News Releases

ICE's top 5 news stories for the week ending Feb. 10, 2012

Feb. 9, 2012 – Law enforcement agencies engage in largest drug bust in Colorado history

On Thursday, more than 500 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents, police officers and deputy sheriffs arrested 80 people on drug and/or gun charges, making this the largest bust in Denver history. Full story

Feb. 9, 2012 – ICE special agents seize estimated $1 million in counterfeit jewelry at Tucson gem show

Two men were arrested and more than 2,500 pieces of counterfeit luxury brand jewelry, as well as nearly $35,000 in cash, was seized at the Gem Mall pavilions Thursday. Full story

Feb. 8, 2012 – Multi-agency bust results in seizure of more than 3 tons of marijuana

Following a joint investigation by ICE's HSI, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Apopka Police Department, the Orange County Sheriff's Office and the Osceola County Sheriff's Office, eight individuals were arrested and charged in Florida. Full story

Feb. 7, 2012 – ICE announces creation of Public Advocate position

This week, ICE named Andrew Lorenzen-Strait as its first Public Advocate. In this capacity, he will serve as a liaison between the public and the agency. This move is part of ICE's ongoing detention reform efforts and other enforcement-related initiatives. Full Story

Feb. 7, 2012 – Former Maryland school bus driver pleads guilty to producing child pornography

Scott Smallwood, who drove a bus in Prince George's County, Md., pleaded guilty earlier this week to two counts of producing child pornography. He faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a minimum of 15 years in prison, followed by up to a lifetime of supervised release for each count. Full story