Tag Archives: County

New Quarterly Magazine Homegrown in Cecil County, Maryland, Embraced by the Community

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Rising Sun, MD (PRWEB) March 4, 2006

Ed Belote, Sr. knows a thing or two about growing things. The seeds of a county magazine were planted in his mind while he was operating a successful organic farming business. Upon retiring from the plow, Belote began nurturing his idea by talking to farmers, business owners and other locals to gauge their interest. ?People are hungering for something positive,? noted Belote, a long-time resident of Cecil County with close ties to the community. He named his venture Cecil Soil Magazine, and calls it the first magazine created ?By the people, for the people and about the people of Cecil County.?

Launched in October of 2004, Cecil Soil Magazine (CSM) enjoyed tremendous growth during its first year. With every quarterly issue the magazine expanded, and readers responded favorably.

?I feel like I have a tiger by the tail,? said Belote. ?Our goal was to appeal to the people of the county and we have done just that. I do believe it is the most read print media in the county.?

The subhead of the magazine encapsulates its mission: ?Down to Earth News for the Gentle People of Cecil County.? Boasting a 50-50 editorial/advertisement ratio, CSM is filled with stories and photos about its citizens past and present. Its articles and columns have an up-beat tone and a back-to-basics theme that highlights family values. ?We would never include any controversial issues, or politics in our pages,? vows Belote. ?CSM is there to honor our people and is as wholesome as the Fourth of July and apple pie.?

Many of its readers agree, as evidenced by the wealth of letters that are sent to the publisher after every issue, some of which come from as far away as Florida and even from the Middle East, where local soldiers stationed overseas receive copies from friends and relatives. Over 20,000 copies glossy-cover magazine are distributed throughout Cecil County and surrounding areas at over 400 selected locations, and they?re gobbled up quickly.

?Studies have shown that a quality magazine will be read by 4-6 people,? said Belote. ?Couple that with the fact that people collect CSM and do not throw them out gives our advertisers a solid vehicle for their hard earned advertising money,? he explains.

The popularity of the new venture with both advertisers and readers is due to its editorial content which includes regular columns on local profiles, historical stories, business and farming as well as special features on a variety of local topics. The magazine publishes contributions from local freelance writers such as Apryl Parcher, Robert Hazel, Ed Okonowicz, JoAnn Dawson and Erika Quesenbery, and also includes quarterly reports from the County Historical Society (Mike Dixon), Cecil County Arts Council (Kerry O?Connell), Cecil County Tourism Office (Sandy Turner) and the Cecil County Chamber of Commerce (Pat Sparks).

A well-rounded publication, CSM appeals to a broad range of readers?from housewives and school children to business owners and farmers, and Belote measures its success in the goodwill it has generated in the County. ?I just can?t believe how popular this thing has become,? he said. ?People stop me in the street to tell me how much they enjoy it. That really means a lot to me?it?s like coming home.?

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Prominent East Tennessee Law Firm Opens Greene County Office

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Greeneville, Tennessee (PRWEB) May 5, 2010

A prominent East Tennessee law firm has a new Greene County office. Terry, Terry & Stapleton is now located at 3465 East Andrew Johnson Highway.

The law firm?s connections to Greene County date back over 50 years. The late Charles Terry, founder and patriarch of the family firm, first opened an office in Greene County in 1957 before opening the current office in Morristown.

?Our new office will be much more convenient for our Greene County clients and that is the primary reason for this new location,? said F. Braxton ?Brack? Terry, of Terry, Terry & Stapleton. The firm?s main office in Morristown will still maintain regular hours.

Denise Terry Stapleton and brother Chuck welcome a Social Security representative to the firm, Susan Alexander. Alexander will primarily be practicing at the Greeneville location. Alexander has over 14 years of experience in Social Security practice. She lives in Greene county and is a member of Greystone Freewill Baptist Church. Alexander can often be seen at Chuckey Doak High School events.

Since 1957, Terry, Terry & Stapleton has built a strong reputation representing ?the man behind the plow.? The firm?s founder, the late Charles Terry used the phrase to emphasize the firm?s commitment to helping individuals and families who have been seriously injured and impacted by the actions or neglect of others. The firm?s founder had one of Greene County?s first $ 1 million verdicts and later Charles R Terry and the firm obtained several other large verdicts for county residents, including a $ 15 million verdict against Mazda and a $ 25 million verdict against Combustion Engineering, as well as a number of other verdicts and countless settlements.

?Dad developed the culture of this firm: our family being together and helping others,? said Denise Terry Stapleton.

Brother Chuck Terry also plays an instrumental role with the firm as a paralegal.

Terry, Terry and Stapleton?s primary practice areas are personal injury, injuries resulting from tractor trailer and automobile accidents, product liability, workers’ compensation and, more recently,Social Security Disability.

?Many of the clients we see have been seriously injured and, as a result, are now disabled. We work very closely with our clients in accidental injury cases and many asked us to represent them at Social Security hearings. So, developing a practice in Social Security law was a natural extension of our practice and adding Susan Alexander, who brings a wealth of Social Security experience, was a logical step for Terry, Terry and Stapleton,? said Denise Terry Stapleton.

“Terry Terry and Stapleton develops very close relationships with their clients, an attribute we feel Susan shares,” Denise Terry Stapleton added. ” It?s rule #1 that you care for your client and that is a priority with Susan as well.”

F. Brack Terry is president of the Northeast Tennessee Federal Bar Association in Greeneville. Denise Terry Stapleton is a member of the American Association for Justice Social Security Disability Litigation Group. Both Denise Terry Stapleton and Susan Alexander are members of the National Organization of Social Security Claimant?s Representatives.

About Terry, Terry & Stapleton

Terry, Terry & Stapleton is a firm of personal injury lawyers and criminal trial attorneys that has served East Tennessee residents for more than 46 years. The firm handles personal injury and wrongful death cases, including car accident claims, workplace injuries, Social Security disability claims, medical malpractice lawsuit and product liability cases.

For more information, visit the firm?s Web site at http://www.ttands.com/ or contact the firm at 1-800-518-3779.

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Cherokee County to Benefit from ICE Strategy to use Biometrics to Identify and Remove Aliens Convicted of a Crime

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Canton, Ga. (Vocus) November 19, 2010

On Tuesday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began using a federal information sharing capability in Cherokee County 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 Cherokee County, ICE is using this capability in nine Georgia jurisdictions. Across the country, ICE is using this capability in 788 jurisdictions in 34 states. By 2013, ICE plans to be able to respond nationwide to all fingerprint matches generated through IDENT/IAFIS interoperability.

“We are pleased to be participating in this program and will aggressively pursue all efforts to identify persons who are in this country illegally and have them removed in accordance with all state and federal laws,” said Cherokee County Sheriff Roger Garrison.

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 http://www.ice.gov/secure_communities.

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Iowa’s Pottawattamie County to Benefit from ICE Strategy to use Biometrics to Identify and Remove Aliens Convicted of a Crime

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Malvern, IA (Vocus/PRWEB) December 07, 2010

On Tuesday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began using a federal information sharing capability in Pottawattamie County 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 Pottawattamie County, ICE is using this capability in two Iowa jurisdictions. Across the country, ICE is using this capability in 831 jurisdictions in 34 states. By 2013, ICE plans to be able to respond nationwide to all fingerprint matches generated through IDENT/IAFIS interoperability.

“The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to partner with ICE, DHS and DOJ on the Secure Communities initiative,” said Sheriff Jefferey Danker. “Working together we can efficiently identify criminal aliens that are brought into our jail and keep them from being released back into our community. All law enforcement agencies strive to keep their communities safe, and this effort should be a great asset to accomplish that goal.”

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 http://www.ice.gov/secure_communities.

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Sarpy County, Neb., to Benefit from ICE Strategy to use Biometrics to Identify and Remove Aliens Convicted of a Crime

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Omaha, Neb. (Vocus/PRWEB) December 15, 2010

On Tuesday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began using a federal information-sharing capability in Sarpy County 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 Sarpy County, ICE is using this capability in 10 Nebraska jurisdictions. Across the country, ICE is using this capability in 861 jurisdictions in 34 states. By 2013, ICE plans to be able to respond nationwide to all fingerprint matches generated through IDENT/IAFIS interoperability.

“The Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to participate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement in efforts to identify and apprehend criminal aliens,” said Sarpy County Sheriff Jeff Davis.

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 http://www.ice.gov/secure_communities

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Forsyth County to Benefit from ICE Strategy to Use Biometrics to Identify and Remove Aliens Convicted of a Crime

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Gainesville, GA (Vocus/PRWEB) December 17, 2010

On Tuesday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began using a federal information sharing capability in Forsyth County 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 Forsyth County, ICE is using this capability in ten Georgia jurisdictions. Across the country, ICE is using this capability in 861 jurisdictions in 34 states. By 2013, ICE plans to be able to respond nationwide to all fingerprint matches generated through IDENT/IAFIS interoperability.

“The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office is pleased that we are now included in the Secure Communities program,” said Forsyth County Sheriff Ted Paxton. “This will give us an additional tool in assisting ICE in identifying wanted individuals who are booked into the Forsyth County Detention Center.”

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 http://www.ice.gov/secure_communities.

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Sedgwick County First in Kansas to Benefit from ICE Strategy to Use Biometrics to Identify and Remove Aliens Convicted of a Crime

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Wichita, KS (Vocus/PRWEB) December 21, 2010

On Tuesday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began using a new biometric information-sharing capability in Sedgwick County that helps federal immigration officials 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’s 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 offenses 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 Sedgwick County, ICE is using this capability in 868 jurisdictions in 35 states. By 2013, ICE plans to be able to respond nationwide to all fingerprint matches generated through IDENT/IAFIS interoperability.

“One of the best tools in law enforcement is that of communication,” stated Colonel Michael Stover, Undersheriff of Sedgwick County. “If we can utilize the latest technology to quickly share information, then we will be more successful in identifying criminals, thus making our communities safer.”

Since ICE began using this enhanced information sharing capability in October 2008, immigration officers have removed from the United States more than 54,500 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 http://www.ice.gov/secure_communities

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Related Ice Removal Services Press Releases

Carroll County, Md., to Benefit from ICE Strategy to Use Biometrics to Identify and Remove Aliens Convicted of a Crime

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Westminster, Md. (Vocus/PRWEB) December 24, 2010

On Tuesday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began using a federal information-sharing capability in Carroll County 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 Carroll County, ICE is using this capability in the following six Maryland counties: Baltimore County, Frederick, Prince George’s, Queen Anne and Saint Mary’s. Across the country, ICE is using this capability in 868 jurisdictions in 35 states. By 2013, ICE plans to be able to respond nationwide to all fingerprint matches generated through IDENT/IAFIS interoperability.

“The early addition of Secure Communities technology in Carroll County enhances our longstanding partnership with U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, while increasing law enforcement’s ability to quickly identify and remove criminal aliens and potential terrorists from our community,” said Carroll County Sheriff Ken Tregoning.

Since ICE began using this enhanced information sharing capability in October 2008, immigration officers have removed from the United States more than 54,500 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 http://www.ice.gov/secure_communities.

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Related Ice Removal Services Press Releases

Anne Arundel County to Benefit From ICE Strategy to Use Biometrics to Identify and Remove Aliens Convicted of a Crime

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(Vocus/PRWEB) December 28, 2010

On Tuesday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began using a federal information sharing capability in Anne Arundel County 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 Anne Arundel County, ICE is using this capability in seven Maryland jurisdictions, including Baltimore County, Carroll, Frederick, Prince George’s, Queen Anne and Saint Mary’s counties. Across the country, ICE is using this capability in 891 jurisdictions in 35 states. By 2013, ICE plans to be able to respond nationwide to all fingerprint matches generated through IDENT/IAFIS interoperability.

“A fingerprint does not lie,” said Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold. “Secure Communities is another way local governments can partner with federal law enforcement to identify those who are in this country illegally. This is a valuable tool that eliminates the possibility of racial profiling in identifying illegal immigrants at the point of arrest. Anne Arundel County is proud to be a strong partner with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.”

Since ICE began using this enhanced information sharing capability in October 2008, immigration officers have removed from the United States more than 54,500 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 http://www.ice.gov/secure_communities.

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