TOP STORY: 10 years and 10 months

In recognition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) 10 year anniversary in March 2013, we presented a series of stories, images and a timeline to highlight our accomplishments and give a broad look at our proud history, as well as to educate the American public about our agency.

In this last month of the celebration, instead of looking back, we look forward. While ICE has considerably grown in our first 10 years, our agency continues to evolve and change with the times to address current threats and prepare for dangers on the horizon before they emerge.

We plan to keep up the momentum we've shown in our first decade as a federal law enforcement agency dedicated to protecting homeland security. We will continue to hone our skills, share our expertise and further our reputation as a preeminent U.S. federal law enforcement agency operating in the world today.

With more than 20,000 employees, a presence in all 50 states and 48 foreign countries, today, we are stronger than we have ever been.

Through our international and domestic offices, we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to combat transnational crime, find and arrest child predators, repatriate individuals wanted by our foreign law enforcement partners and arrest and remove dangerous criminal aliens.

To accomplish this complex mission, we will continue to employ only the most qualified candidates – because every unit, office and individual in ICE is crucial to the agency's success.

ICE's three directorates will continue to propel our agency to greater success. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) will continue conducting criminal investigations against transnational criminal organizations who threaten national security. Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) will enforce the nation's immigration laws in a fair and effective manner. Management and Administration will continue to make the agency's mission possible by providing legal support and professional management, while helping to guide the dynamic growth and future of ICE.

We vow to continue our mission to protect the United States by promoting homeland security and public safety through the criminal and civil enforcement of federal laws governing border control, customs, trade and immigration.