ICE remembers fallen Special Agent Jaime Zapata

Today marks the one year anniversary of the death of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent (SA) Jaime Zapata who was shot and killed in the line of duty in Mexico. On this sad anniversary, we look back to mourn the loss, but also to remember the courageous and honorable man that he was.

"He was the type of person who wanted to contribute something significant to this world," said ICE Director John Morton.

SA Zapata joined ICE in 2006 and was assigned to the Deputy Assistant HSI office in Laredo, Texas, where he served on the Human Smuggling and Trafficking Unit, as well as the Border Enforcement Security Task Force. He was detailed to ICE's attaché office at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City at the time of the tragedy. By extending his service across the border, SA Zapata put his life on the line to keep this country safe.

Having lived and worked along the Southwest border, SA Zapata was familiar with the challenges of being a law enforcement officer in that area.

The ultimate sacrifice SA Zapata made for this country has not been forgotten. During National Police Week in May 2011, ICE honored SA Zapata's life and legacy with a plaque on the ICE Wall of Honor.

In April 2011, SA Zapata's hometown of Washington, Texas, held a special ceremony to rename a street after him. This street, close to his parents' home, was named Jamie J. Zapata Avenue. Zapata's family was the first to drive on it. To further show their great admiration for him, Washington officials also renamed the private road leading toward his parents' home as Jaime Jorge Drive. Other memorials for SA Zapata include a criminal justice training facility named after him at Kaplan College in McAllen, Texas; a resolution passed in the Texas Senate in his honor; and federal law enforcement legislation sponsored in his name.

Director Morton, who is spending today with SA Zapata's friends and family in Texas, is certain that SA Zapata's spirit will live on within ICE.

"No one will ever be able to replace Jaime," said Director Morton. "He lives on in all of us. He inspired each of us on a personal level to be the best we can be – as a son or daughter, brother or sister, a public servant, or any other role."

Defendant charged with alleged participation in the murder and attempted murder of 2 ICE special agents is extradited from Mexico to the United States

WASHINGTON — Julian Zapata Espinoza, also known as "Piolin," has been extradited from Mexico to the United States to face charges for his alleged participation in the murder of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Special Agent Jaime Zapata and the attempted murder of ICE Special Agent Victor Avila on Feb. 15, 2011, in Mexico.

The charges and extradition were announced today by ICE Director John Morton; Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer, Justice Department's Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., District of Columbia; and FBI Assistant Director Kevin Perkins, Criminal Investigative Division.

"The extradition and charges filed against Zapata Espinoza is an important step in bringing Jaime and Victor's alleged shooters to justice," said ICE Director Morton. "All of us at ICE are encouraged by today's action and appreciate the unwavering work and support of all our law enforcement partners in this case. Our hearts and prayers continue to go out to Jaime's family and his close colleagues within the ICE community. ICE will continue to see that Jaime and Victor's work is done by continuing our efforts with all involved in working on this case."

On April 19, 2011, a federal grand jury in the District of Columbia returned a four-count indictment against Zapata Espinoza, charging him with one count of murder of an officer or employee of the United States, for the murder of ICE Special Agent Zapata; one count of attempted murder of an officer or employee of the United States and one count of attempted murder of an internationally protected person, both for the attempted murder of ICE Special Agent Avila; and one count of using, carrying, brandishing and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence causing death.

"Julian Zapata Espinoza ("Piolin") allegedly participated in the murder of ICE Special Agent Jaime Zapata and the attempted murder of ICE Special Agent Victor Avila," said Assistant Attorney General Breuer. "The indictment unsealed today, and the successful extradition of Piolin to the United States, reflect the Justice Department's vigorous and determined efforts to seek justice for Agents Zapata and Avila. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners in Mexico to hold violent criminals accountable."

"This prosecution exemplifies our unwavering effort to prosecute those who committed this heinous offense against U.S. law enforcement agents," said U.S. Attorney Machen. "We will not rest until those responsible for the murder of Agent Zapata and the wounding of Agent Avila are brought to justice."

"The extradition of Julian Zapata Espinoza to face charges in the U.S. is a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the murder of Special Agent Jaime Zapata and attack on Special Agent Victor Avila," said FBI Assistant Director Perkins. "This extradition would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of all involved in this case. The FBI, DHS and the Department of Justice will continue its pursuit of justice for the Zapata family."

The indictment was unsealed today, when Zapata Espinoza made his initial appearance before U.S. District Chief Judge Royce Lamberth of the District of Columbia. Zapata Espinoza was ordered detained without bail. His next appearance in court is scheduled for Jan. 25, 2012.

The case is being investigated by the FBI, with substantial assistance from ICE; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; U.S Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security; and the U.S. Marshals Service. The investigation was also coordinated with the assistance of the Government of Mexico.

The case is being prosecuted by the Organized Crime and Gang Section and the Narcotic and Dangerous Drugs Section of the Justice Department's Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia. The Office of International Affairs of the Justice Department's Criminal Division provided substantial assistance.

An indictment is a formal charging document and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

ICE HSI special agent rides to honor fallen heroes

When asked why she participates year after year in a grueling bicycle trek known as the Police Unity Tour, or PUT, Special Agent Ellen Pierson, with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), says, "It's not about riding a bicycle for 250 miles. I believe with the right training anyone can do that. It's about knowing that another law enforcement officer won't be going home to their family ever again - that it could have been anyone of us."

What makes this year even more special for Pierson, who has participated for the past 10 years, is that she is now helping to train Cindy Roberts, the wife of Tampa Police Department Officer Cpl. Mike Roberts who was killed in 2009, to make the ride for the first time.

To participate in PUT, riders must be a sworn or retired law enforcement officer or a "survivor," meaning someone who lost an immediate family member in law enforcement.

The Tampa Bay group includes Pierson and 37 other law enforcement officers from the Tampa Police Department - including Police Chief Jane Castor, the Florida State Attorney's Office, Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando County sheriff's offices, and the St. Petersburg and Largo police departments, and now, Cindy.

Every year, PUT members are presented with a memorial bracelet engraved with a fallen hero's name, agency and end of watch date. All 162 officers who died in the line of duty in 2010 will be honored by a PUT member during this year's ride. Each PUT member also contacts the agency and/or the family to let them know they are honoring their loved one.

"I think when you receive the bracelet and place it on your wrist, it really sinks in why you are there," said Pierson. "Most of the officers that ride know at least one officer on the NLEOM (National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial). I have nine friends on the wall, including one I rode a bike with in 2009. Officer Rich Matthews was supposed to ride in the PUT in 2010. He died in a car accident in February that year."

Pierson has ridden in honor of both friends and officers she has never met from far away states. "I think it is important that the families know that officers from all over the United States are honoring their loved one. I also like to honor officers who passed prior to 2010. I think the families need to know that we will not forget their loved one."

This year, Pierson is riding in honor of Cpl. Betty Dunn Smothers, the mother of National Football League player Warrick Dunn.

"I admire Mr. Dunn for all he has given back to the community," said Pierson.

Next year, she will wear a bracelet for ICE HSI Special Agent Jaime Zapata killed in Mexico in February.

"I did not know SA Zapata but I will be proud to ride in his honor in 2012," she said.

Pierson will ride from Jacksonville on April 30 with a small group of about six fellow law enforcement officers to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Brunswick, Ga. From there, the group joins a larger group who participate in the long bike ride from FLETC to Chesapeake, Va. And from that spot, the group officially becomes part of the Police Unity Tour, which culminates at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC on May 12.

US government offers up to $5 million reward for information regarding shootings of 2 ICE agents

WASHINGTON - The Departments of State, Justice and Homeland Security today jointly announced a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of individuals allegedly responsible for the murder of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent Jaime Zapata and the attempted murder of ICE HSI Special Agent Victor Avila.

The FBI, in conjunction with ICE, has established a 24-hour tip line based in the United States to process the information. Individuals in the United States with information are encouraged to call 1-866-859-9778. Individuals in Mexico can provide information by calling +001 800-225-5324. Spanish language speakers will be available using either number. Anyone wishing to email information can do so by visiting: https://tips.fbi.gov. All information is considered confidential.

Also today the Government of Mexico announced a reward of up to 10 million pesos for information leading to the arrest of individuals allegedly responsible for the murder and attempted murder. Individuals can call (55) 53-46-15-44 and (55) 53-46-00-00, extension 4748 in Mexico City. Outside of Mexico City, individuals can call 01-800-831-31-96 to provide information. Information may also be sent to the following email address: denunciapgr@gob.mx. More information about the Government of Mexico’s award can be found at www.recompensas.gob.mx.

Zapata and Avila were ambushed in Mexico on Feb. 15, 2011, as they were traveling in their U.S. government-issued vehicle from the state of San Luis Potosi to Mexico City. Mexican authorities have detained several individuals in connection with this incident and the investigation continues at this time.

The U.S. reward is being offered by the U.S. government through the U.S. Department of State’s Narcotics Rewards Program, which was established by Congress in 1986. Additional information on this program can be found at: www.state.gov/p/inl/narc/rewards/index.htm.

Statement by ICE Director John Morton

"The announcement today by Mexican authorities of an arrest in the shooting of ICE Special Agents Jaime Zapata and Victor Avila is a welcome development. We are encouraged by this action and appreciate the efforts by Mexico to bring Special Agent Zapata's killers to justice.

"It is important to remember that this is an ongoing investigation, and we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners in Mexico and in the United States as it unfolds. We continue to hold the Zapata family in our thoughts and prayers, and look forward to a swift resolution of this case."

Secretary Napolitano and Attorney General Holder form Joint Task Force to Assist Mexico's Investigation into Yesterday's Shooting of Two ICE Agents in Mexico

Washington, D.C. - Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and Attorney General Eric Holder today met to discuss the shooting by unknown assailants of two U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agents in the line of duty yesterday while driving in Mexico.

During their meeting, Secretary Napolitano and Attorney General Holder decided to establish a joint task force between the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice, which will be led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and will leverage the investigative capabilities of both agencies to work with Mexico in tracking down the perpetrators and swiftly bring them to justice.

"This joint task force reflects our commitment to bring the investigatory and prosecutorial power of the U.S. Government to bear as we work with the Mexican Government to bring these criminals to justice," said Secretary Napolitano. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the ICE agents' families and loved ones, as we are reminded of the risks and sacrifices undertaken every day by the men and women on the frontlines in protecting the safety and security of the American people."

"The murder of Special Agent Jaime Zapata and the shooting of another ICE agent provide a sad reminder of the dangers American law enforcement officers face every day," Attorney General Eric Holder said. "Working with our Mexican counterparts, we have already launched an aggressive investigation, and this joint task force will ensure that every available resource is used to bring the perpetrators of this terrible crime to justice."

During their meeting, Secretary Napolitano and Attorney General Holder underscored the United States' commitment to work closely with Mexican law enforcement in full support of the ongoing effort. They also reiterated their commitment to the U.S. government's broader support for Mexico's efforts to combat violence within its borders.

Today, Secretary Napolitano also spoke with Mexican Interior Minister Fernando Blake Mora. During the call, Secretary Napolitano emphasized to Minister Blake Mora that violence against DHS personnel in Mexico represents an attack against all those who serve our nation and put their lives at risk for our safety, and will not be tolerated by either country.

In yesterday's attack, one U.S. law enforcement official, ICE Special Agent Jaime J. Zapata, was critically wounded and died from his injuries. The second agent was shot in the leg and has been discharged from the hospital. More information will be released when it is available.