[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 185 (Wednesday, December 5, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2490]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN RECOGNITION OF OPERATION COMMUNITY SHIELD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 5, 2007

  Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to proudly recognize the 
Dallas Field Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the 
Detention and Removal Operations agents who participated in Operation 
Community Shield--an annual, national law enforcement initiative that 
brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement to fight gang 
violence, drug smuggling and organized crime linked to illegal 
immigration.
  I applaud the remarkable accomplishments they produced in just seven 
days of Operation Community Shield: 120 gang members arrested, 
including members from 28 alien gangs, 63 criminal arrests, and 8 
firearms and over 4,000 grams of marijuana and cocaine seized.
  Thanks to Operation Community Shield, numerous murderers, rapists, 
and drug dealers have been taken off our streets. With the 
collaborative work of federal, state, and local law enforcement, 
Operation Community Shield enables officers to more effectively 
communicate between agencies, developing a ``force multiplier'' effect 
in fighting against violent gangs and criminal illegal immigrants. 
Consequently, I believe that this important initiative represents a 
critical step in addressing the illegal immigration problem facing our 
community and nation.
  Madam Speaker, I would further like to give recognition to the 
leadership of John Chakwin, ICE Special Agent-in-Charge, and Mrs. Nuria 
T. Prendes, Director for Detention and Removal Operations. Both have 
remarkable staffs that support the mission in light of the challenging 
times in our nation, and their steadfast commitment is one we can all 
be proud of in Dallas, Texas.

                          ____________________