June 2007

Guest Speaker:  Alex Mack

Guest Speaker Alex Mack (L) with President Richard Geno

Our speaker for June was Alex Mack from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security. He was very engaging with many excellent true-life in-the-field stories. He indicated that he wanted to give our 100-person audience insights into the job of an ICE agent. He immediately dismissed the rumor that they use the line, "Freeze; I'm with ICE."

Alex discussed the broad array of types of illegal immigrants that his department must pursue. First, he set the record straight that the only illegal immigrants that his department has time to pursue are from the criminal element. The only time that he comes in contact with "law-abiding" illegal immigrants is when they are in the same area as a criminal illegal immigrant.

Alex discussed Operation Predator, which pursues sex-related criminals and child pornographers. His division of 21 agents also attempt to capture those involved in financial and trade crime violations. There are also gang activities, criminal organizations, trafficing of humans for prostitution, smuggling of people into the country, returning criminals of those who are deported. He told us about worksite violations, working with companies who exploit illegal immigrants with substandard wages. He educated our group on what a monumental task they have.

Alex described the stench of sanctuary cities. They will not even cooperate with the worst of illegal immigrant criminals, let alone routine illegal immigrants. He discussed what a "raid" really was. He told many stories about things that he and his agents have experienced out in the community. He discussed the concept of "prosecutorial discretion." One of his closing commentaries was, "Never underestimate the desire of people to come to this country."

Alex Mack received a standing ovation at the completion of his remarks, and then took 20 minutes of Q&A. Many people showed an interest in showing our appreciation for the job Alex and his agents do. He has advised us that any comments may be directed to DHS/ ICE 1500 Broadway, Suite 200, Oakland, CA 94612.

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