NCJ Number
217844
Date Published
March 2007
Length
69 pages
Annotation
This report explores the effectiveness of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Fugitive Operations Teams.
Abstract
Results of the research indicated that: (1) the fugitive alien apprehensions reported by the Office of Detention and Removal Operations did not accurately reflect the activities of the teams; (2) the fugitive alien backlog increased; (3) the teams’ effectiveness was undermined by insufficient detention capacity, limitations with the immigration database, and inadequate working space; (4) the teams’ fugitive removal rate could not be determined; (5) teams performed duties unrelated to fugitive operations; (6) progress was made in staffing teams; (7) the teams had effective partnerships with Federal, State, and local agencies; and (8) the teams had basic law enforcement training. Based on these key findings, seven recommendations are offered: (1) establish a team reporting system that enables the classification of all categories of apprehensions; (2) assess the working space of the teams and develop a plan to ensure teams have adequate working space; (3) provide the resources necessary to detain, process, and remove all fugitive aliens apprehended by the team; (4) assign team members in a manner consistent with the Detention and Deportation Officer’s Manual or amend the manual to reflect current assignment practices; (5) train and certify deportation officers who are not assigned to a team to perform collateral duties; (6) negotiate information sharing agreements with Federal, State, and local agencies regarding fugitive aliens; and (7) assess the training requirements and needs of teams and consider developing a fugitive operations refresher course. The National Fugitive Operations Program was developed to identify, locate, apprehend, and remove fugitive aliens from the United States. The ultimate goal is to reduce the backlog of fugitive aliens in the country. As of October 2006, 50 such teams were operational nationwide. Research methods included interviews with relevant employees and officials, direct observations, statistical analyses, and a review of applicable documents. Tables, figures, footnotes, appendixes