Leadership

Assistant Secretary,
Julie L. Myers

Julie L. Myers is the assistant secretary of homeland security for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). She leads the largest investigative component of the Department of Homeland Security and the second largest investigative agency in the federal government, with more than 15,000 employees and an annual budget of more than $5 billion.

ICE is comprised of five integrated divisions (Detention and Removal Operations, Investigations, Federal Protective Service, Intelligence and International Affairs) that form a 21st century law enforcement agency with broad responsibilities for a number of key homeland security priorities. During the first 12 months of Ms. Myers' leadership ICE set new records for enforcement activity, including ending the long-standing practice of “catch and release” for apprehended illegal immigrants.

The opportunity to lead ICE was achieved through Ms. Myers' progressive record of service to our nation. From federal trial attorney through successive leadership positions with the departments of Treasury, Justice, Commerce and now Homeland Security, she has brought to ICE broad experience and knowledge of federal law enforcement. The United States Senate confirmed her appointment as assistant secretary on December 19, 2007.

Her previous positions in federal government leadership roles include service as assistant secretary for Export Enforcement at the Department of Commerce, chief of staff for the Criminal Division at the Department of Justice and deputy assistant secretary for Money Laundering and Financial Crimes at the Treasury Department.

Ms. Myers' first position in federal government enforcing the law was as an assistant United States attorney for the Eastern District of New York, where she prosecuted a variety of criminal cases, including narcotics violations, financial crimes, immigration violations, securities fraud, and other white collar criminal cases.

Before entering government service, Ms. Myers was an associate at Mayer, Brown & Platt in Chicago, Ill. She also clerked for the Honorable C. Arlen Beam of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eight Circuit.

Ms. Myers earned a bachelor's degree at Baylor University and became an attorney following graduation from Cornell Law School. She is a native of Shawnee, Kan.

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