TOP STORY: Top 10 things law enforcement says about ICE

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protects 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. To accomplish this mission, ICE conducts multi-faceted federal law enforcement operations and repatriates individuals wanted by its foreign law enforcement partners.

Below are some of the sentiments expressed about ICE by a number of its law enforcement partners from around the globe.

"Mr. Morton was the one who coordinated with police from eight countries to deliver one of the most powerful blows in narcotics trafficking history. Thank you very much." — Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos

"I would like to congratulate and thank the authorities of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for their continual support and professional work." — Guatemalan Consul General in Chicago Gustavo A. Lopez

"ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations assets assigned to the Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force have been invaluable." — Supervisory Inspector Billy Holmes, U.S. Marshals Service, Florida and Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force, Orlando, Fla.

"I commend ICE agents for their work. Their diligent efforts kept this heroin off our streets and led to the successful prosecution of drug dealers." — U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky Kerry Harvey

"I commend the investigators from Homeland Security Investigations who have led Operation Sunflower. They are making our communities safer for our children." — U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California Benjamin B. Wagner

"We always hear about the coordination between federal and local law enforcement, but we don't often have the opportunity to see it in action. This suspect's capture is a phenomenal example of how personal relationships pay off. When we called HSI and asked for assistance, they didn't ask 'what for,' all they said is 'what can we do?'" — Redondo Beach Police Chief Joe Leonardi

"Teamwork between law enforcement agencies is vital to efficient and effective criminal investigations. … This is a great example of how cooperation can lead to arrests and prosecution. Thank you again to your agency and the individual agents involved in the case." — Virginia Chief of Police David M. Rohrer, Fairfax County

"The city of South San Francisco wishes to thank HSI for its assistance in the investigation and arrest of the 19 members of the criminal street gang responsible for many gang-related crimes, including a triple homicide in December 2010. HSI’s collaboration with the South San Francisco Police Department was instrumental in bringing this case to a successful conclusion. This investigation underscores what positive outcomes can happen when local law enforcement works in collaboration with our partners in the federal system." — South San Francisco Police Chief Michael Massoni

 "The Baker County Sheriff’s Office believes in four core values; they are integrity, professionalism, care and courtesy.  These values are part of us and are reflected in our work.  During our day-to-day activities with ICE we have come to realize that they too share our core values.  We enjoy a superb relationship (with) the staff of both the Jacksonville and the Orlando offices. We feel a "kindred spirit" with the ICE staff and strive to accomplish the mission of both agencies.  These comments are heartfelt by me and shred by the men and women of the Baker County Sheriff’s Office. We look forward to a continued partnership." — Baker County Sheriff Joey B. Dobson, Florida

"We applaud our partners at ICE for their worldwide work in identifying victims of child sexual exploitation and for helping to remove these children from extremely dangerous situations. We thank Director Morton and everyone at ICE for their strong commitment to rescuing the most vulnerable of victims." — John Ryan, CEO for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

To see more of ICE’s 10th Anniversary celebration, click here.