect for comrades past. OI (or OE)was an enforcement entity managed by regulators. Enforcement priorities were dependent upon administrations. Democrats impeded our mission, Republicans supported it. INS was even worse. ICE was WAY overdue. There are a LOT of Immigration enforcement issues to "catch up on". We can maintain the Customs status quo and still be effective. We WILL reach equilibrium if we can focus on the big picture an the mission, instead of names, badges, creds, and computer systems. Only 15 years ago everything was manual (except TECS I). The bugs will be worked out. Let's just do our jobs and focus on mission. "I didn't sign up to do immigration work..." No, I signed up to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and all enemies, foreign and domestic. Still goes. Only reservation is, would like to have more info from top down on overall strategy. But I've ALWAYS wanted that. Don't rely on ANY politico to provide that. We've always had to do it ourselves. Anyone remember GREENBACK? That came from the field, NOT from HQ or Treasury.
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5296
Why Congress is not requiring accountability from ICE management? If ICE cannot make sound decision on the agency name, how long could take ICE management to react to another national security incident? Is ICE management prepared to deal with complicated matters...apparently not? It seems that a name change is the most complicated thing that ICE have done so far... God Bless Us, we need it.
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5260
I can't help but notice a commonality in all of the comments. Nobody any longer signs their name as legacy Customs or Former INS. Mr. Garcia has accomplished one mission, he has brought everyone together, and in the process has become the focal point of discontent within the entire agency, and has earned a vote of no confidence from its personnel. Mr. Garcia has made poor business decisions ranging from utilizing failed administrative systems, utilizing failed INS systems, to poor communication from Headquarters to the field. Why did ICE refuse to use legacy Customs computer based administrative systems? I realize that he has had satellite conferences. These have merely parroted back to us what we have done in the field. We KNOW what we are doing, we're waiting to hear what YOU are doing. It still puzzles me as to why lawyers are qualified to assume any management position within ICE, regardless of the position qualifications. I'm sure that all have noticed that we appear to be a homeless shelter for attorneys from the former INS. It would seem that we can't get them into key management positions within ICE fast enough. Regarding our attempted name change...who was the genius who attempted to change our name to the "Bureau of Investigations and Criminal Enforcement"? Of course the FBI is going to balk...you've just used two-thirds of their title. However, if alternatives were explored we probably could have floated "DHS Office of Investigations and Criminal Enforcement", and been successful. For Pete's sake...doesn't anyone in Headquarters have an imagination? It is clear that while Mr. Garcia may be a nice person, he clearly is not qualified to lead this organization. ICE is in dire need of strong leadership, and an individual with intimate knowledge of how the political game is played. By reading the Daily ICE Clips it is clear where we are headed, aliens...aliens...aliens. I know we are doing more, it just doesn't go forward. It's not Mr. Garcia's fault, he just doesn't know any better. And that's the problem.
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5251
Another step backwards for the 1811's in ICE. The FBI with its bloated ego could not stand to have another federal agency with the words "Bureau" or "Investigation" in its name. The loss of the name change and the antiquated computer programs brought over from INS have led many to seek employment at other agencies, as they were advised to do if they didn't like the changes. The morale at ICE is the lowest for any federal agency that I have ever witnessed in my 23 years of federal service. Management from Michael Garcia on down seem to worry more about their careers then about the safety of America. I believe many agents will now retire as early as they can in order to get off this melting ICE cube. Although it was INS that was abolished, it appears that Customs has been abolished and INS resurrected under ICE. Garcia needs to be replaced by someone with investigative experience and basic common sense. When the next terrorist act takes place, I fear that Homeland Security will be blamed, not the FBI.
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5233
The only question that remains is after a year or two when ICE has completely melted, is absorbed into CBP, and Garcia is in the bread line, will Commissioner Bonner allow the ICE agents to retain their ICE badge in Lucite as a memento of what could have been?
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5230
ICE was created to be the investigative and enforcement arm of Homeland Security through broad investigative authority. However, under Mr. Garcia's stewardship, ICE has been hamstrung by his ineffective leadership and personal relationship with the FBI. The allowing of another agency to dictate the name and the authority of ICE is emblematic of the problems of the agency. Mr. Garcia has loss the confidence of the agents. Despite all the posturing and official statements, ICE is not involved in homeland security. It is only a larger micro-managed version of its Immigration predecessor. To become an effective law enforcement agency, ICE needs a leader with extensive federal law enforcement experience and political savvy, someone with the strength of character and willpower to place the agency ahead of his own personal relationships or agenda. Until then, employee moral will continue to plummet and the agency will continue to flounder.
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5219
Get rid of Garcia. Why would I let this merger dictate who I vote for in November? As a conservative, I guess I'm willing to put up with anything, even a John Kerry who treats the Secret Service like second class citizens. He's got to be better than what the Bush status quo is.
It's a good time to be a smaller agency looking to hire 1811's. Mass exodus.
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5213
Does it really matter what they call us? I will still tell people that I am a Customs agent. When you use the term Immigration and Customs Enforcement, all people hear is the Immigration. I thought that Investigations and Criminal Enforcement was a bad idea, Investigations and Criminal Enforcement of what? The best answer is to make us the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection Office of Investigations. Despite the things we hear about our new role, it still comes down to what our authority is. We can investigate violations of Immigration or Customs laws. Everything else belongs to someone else, except the FBI which can investigate whatever it wants. Congress needs to fix the problems it caused when it created ICE. Congress did not understand the real missions of these agencies when they put us together. Immigration seems to do their job fairly well, but it is really a much different mission than that done by Customs. Put it all under CBP and move on.
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5212
Yet another morale buster! INS lives on, and cannot be killed, like Michael Myers in the "Halloween" movies! This agency has lost every turf battle it has had since it's inception, and morale has suffered as a result. Family and friends watch the news about the "War on Terrorism", and comment that I must be extremely busy fighting our nation's enemies. I am embarrassed to tell them the truth, which is that DHS ICE only does what the FBI lets it do. It's been 16 months since ICE began, and still no badges or credentials, due to the name change fiasco. It's time for DHS management to tell the Justice Dept. and the FBI where to go, rather than vice versa. Remember that Congress and the President created this agency, and gave it it's mission. It's time to strongly assert that authority, FBI or not!
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5210
Why change our name? If we did, it wouldn't reflect what we are doing. However, if we want our name to TRULY refelct what we are and ARE NOT doing, "Customs" should be dropped from our name as well.......
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5207
The morale in this agency is continues to drop. We can't even get the name right. And this debate went all the way to the White House? There is absolutely no leadership and taxpayer dollars are being wasted due to failing administrative systems. Mr Garcia is right in his assessment - It's time to move on!
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5206
It is a sad state of affairs for employees and the American public when something as simple as a name change, which would have better expressed the overall mission of this agency, could not be implemented due to petty bickering between government agencies.
The current name reflects what the former Customs and Immigration Special Agents do day to day, but for the large number of remaining ICE employees this is not the case.
One would hope that this sort of pettiness is not reflected in the cooperation between agencies or directed toward the end result of the nation's war on crime, immigration issues and terrorism; but I have a feeling it is!
It is depressing!
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5204
With all that's going on in this world today, I cannot believe that this agency, that was formed almost two years ago, cannot come up with a name, publish a badge and creds for the agents/employees, and move forward. We should be focused on the mission this organization was formed to do. We have truly lost sight of the big picture, not too mention, the true mission of this organization. It's kind of ironic that this merge was formed primarily due too the abolishment of the former failing legacy INS, still includes Immigration in its title and its policies and systems are still procedures found within the infrastructure of the agency. Unbelievable.......God Bless America.
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5203
FBI wants GreenQuest, FBI gets GreenQuest.
FBI doesn't want DHS/ICE working terrorism cases as mandated in the legislation that created DHS, DHS/ICE doesn't work terrorism cases (as the lead w/out prior FBI approval).
FBI doesn't want an ICE name change, ICE doesn't get a name change.
What in the world does the FPS and FAMS have to do with either immigration or customs enforcement?
ICE has simply become the former INS w/a sex crimes unit and an air branch.
Personally, after 4 years as a Customs Agent, it saddens me and I will now attempt to transfer to another federal agency, as this ship is sinking, and sinking fast.
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5202
This decision on the ICE name change issue goes hand-in-hand with the way the entire DHS/ICE merger has been going so far. This merger could have been okay with about two to three years of extensive planning and two to three more years of proper implementation. But for the sake of politics, DHS and ICE was created in less than 12 months. Now there are problems with the agency identity, cross-training, investigational jurisdiction, weapons, pay and financial systems, budgeting, etc.
The upper managers in DHS/ICE needs to open their eyes and realize what is happening before it's too late. The morale in this agency is low and doesn't look like it will rise anytime soon. The loss of Operation GreenQuest to the FBI was bad enough, now they can dictate what our agency should be named?!? Secretary Ridge and the upper management of ICE need to start standing up for this agency sometime soon, or the morale will continue to dwindle and the street level agents and officers will become even more disgruntled.
Hopefully ICE will work out its problems soon, because the varied missions and authorities in this agency offer plenty of potential for agents and officers to do great work. However, if ICE management continues to let other agencies dictate what we can investigate or what our official agency name will be, nothing will change and morale will continue to drop. I just hope things get better before the new DHS personnel/pay-for-performance system kicks in.
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