Partnership with Native American "Shadow Wolves" Stops Drug Trafficking at Border

Located in a remote area of Arizona that shares a 76-mile stretch of land with the Mexico border, the Tohono O'odham Nation became a thoroughfare for smugglers.

"It's the reality of living on the border," said Rodney Irby, assistant special agent in charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Sells, Ariz. "There was a definitive drug smuggling threat on the second largest Indian reservation in the United States."

That's why the residents of the Tohono O'odham Nation embarked on a unique partnership with ICE's legacy agency, the U.S. Customs Service, in 1974. The two organizations formed the Shadow Wolves, ICE's tactical patrol unit.

"To date, we are the first and only federal law enforcement agency authorized a permanent residence on the Tohono O'odham Nation which is comparable in size to the state of Connecticut," said Irby.

When the partnership was established, the U.S. Customs Service agreed to hire Native American officers to serve as part of the Shadow Wolves. ICE upholds this commitment today.
"The Shadow Wolves enable us to develop intelligence from a somewhat closed society that wouldn't be available to non-community members," said Irby. "[They are] also expert trackers. They use their Native American tracking skills that were instilled in them when they were young for hunting and tracking livestock and apply those skills to locating smugglers in the remote desert terrain."

Shadow Wolves officers patrol smuggling corridors based on information from the community. They start a mission when someone finds signs – animal indicators, footprints or evidence of backpackers. Sometimes they work on foot, and other times, by vehicle. It is not uncommon for a Shadow Wolves officer to work continuously for 24 hours to catch someone.

The unit was heavily involved in the success of Operation Pipeline Express, a 17-month multi-agency investigation responsible for dismantling a massive narcotics trafficking organization suspected of smuggling more than $33 million worth of drugs each month through Arizona's western desert. Since October, the Shadow Wolves have seized 20,719 pounds of marijuana and 20 vehicles and made 8 arrests.

How did the Shadow Wolves get its name?

 

Stanly Liston, one of the seven original members of the Shadow Wolves, was extremely adept at tracking and quietly sneaking up on backpackers – sometimes even handcuffing them as they slept. He was nicknamed the "Shadow Man." As the unit matured, the group's tactics also evolved. When a member located a good sign to follow, the remaining members converged on the scene like a pack of wolves. Hence, the Shadow Wolves were born.

Brazilian Native Suspected of Child Trafficking Deported

A Brazilian woman wanted in her native country as a suspect in a child trafficking investigation was deported and turned over to Brazilian federal police Wednesday, June 27, 2012, by agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Phoenix.

Vania Maria Plasse, 47, of Governador Valaderes, Brazil, was repatriated to Brazil aboard a commercial aircraft under escort by ERO agents. Plasse, who was previously held in immigration detention in Arizona, was turned over to Brazilian authorities at Guarulhos International Airport in Sao Paulo the morning of Wednesday, June 27, 2012. She is charged in a criminal arrest warrant issued in April 2011 by a Brazilian federal judge related to a child trafficking investigation.

"Plasse's return to Brazil to face criminal charges is the result of close international cooperation between ICE personnel in Arizona, our ICE attaché staff in Brazil and Brazilian law enforcement," said Katrina S. Kane, field office director of ERO Phoenix. "ICE is committed to working closely with our law enforcement partners here and abroad to ensure these individuals are identified and brought to justice."

Plasse was first encountered by U.S. authorities January 12, 2011, when she was arrested by agents with the U.S. Border Patrol's Tucson Sector after entering the U.S. illegally near Nogales. Plasse was subsequently issued a notice to appear before an immigration judge and transferred to ICE custody, where she was placed in immigration detention at the Eloy Detention Center while undergoing removal proceedings.

In April 2011, the ICE attaché office at the U.S. Embassy in Brasilia notified ICE officials in Arizona that Brazilian authorities had just issued an arrest warrant for Plasse related to a child trafficking investigation. Assistant Chief Counsel Ryan Goldstein from ICE's Office of the Chief Counsel Phoenix handled the ensuing immigration court litigation and in May 2012, an immigration judge with the Department of Justice's Executive Office for Immigration Review ordered Plasse deported.

Since Oct. 1, 2009, ERO has removed about 455 foreign fugitives from the United States who were being sought in their native countries for serious crimes, including kidnapping, rape and murder. ERO works with ICE's Office of International Affairs, foreign consular offices in the United States, and Interpol to identify foreign fugitives illegally present in the country.

Previously Removed Felon Deported Again to Honduras

A 30-year-old Honduran national, who recently served federal prison time for felony re-entry after deportation, was removed to his native country Wednesday, June 27, 2012, by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers.

Marcos Mejia-Rosales was repatriated to Honduras aboard a removal flight chartered by ICE's Air Operations Unit. Mejia-Rosales was discovered in the King County Jail in November 2010 by Seattle ERO officers assigned to the Criminal Alien Program (CAP). At that time, Mejia-Rosales was being held for solicitation to commit delivery of cocaine. He was later convicted of those charges and sentenced to nine months in jail. In addition to the drug offense, records checks revealed Mejia-Rosales had been previously deported four times and had a lengthy felony criminal record.

ERO presented his case to the U.S. Attorney's Office, which filed charges against Mejia-Rosales for felony re-entry after deportation. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced in November 2011 to 13 months in prison.

"As this case shows, there will be serious consequences for those who show no respect for our laws or our borders," said Bryan Wilcox, acting field office director for ERO Seattle. "By embedding ERO officers in local jails and using tools like Secure Communities, ICE is locating and deporting more criminal aliens than ever before and our communities are safer as a result."

Mejia-Rosales served his sentence for felony re-entry at the Federal Correctional Institution in Sheridan, Ore. ERO Portland officers took him into custody June 7 and transported him to the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, where he was detained until his deportation this week.

Through the CAP, ERO seeks to identify potentially deportable aliens incarcerated in jails and prisons throughout the United States. This is accomplished through interviews and reviews of inmates' biographical information. Although ERO initiates removal proceedings against criminal aliens through the CAP, these individuals may remain in prison or jail to complete criminal hearings or sentences. Under the CAP, ERO uses a risk-based approach to make determinations about the detention and arrest of criminal aliens, with priority given to cases involving individuals deemed to be a security or public safety threat.

ICE El Paso Unit a Center for Border Control

A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agent contacted the El Paso Intelligence Center to place a nationwide alert on a vehicle of interest. The next day, the special agent received notice on his BlackBerry that a camera at a southwest border port of entry had captured an image of the vehicle's license plate. Border authorities stopped the vehicle, which was en route to Mexico, because of the nationwide alert. They discovered and seized an array of weapons in the vehicle's trunk.

The El Paso Intelligence Center is an information focal point, collecting and analyzing interdiction reports and multi-source intelligence to identify and track trafficking activities and organizations, identify and fill intelligence gaps, and provide tactical intelligence to law enforcement officers in the field.

The multi-agency center is hosted by the Drug Enforcement Agency and has grown to include more than 26 federal, state, local, tribal and foreign enforcement agencies. Foreign partners include Mexico and Colombia.

Located within a stone's throw of the Mexican border – in El Paso, Texas – its mission is not limited to only border activity. In fact, its scope is vast, covering activity within the United States, on both sides of the U.S./Mexican border, across the Caribbean and from other points of origin within the Western Hemisphere.

"The center's mission evolved after Sept. 11 when then center's multi-agency environment was called upon to support terrorism investigations," said Louie Garcia, the center's deputy director and the first ICE employee to hold this position in the center's 38-year history. "The mission evolved from its experience in supporting interdiction efforts and investigating drug trafficking, alien, weapon and bulk currency smuggling by adding anti-terrorism to its efforts."
Garcia calls it an "all-threat center."

Its expansive network of systems and databases make it the go-to hub for investigators and officers alike.

At the core of the center's activities is the Watch Operations Section, where officers work around the clock, seven days a week to support officers and special agents who are actively engaged in enforcement activities and in need of immediate tactical information. Utilizing more than 70 federal, state and local databases, the staff has a wealth of critical information at its fingertips to assist at a moment's notice.

A Tuscaloosa County deputy sheriff recently relied on the center when he had a hunch that something wasn't right about a Texas-registered tractor trailer. He made a call to the center's Watch Operations Section, requesting a full search on two subjects, the trucking company and the trailer's license plate. Within minutes, the center's search revealed there was an active investigation by HSI on one of the subjects. Additionally during the search of the trailer, the deputy found $130,000 in U.S. currency tucked away in a false wall.

Having this type of background information at hand enables officers to make better decisions and enhance their safety measures.

Additionally, the center's Research and Analysis Section also offers valuable information. It provides statistical and trend information to case-specific research and analysis, both proactively and on a by-request basis.

"The center's mission, and the work conducted at the center, is vital to our national security," said Garcia.

HSI Recovers Tyrannosaur Skeleton; Returns to Mongolia

The nearly complete skeleton of a dinosaur was forfeited June 22, 2012 to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents. This action stems from an investigation by HSI and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York.

The skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Bataar dinosaur (the Tyrannosaurus Bataar Skeleton) was looted from the Gobi Desert in Mongolia. This forfeiture is the first step to the hopeful repatriation of the fossil to Mongolia.

"I thank and applaud the United States Attorney's Office in this action to recover the Tyrannosaurus Bataar, an important piece of the cultural heritage of the Mongolian people," said Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, president of Mongolia. "Cultural looting and profiteering cannot be tolerated anywhere and this cooperation between our governments is a large step forward to stopping it."

"As alleged, criminal smugglers misrepresented this fossil to customs officials when they illegally imported it into the United States," said ICE Director John Morton. "HSI works diligently to counteract loopholes smuggling organizations use to attempt to facilitate the entry of stolen and looted items into the United States illicitly."

"The skeletal remains of this dinosaur are of tremendous cultural and historic significance to the people of Mongolia, and provide a connection to the country's prehistoric past," said U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, Southern District of New York. "When the skeleton was allegedly looted, a piece of the country's natural history was stolen with it, and we look forward to returning it to its rightful place."

According to court documents, the Tyrannosaurus Bataar, a native of what is now Mongolia, was a dinosaur from the late Cretaceous period, approximately 70 million years ago. It was first discovered in 1946 during a joint Soviet-Mongolian expedition to the Gobi Desert in the Mongolian Ömnögovi Province. Since 1924, Mongolia has enacted laws declaring dinosaur fossils to be the property of the Government of Mongolia and criminalizing their export from the country.

On March 27, 2010, the Tyrannosaurus Bataar skeleton was imported into the United States from Great Britain. The customs importation documents contained several misstatements. First, the country of origin of the Tyrannosaurus Bataar skeleton was erroneously listed as Great Britain. However, according to several paleontologists, Tyrannosaurus Bataars have only been recovered in Mongolia. In addition, the Tyrannosaurus Bataar skeleton was substantially undervalued on the importation documents. Customs importation forms listed its value as $15,000, in contrast to the $950,000 to $1.5 million price listed in a 2012 auction catalog.

Finally, the Tyrannosaurus Bataar skeleton was incorrectly described on the customs importation documents as two, large, rough fossil reptile heads; six boxes of broken fossil bones; three rough fossil reptiles; one fossil lizard; three rough fossil reptiles and one fossil reptile skull.


Texas-based Heritage Auctions Inc., offered the Tyrannosaurus Bataar skeleton for sale at an auction conducted in New York. Prior to the sale, the Government of Mongolia sought — and was granted by a Texas Civil District Judge — a temporary restraining order prohibiting the auctioning, sale, release or transfer of the Tyrannosaurus Bataar skeleton. Notwithstanding the state court order, Heritage Auctions completed the auction and the Tyrannosaurus Bataar skeleton sold for $1.052 million. The sale, however, is contingent upon the outcome of any court proceedings instituted on behalf of the Mongolian Government.

On June 5, at the request of the President of Mongolia, several paleontologists specializing in Tyrannosaurus Bataars examined the Tyrannosaurus Bataar skeleton and concluded it is a Tyrannosaurus Bataar skeleton that was unearthed from the Western Gobi Desert in Mongolia between 1995 and 2005.

HSI plays a leading role in criminal investigations that involve the unauthorized importation and distribution of cultural property, as well as the illegal trafficking of artwork. The agency specializes in recovering works that have been reported lost or stolen. The HSI Office of International Affairs, through its 70 attaché offices in 47 countries, works closely with foreign governments to conduct joint investigations, when possible.

HSI specially trained investigators, assigned to both domestic and international offices, partner with governments, agencies and experts to protect cultural antiquities. They also train investigators from other nations and agencies on investigating crimes involving stolen property and art, and how to best enforce the law to recover these items when they emerge in the marketplace.

Since 2007, HSI has repatriated more than 2,500 items to more than 23 countries.

EB-2 Cut-off Date Announced by Department of State for Worldwide, Mexico, and the Philippines

The Department of State recently posted its July Visa Bulletin indicating that the cut-off date for EB-2 Worldwide, Mexico and the Philippines has regressed to Jan. 1, 2009. The June cut-off date for EB-2 Worldwide, Mexico and the Philippines is "C" for "current." This means that a cut-off date is not specified for these categories through the end of the month.

A visa number is available if the applicant’s priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed in the Visa Bulletin, or the category has the "C" designation for "current."  A visa number must be available during the month the applicant files Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

The EB-2 category is for members of professions with advanced degrees or persons of exceptional ability. All adjustment of status applicants must file Form I-485 with all the required initial evidence described in the form instructions. A key piece of initial evidence is Form I-693, Medical Examination of Aliens Seeking Adjustment of Status.

USCIS strongly encourages adjustment of status applicants to file their Form I-485 with all required initial evidence, including Form I-693. Failure to provide all required initial evidence may result in adjudication delays for Form I-485 and requests for additional benefits, such as employment authorization. 

Drug Trafficking Ring Dismantled

Members of a violent Bronx drug trafficking crew were arrested and charged Thursday, June 14, 2012, with distributing crack cocaine and other drugs. These charges come as a result of an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) led El Dorado Task Force (EDTF) in New York.

Special agents and police officers arrested 21 members and associates of the Murder Moore Gangstas (MMG), a violent drug trafficking crew based in and around the Moore Houses in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx. They were charged with conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, powder cocaine, marijuana, MDMA-ecstasy, and painkillers, as well as assorted firearms offenses.

"Today's arrests dealt a significant blow to a criminal organization that allegedly peddled crack cocaine and marijuana throughout New York City communities," said James T. Hayes Jr., special agent in charge of HSI New York. "The successful outcome of this investigation is exactly why HSI's El Dorado Task Force brings together local and federal law enforcement agencies to detect and disrupt criminal factions that distribute illegal drugs contributing to the demise of our society."

"This violent gang and drug trafficking organization has been dismantled and taken off the streets today to eliminate fear from the community and to keep our streets safe," said Wilbert L. Plummer, acting special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New York Field Division. "Cocaine, ecstasy and marijuana were being distributed in open air markets, and through our collaborative efforts from the law enforcement community we have arrested those responsible and put them behind bars."

"With today's arrests in the Bronx, there are 21 fewer alleged criminals infesting the streets with narcotics and using deadly firearms to support and defend their illegal trade," said Preet Bharara, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York. "Cleaning up the neighborhoods in this district so that residents can live in peace, knowing their communities and their children are safe, remains one of our top priorities."

"ATF is committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to impact and reduce violent crime in New York City," said Joseph Anarumo Jr., special agent in charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in New York. "Today's arrests and seizures exemplify that cooperative effort to remove violent, predatory criminals from our streets."

"These gang members pushed illegal narcotics and used violence and intimidation to further their drug trade," said Raymond W. Kelly, commissioner of the New York City Police Department (NYPD). "I want to commend the NYPD Bronx Gang Squad and particularly the undercover detectives who at great risk to themselves took drugs, guns and ultimately these suspects off the streets."

"As part of the El Dorado Task Force, the IRS-Criminal Investigation Division works with our law enforcement partners to accomplish a number of objectives to make life better for the citizens of the New York City–Metropolitan area," said Victor W. Lessoff, acting special agent in charge of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CID). "Combating drugs and violence on our streets, using our financial investigative expertise, is one of them."

In a coordinated operation Wednesday, June 13, 2012, and Thursday, June 14, 2012; federal, state and local law enforcement officers arrested 14 MMG members and associates in the Bronx. One of the charged defendants was previously arrested on state charges, and six defendants are still at large.

According to court documents, between December 2011 and June 2012, undercover detectives with NYPD made multiple purchases of crack cocaine and other drugs from MMG members and associates in the Moore Houses area of the Bronx. Investigators also had court-authorized wiretaps on some of the defendants' phones, and intercepted them engaging in their drug business.

Defendants Juan Fernandez, Ramon Morales, Odell Scarborough, Yemelia Ayala, Angel Alicea, Emmanuel Miller, Robert Rivera, Eugene Miller, Edward Brown, Lamont Robinson, James Miller, Alberto Bajana, Miguel Otero, Bryan Cummings, Jose Valdez, Dennis Sanders, Nathaniel Johnson, Kristopher Meade, Rolando Montes and Ricky Walker are charged in an indictment with conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine, powder cocaine, marijuana, MDMA and oxycodone/roxycodone. The defendants operated in and around 550 Cauldwell Avenue and

480 Concord Avenue

, the Bronx. Fernandez, Morales, Scarborough, Emmanuel Miller, Edward Brown and Rolando Montes are also charged with possessing firearms in connection with their drug activity.

Defendant Melvin Caceres is charged in a complaint with trafficking in firearms without a license.

On Thursday, June 14, 2012, law enforcement officers searched six locations in the Moore Houses area and recovered, among other items, a rifle, a revolver and drug paraphernalia. Officers also recovered small quantities of crack cocaine, powder cocaine and marijuana from certain of the defendants.

The six other defendants charged in the indictment; Eugene Miller, Johnson, Montes, Otero, Rivera and Valdez remain at large.