[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 108 (Monday, July 9, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S8793]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LONE STAR FUGITIVE TASK FORCE

 Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, I wish to congratulate the Lone 
Star Fugitive Task Force, LSFTF, for its exemplary service to the 
Western District of Texas. The LSFTF, which commenced its work in May 
of 2005, is the principal law enforcement agency responsible for 
fugitive enforcement in the Western District of Texas. Sponsored by the 
prestigious U.S. Marshals Service, the LSFTF maintains offices in 
Alpine, Austin, Del Rio, El Paso, Midland, Pecos, San Antonio, and 
Waco. Bringing both local and Federal fugitives to justice, the task 
force continues to serve the public through its unrelenting hard work.
  Although the LSFTF has only been in existence for 2 years, it led the 
Nation in arrests in 2006 and has been recognized as one of the most 
effective fugitive task forces in the United States. Garnering acclaim 
across the Nation, the task force has not only protected the citizens 
of the Texas localities in which it is based but has also helped 
construct a safer nation as a whole.
  The Lone Star Fugitive Task Force's perpetual success in capturing 
perilous fugitives stems in part from its innovative officer 
instruction and groundbreaking education in modern fugitive hunting 
techniques.
  Realizing the value of its proximity to the Mexican border, the LSFTF 
frequently works in tandem with Mexican law enforcement officials in 
order to promote international security. The organization has earned a 
stellar reputation among surrounding districts and across international 
borders for its reliability in dealing with fugitives fleeing across 
national boundary lines into Mexico.
  In April 2006, the resolute task force played an instrumental role in 
leading Operation FALCON II, a 7-day collaborative effort between law 
enforcement agencies across the Western United States. The operation 
was immeasurably successful in apprehending thousands of fugitives, 
including hundreds which were being sought out for sexual offenses.
  In response to its sustained track record of excellence, the Lone 
Star Fugitive Task Force was selected to host, in September 2006, the 
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's, NCMEC, national 
pilot training program, made possible by the Adam Walsh Child 
Protection and Safety Act passed earlier that year. Under the guidance 
of the LSFTF, the program's agenda focused on the improvement of vital 
skills for U.S. marshals to gain a better understanding of the motives 
and patterns of sexual offenders. Such an ambitious plan has aided the 
U.S. Marshal Service in their success in detaining this dangerous 
variety of criminal.
  From its own pioneering methods to its cooperative efforts and rigid 
style of law enforcement, the LSFTF has made a positive impact on the 
communities it serves and continues to set a shining example for law 
enforcement agencies across the country. By doing so, the organization 
has, in its own modest way, assisted in ensuring the freedom and well-
being of Americans across the country.
  For these reasons, among many others, I would like to recognize the 
Lone Star Fugitive Task Force for its tremendous success. By bringing 
hazardous fugitives to justice and striving to improve the security of 
the general public, the LSFTF successfully works for the betterment of 
the communities and the Nation it humbly serves.

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