ICE, Media-Press Releases and Sensitive Investigative Techniques - Aug. 15, 2005

U.S. Department d Homeland Security 425 I Street. NW Washington. DC 20536 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement AUG 1 5 21305 MEMORANDUM FOR: All Special Agents in Charge d FROM: Marcy M. Forman Director, Office of SUBJECT: Medialpress Releases and Sensitive Investigative Techniques The proper use of media releases provides an opportunity for ICE to illustrate to the public the achievements and effectiveness that ICE has had in fulfilling its mission and contributing to national security. Media releases also provide an opportunity for ICE to inform the public as to the scope of its mission and jurisdiction.

Public awareness of ICE'S mission is critical to - - the support and cooperation of the public that is necessary to fulfilling our mission. While media releases generally reflect positive events, this is also an opportunity to inadvertently release sensitive types of information that may reveal investigative techniques. Care should be given to recognizing that knowledge of certain types of investigative techniques and source development can benefit individuals who would act to circumvent these sources and methods should the opportunity arise. It is recognized that sources and methods of investigations often become available when official documents become public record, but open discussion of investigative techniques in press releases only hastens public awareness and widens distribution.

ICE, Office of Investigations, will continue to utilize media releases to highlight and inform the public of significant investigative achievements and contributions to national security and public safety. When media releases are developed, care and thought should be given to limiting the discussion of specific investigative sources, methods and techniques.