FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 07, 2009
May 07, 2009
Emily Ryan
(202) 639-6421
(202) 639-6421
Yes, Take FPS Out of ICE, Says DHS Union
Categories:
Press Release, DHS
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(WASHINGTON)—The American Federation of Government Employees Local 918 today commended President Barack Obama and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano for their decision to take the Federal Protective Service out of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“This was a bad match from the beginning,” AFGE Local 918 President David Wright said. “The change is an important step toward improving protection and security around our nation’s federal buildings.
“From the beginning ICE has taken every step to reduce the FPS workforce by starving it of all its resources and attempting to privatize the entire agency,” Wright added. “Moving FPS out of ICE and recent congressional efforts to restore staffing levels for FPS law enforcement officers are critical steps in rebuilding this beleaguered agency.”
The president’s budget, issued today, transfers FPS from ICE to the National Protection Programs Directorate. “FPS responsibilities, such as providing physical security and policing of Federal buildings, establishing building security policy, and ensuring compliance are outside the scope of ICE’s immigration and customs enforcement mission and are better aligned to NPPD.”
“ICE was meant to be a big brother to FPS. We needed Wally Cleaver but unfortunately we got Eddie Haskell,” Wright said. “After a long effort, the bullying finally will come to an end and FPS officers can do the job they have been struggling to do.”
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