Caddo and St. Tammany parishes to benefit from ICE strategy to use biometrics to identify and remove aliens convicted of a crime

ALEXANDRIA, La.-On Tuesday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began using a federal information sharing capability in Caddo and St. Tammany parishes that helps federal immigration officials use biometrics to identify aliens, both lawfully and unlawfully present in the United States, who are booked into local law enforcement's custody for a crime. This capability is part of Secure Communities-ICE's comprehensive strategy to improve and modernize the identification and removal of aliens convicted of a crime from the United States.

Previously, biometrics-fingerprints-taken of individuals charged with a crime and booked into custody were checked for criminal history information against the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS). Now, through enhanced information sharing between DOJ and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), biometrics submitted through the state to the FBI will be automatically checked against both the FBI criminal history records in IAFIS and the biometrics-based immigration records in DHS's Automated Biometric Identification System (IDENT).

If fingerprints match those of someone in DHS' biometric system, the new automated process notifies ICE. ICE evaluates each case to determine the individual's immigration status and takes appropriate enforcement action. This includes aliens who are in lawful status and those who are present without lawful authority. Once identified through fingerprint matching, ICE will respond with a priority placed on aliens convicted of the most serious crimes first-such as those with convictions for major drug offenses, murder, rape and kidnapping. 
"The Secure Communities strategy provides ICE with an effective tool to identify criminal aliens in local custody," said Secure Communities Assistant Director David Venturella. "Enhancing public safety is at the core of ICE's mission. Our goal is to use biometric information sharing to remove criminal aliens, preventing them from being released back into the community, with little or no additional burden on our law enforcement partners."

With the expansion of the biometric information sharing capability to Caddo and St. Tammany Parishes, ICE is using this capability in seven Louisiana jurisdictions. Across the country, ICE is using this capability in 792 jurisdictions in 34 states. By 2013, ICE plans to be able to respond nationwide to all fingerprint matches generated through IDENT/IAFIS interoperability.

"The Caddo Sheriff's Office is honored to be the first law enforcement agency selected in our area to participate in this initiative and take advantage of the ICE database. This is another example of local and federal agencies working together successfully to keep our communities safe," said Caddo Sheriff Steve Prator.

Since ICE began using this enhanced information sharing capability in October 2008, immigration officers have removed from the United States more than 50,600 aliens convicted of a crime. ICE does not regard aliens charged with, but not yet convicted of crimes, as "criminal aliens." Instead, a "criminal alien" is an alien convicted of a crime. In accordance with the Immigration and Nationality Act, ICE continues to take action on aliens subject to removal as resources permit.

The IDENT system is maintained by DHS's US-VISIT program and IAFIS is maintained by the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS).

"US VISIT is proud to support ICE, helping provide decision makers with comprehensive, reliable information when and where they need it," said US-VISIT Director Robert Mocny. "By enhancing the interoperability of DHS's and the FBI's biometric systems, we are able to give federal, state and local decision makers information that helps them better protect our communities and our nation."

"Under this plan, ICE will be utilizing FBI system enhancements that allow improved information sharing at the state and local law enforcement level based on positive identification of incarcerated criminal aliens," said Daniel D. Roberts, assistant director of the FBI's CJIS Division. "Additionally, ICE and the FBI are working together to take advantage of the strong relationships already forged between the FBI and state and local law enforcement necessary to assist ICE in achieving its goals."
For more information about how ICE is using biometrics to identify aliens convicted of a crime, visit www.ice.gov/secure_communities.

Buffalo, NY Lowest Gas Prices

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2.779

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Thu 11:55 PM

2.839

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Fri 10:30 AM

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* Prices as of Friday, November 26, 2010 at 1:04 PM

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Guardian of the Week – LTJG Steven Lewis

Friday, November 26, 2010

Written by: LTJG Stephanie Young

LTJG Steven Lewis on the Lido deck of Carnival Paradise. Lewis was the landing safety officer, working with Coast Guard and Navy personnel, to delivery supplies to the ship's crew and passengers. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

Every now and then a moment comes along that challenges the training, experience and ability of a Coast Guardsman to perform under extraordinary circumstances.
That moment presented itself to then Ensign Steven Lewis, an underway officer of the deck on Coast Guard Cutter Morgenthau, one of many Coast Guard assets that was on scene to aid Carnival Splendor.
An engine room fire on November 8, left Carnival Splendor unable to operate its engines 250 miles southwest of San Diego, Calif. and its 4,400 passengers and crew were in need of food and supplies. Lewis would play a crucial part in supplying the ship when on the morning of November 9, after Morgenthau had arrived on scene Lewis was tasked to go aboard the cruise ship to conduct helicopter vertical replenishment (VERTREP) operations.
While Lewis’ primary job aboard Morgenthau is ship driving, he is also a qualified landing signals officer (LSO). An LSO is a specially trained member of the crew responsible for the safety of aircraft as they take off and land from the ship. As an LSO, Lewis had previously performed VERTREPs in challenging environments, such as the strong winds and seas on the Bering Sea. But, off the coast of Mexico, he was presented with his most challenging VERTREP operation yet.
Lewis found himself on the decks of the 952-foot cruise ship with his team of seven Coast Guard members and five Navy sailors from the USS Ronald Reagan. Together, the team met with the cruise ship’s officers and assessed the decks to find an area to perform VERTREP operations. After the Lido deck was identified as a safe place for the operation, the team focused their attention on identifying hazards on the deck and all exposed decks below it.
Landing a U.S. Navy SH-60 Seahawk helicopter on a Panamanian-flagged cruise ship presented unique challenges. Adding to the complexities of the operation was the need to communicate with multiple entities including the aircraft commander, supply chief and on scene commander. Lewis used his training and experience to assure the team that it could be done safely – besides, the Lido deck was at least twice the size of the VERTREP area on Morgenthau.

Navy personnel unload pallets of food and supplies delivered by VERTREP operations. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

By early afternoon, after clearing all tables, chairs and securing all equipment on the exposed weather decks, Lewis, knowing time would be key in the operations, requested 50 personnel from the cruise ship to assist with cargo handling to ensure the safe and quick removal of all supplies dropped. After the careful planning of the operation, all unnecessary crew and passengers were directed into the skin of the ship and operations commenced.
Each VERTREP brought in a helicopter that was directed over the Lido deck in a hover of about ten to 15 feet above the deck. From there, the helicopter dropped supplies through a cargo net and then took off for more supplies.
All together, Lewis and his team delivered 70,000 pounds of supplies through 20 VERTREPs. Each VERTREP was successfully performed supplying 60 palettes of food and water to the passengers and crew of Carnival Splendor.
“Ensign Steven Lewis personified the adaptive nature of the Coast Guard, handling an uncharted, stressful situation with confidence and professionalism,” said Capt. Anthony Gentilella, commanding officer of Morgenthau. “His exceptional actions and leadership are prime examples of the qualities that our junior officers possess – a testament that our young shipmates continue the long tradition of living up to the Coast Guard’s motto – Semper Paratus.”
This past Saturday, Lewis was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade. Congratulations on your promotion, LTJG Lewis and Bravo Zulu for your performance as LSO ensuring vital supplies were delivered to the Carnival Splendor!

POLICE ACTIVITY WALMORE ROAD

Motorists are advised by Motion Center that there is police activity currently in the area of Walmore Road. It may be a good idea to avoid the area at this time and use caution is the need arises to be in the area on legitimate business.

CBP in Imperial Valley, Calif. Issues Holiday Season Advisory for Border Travel

Calexico, Calif. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials at the Imperial Valley, Calif. area ports of entry are advising travelers to carefully plan cross-border trips during the busy holiday season from thanksgiving through New Years.

The Calexico East port hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 3 a.m. to midnight and Saturdays and Sundays from 6 a.m. to midnight. The Calexico downtown port remains open 24 hours seven days a week. The Andrade border station is open from 6 a.m. to 10 pm., seven days a week.

Travelers planning trips across the border into Mexico are being reminded to make sure they have their proper documents and to anticipate heavy traffic during these seasonal celebrations due to increased traffic by regular commuters and shoppers.

CBP is also offering a number of tips to travelers to expedite the border crossing experience and ensure that they enter the country safely and without incident:

• Plan your trip and allow extra time for crossing the border. Members of the traveling public should consult the CBP website site to monitor border wait times. ( Wait Times - Airport and Border ) Information is updated hourly and is useful in planning trips and identifying periods of light usage and or shorter waits. Travelers may also monitor wait time information hourly for the Calexico downtown and East border stations by calling (760) 768-2383 and for the Andrade border station by calling (760) 572-0089 ext. 7262 or on your mobile Smartphone by going to. ( Border Wait Times )
• Avoid peak travel times when at all possible. The heaviest traffic periods typically are between the hours of 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily at area ports.
• Travelers should prepare for the inspection process before arriving at the inspection booth and should have their crossing documents ready to present to the CBP officer. In addition, individuals should end cellular phone conversations before arriving at the inspection booth.
• Be prepared to show proof of citizenship and identity to enter the United States. For U.S. citizens, this must include an approved document such as a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, trusted traveler program card (SENTRI and NEXUS), or an enhanced driver’s license from participating states. Legal Permanent Residents must present their I-551 legal permanent resident card. U.S. travelers 15 years of age and younger can present just a birth certificate. For other travelers, be prepared to present a valid passport with a valid visa or Border Crossing Card/Laser Visa.
• Travelers should familiarize themselves with the “Know Before You Go” section of the CBP website. ( Know Before You Go ) to avoid fines and penalties associated with the importation of prohibited items. “Know Before You Go” brochures are also available at border ports.
• Travelers are required to declare all items acquired abroad, even if you bought it in a duty free shop. This merchandise is also subject to U.S. duty fees and other restrictions.
• Declare all agriculture products such as meats, fruits, vegetables and handcraft wreaths or any other holiday decorations that may have hay or straw as an ingredient. These are not allowed into the U.S. due to possible insects and diseases that could harm the nation’s agricultural industry. A traditional Mexican holiday punch or “Ponche” is shared and enjoyed among many families along the Southwest Border during holiday seasons. However the ingredients used to make it, guavas, Hawthorne apples and sugar cane are all prohibited entry into the U.S.
• If you have gifts that you are bringing into the U.S., ensure they are unwrapped so they can be properly inspected with out damaging your gift.
• Do not bring any Cuban-made products into the U.S., no matter where you purchased them.
• Be aware that many foreign-made medications are not FDA-approved, and you cannot bring them into the U.S. Also, when traveling abroad, bring only the amount of medication you’ll need during your stay.
• Understand that CBP officers can inspect you and your belongings without a warrant. This may include your luggage, vehicle, and personal searches, and is meant to enforce our laws as well as protect legitimate travelers.

U.S. travelers are urged to apply for approved documents such as the passport card, SENTRI port pass or enhanced driver’s license from participating states, all of which incorporate a Radio Frequency Identification technology. Special RFID antennas are currently installed at San Diego area ports of entry that detect the improved documents before vehicles arrive at the port inspection booths, thus speeding the flow of traffic and reducing border wait times. More information on the application process is available on the CBP website. ( SENTRI ) and ( www.state.gov ) .

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

(CONTINUATION) Lake Effect Snow Warning issued November 26 at 11:44AM EST expiring November 27 at 4:00PM EST by NWS Buffalo

Affected Jurisdictions:  Erie, Wyoming Counties

...LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EST SATURDAY... A LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EST SATURDAY. * LOCATIONS: SOUTHERN ERIE AND WYOMING COUNTIES. * TIMING: A BAND OF LAKE EFFECT SNOW THIS AFTERNOON MAY LIFT NORTH FOR A TIME THIS EVENING...BEFORE SETTLING BACK SOUTH INTO THE REGION LATE TONIGHT AND SATURDAY. * ACCUMULATIONS: 8 TO 12 INCHES. SNOWFALL RATES OF 2 TO 3 INCHES PER HOUR ARE POSSIBLE. * WINDS: WEST TO SOUTHWEST WINDS OF 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 40 MPH. * VISIBILITIES: VISIBILITIES WILL BE REDUCED TO NEAR ZERO AT TIMES. * IMPACTS: VERY DIFFICULT TRAVEL CONDITIONS.

IN LAKE EFFECT SNOW THE WEATHER CAN VARY FROM LOCALLY HEAVY SNOW IN NARROW BANDS TO CLEAR SKIES JUST A FEW MILES AWAY. IF YOU WILL BE TRAVELING ACROSS THE REGION BE PREPARED FOR RAPID CHANGES IN ROAD AND VISIBILITY CONDITIONS. STAY TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR YOUR FAVORITE SOURCE OF WEATHER INFORMATION FOR THE LATEST UPDATES.

(CONTINUATION) Lake Effect Snow Warning issued November 26 at 4:09AM EST expiring November 27 at 4:00PM EST by NWS Buffalo

...LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 4 PM EST SATURDAY...
\
A LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 4 PM EST SATURDAY. * LOCATIONS: HEAVY LAKE EFFECT SNOW IS EXPECTED ACROSS MUCH OF SOUTHERN ERIE AND WYOMING COUNTIES. * TIMING: A BAND OF LAKE EFFECT SNOW IS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP THIS AFTERNOON. THIS BAND MAY LIFT NORTH OF THE AREA FOR A TIME THIS EVENING...BEFORE SETTLING BACK SOUTH INTO THE REGION LATER TONIGHT AND SATURDAY. * ACCUMULATIONS: SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 8 TO 12 INCHES ARE EXPECTED IN AREAS WHERE LAKE EFFECT SNOW PERSISTS THE LONGEST. SNOWFALL RATES OF 2 TO 3 INCHES PER HOUR ARE POSSIBLE IN THE MOST INTENSE PORTION OF THIS BAND. * WINDS: WEST TO SOUTHWEST WINDS OF 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 40 MPH WILL PRODUCE BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW...ESPECIALLY IN OPEN AREAS. * VISIBILITIES: VISIBILITIES WILL BE REDUCED TO NEAR ZERO AT TIMES IN HEAVY LAKE EFFECT SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW. * IMPACTS: HEAVY LAKE EFFECT SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW WILL PRODUCE VERY DIFFICULT TRAVEL CONDITIONS WITH SNOW COVERED ROADS AND NEAR ZERO VISIBILITY AT TIMES.

IN LAKE EFFECT SNOW THE WEATHER CAN VARY FROM LOCALLY HEAVY SNOW IN NARROW BANDS TO CLEAR SKIES JUST A FEW MILES AWAY. IF YOU WILL BE TRAVELING ACROSS THE REGION BE PREPARED FOR RAPID CHANGES IN ROAD AND VISIBILITY CONDITIONS. STAY TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR YOUR FAVORITE SOURCE OF WEATHER INFORMATION