ICE Issues Statement of Policy on Employee Integrity Following McCaul Hearing on Misconduct, Ethics Standards

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The director of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement issued a memorandum to all ICE employees reminding them of the "special public trust and confidence" they must honor as ICE representatives. Director John Morton issued the "Statement of Policy and Intent Regarding Employee Integrity" one week after a hearing before the Homeland Security Oversight, Investigations & Management Subcommittee examining waves of misconduct that have escalated over the last several years within ICE, Customs and Border Protection and the Transportation Security Administration. The hearing was chaired by Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX).

"All employees, regardless of position or rank, are accountable for their choices and actions. Employees who violate the public trust for personal gain or other personal motives, or who compromise their integrity, undermine how the public views them, their co-workers and, in turn, the entire agency," the memorandum states. "Failure to demonstrate the highest standard of integrity can also interfere with ICE's ability to further the mission that you faithfully carry out each and every day. Consequently, ICE employees must not engage in any conduct or activities that would discredit them, bring ICE into disrepute, or impair the agency's efficient and effective operation."

Combined in FY2011, CBP and ICE had 9,073 allegations of employee misconduct including 893 for corruption such as personnel collaborating with drug smugglers and filing fraudulent travel documents. TSA had 612 allegations of misconduct in FY'11. Dozens of TSA Officers have been fired for allowing thousands of pieces of luggage onto flights without proper screening and for taking bribes allowing passengers expedited security checks.

Last week's hearing followed a series of hearings before the committee investigating substandard DHS leadership management structure in an effort to make necessary changes that will enable the Department to carry out its core mission of protecting the homeland.

"I applaud Director Morton for taking action on this very important issue," said Chairman McCaul. "I've always believed that a public service is a public trust. While the vast majority of DHS employees are honest and hardworking, unfortunately the actions of a few bad apples taint the entire organization."

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