DHS in general and ICE in particular are the most dysfunctional government agencies this nation has ever seen. These so called reforms are only being rolled out by DHS to pressure Congress into passing Amnesty II. The phones on capitol hill are ringing already. Even the Morons in Charge at ICE realize that paying veteran special agents $100,000+ to do GS/7 work will not survive the scrutiny of a GAO or OPM audit. ICE HQ has mandated that the ICE SACS run off as many legacy INS & CUSTOMS agents as possible and replace them with GS 5/7 junior G-men. Pure ICE agents are the future of Immigration Enforcement, even though most of them couldn’t find their own ass with BOTH hands. BTW, the Pepermint Pattie Plan is working. Virtually all legacy agents are retiring as soon as they are eligible while the pure ICE agents hang out at Starbucks, text messaging each other while sipping green tea. Good Luck with all that…

FingerEleven on August 10, 2007 at 11:48 pm

They are up to NO GOOD, mark my words. They will do NOTHING to actually address the Illegal Invasion, but make sure to have a big show about how disruptive it is to suddenly shut down a production facility, complete with photo ops of middle class-looking people wearing handcuffs. They’ll probably coordinate with the Lying Media to have footage of crying children being pulled away from their mother.

steve ventry on August 11, 2007 at 1:49 am

Debbie, I haven’t seen a non-Hispanic laborer where I live in years. No American would ever do their work for any realistic wage. You wouldn’t believe how hard these Brazilians and Mexicans work in the blazing sun, and how peaceful, modest, teamwork and family oriented most of them are. I’d rather keep them here and deport ICE. Also I won’t say shalom to Jew Chick anymore as I do have some pride (sniffle).

Anonymous1 on August 11, 2007 at 2:51 am

FingerEleven,
You are wrong my friend, on so many points in your post, it’s hard to believe you are actually working for the same agency as do I.
“ICE HQ has mandated that the ICE SACS run off as many legacy INS & CUSTOMS agents as possible and replace them with GS 5/7 junior G-men.” This is unadulterated BULLSHIT.
ICE is working hard to keep as many experienced and talented investigators as it can, not run them off as you’d suggest. You are either misinformed, or intentionally trying to mislead those that monitor this site.
“BTW, the Pepermint Pattie Plan is working. Virtually all legacy agents are retiring as soon as they are eligible while the pure ICE agents hang out at Starbucks, text messaging each other while sipping green tea.”
“virtually all legacy agency agents are retiring as soon as they are eligible”.
The word “virtually” is the only word that saved you from uttering an outright lie.
There are many old-timers, I prefer the term experienced agents, within our AOR that have been eligible for years, some near mandatory. They didn’t run for the door, as you would have people believe. And these agents are hard working, productive criminal investigators, that have adapted to the ICE mission.
We obviously don’t work in the same AOR, because you would be sipping green tea on the beach, if you worked for me. Get to work or move on!!
What we’ve really discovered with the merger is how many worthless employees we had, cruising along in the shadows, doing the minimum required to stay off a PIP, and allowing the motivated, pridefull agents to carry their load.
Maybe the bright light will cause them all to retire. Good riddance. I’d rather have a whole new wave of ICE agents without all the bad habits/attitudes. The new hires we’re getting are mostly former law enforcement, have had a bad job in the past, so they recognize a good one, and they all want to work. Novel concept huh FingerEleven?
EVS

EverVigilantSheepdog on August 11, 2007 at 10:51 am

After reading the comments to Debbies columns by other employees of ICE, I have come to the conclusion we are our own worst enemies.
There is bickering about all levels of management, who is bailing out on the agency, whether or not all of the older legacy employess are retiring, who is doing what as to investigations and so on and so on. Gosh you male agents can bicker. If you only put that much energey into making each of the offices where you work a better organization, GUESS WHAT, there would be nothing to “bitch” about. Oh, but I forget, some of you just like to “bitch” about everything and you probably bitched about your legacy agencies as well. You can’t tell me some of you were happy in your legacy agencies, I don’t think so.
So grow up and take your fight out of the public arena as we aren’t going back to the way things were before the merger, so get over it.
I and I imagine many employees of ICE are tired of some of the negative opinions expressed here by the same people all of the time. If you aren’t happy in your job, then help change it or go get another one. Frankly some of you are starting to sound like that 13 year old daughter many of you had or have…….whining all the time.
No one guaranteed that our job would be wonderful all of the time and not have any difficult times. Like my title said, I’m not an agent and my career has had a lot of frankly “horrible” times but you have to get over what ever has happened as you still have a job to do.
So I suggest that unless you have something to say to Debbie about what she has written in her column, especially if it is not true, then as they say “STFU”.
I HAVE A DIFFERENT TAKE. EXCEPT FOR EVS–THE EVER VIGILANT LAPDOG WHO IS TYPING ON MY SITE ALL DAY, COURTESY OF AMERICAN TAXPAYERS, AND WITH THE FULL APPROVAL OF “THE ICE PRINCESS” AND “PEPPERMINT PATTY”–THE OTHER AGENTS ARE RAISING THEIR VOICES ON THIS SITE BECAUSE THEY ARE DISTRESSED ABOUT THE CURRENT SINKING STATE OF AFFAIRS AT ICE UNDER THAT LEADERSHIP. THE PROBLEM IS NOT THAT THEY DON’T EXPEND THIS ENERGY ON THE JOB–THEY DO WORK VERY HARD. THE PROBLEM IS THAT NO MATTER HOW HARD THEY WORK, HOW DEDICATED THEY ARE, THEIR HARD WORK AND DEDICATION IS SABOTAGED AND NEGATED BY INCOMPETENT, UNQUALIFIED “LEADERSHIP” AT ALL THE TOP LEVELS OF ICE. I ENJOY THEIR COMMENTS, AND I HOPE THEY WILL CONTINUE, DESPITE YOUR REQUEST THAT THEY STOP.
DEBBIE SCHLUSSEL

NotAnAgent on August 11, 2007 at 10:26 pm

Debbie,
You just can’t help yourself can you? “Full approval of “THE ICE PRINCESS and “Peppermint Patty”? What makes you think anyone knows who I am? You pretend you do, but you don’t, and all of your loyal minions have guessed, again and again, Wrong. I doubt very seriously that A/S Meyers or Director Forman has the time or interest to follow our little back-and-forths.
NonAnAgent has posted a number of times, and each time he/she does it respectfully, and clearly giving each post a lot of thought. I don’t want anyone to stop expressing their opinions.
You continue to be amused by your rabid followers, and the silly names they make up for me and the rest of ICE leadership, when their facts don’t support their half-baked positions.
The name is EverVigilantSheepdog Debbie. I haven’t called you names. Why can’t you show me the same respect?
EVS

EverVigilantSheepdog on August 12, 2007 at 6:23 pm

EVS, the only SAC office that the legacy agents aren’t leaving in droves is the SAC/New Orleans. Those guys don’t do any work now and never have. They’re just happy to be off the NOPD. If it wasn’t for the RAC offices, there would never be any stats for the SAC/New Orleans. Guys can’t get out of the door fast enough at MOST of the OI offices, SAC/NO excluded.

FingerEleven on August 12, 2007 at 11:15 pm

FingerEleven,
Again Sir, I have to correct you.
You said “Those guys don’t do any work now and never have.” Where are you getting your information? You need to recruit some new CI’s.
If you’ve read any of my recent posts, you’ll know that the Special Agent in Charge in New Orleans is a close personal friend of mine.
I know for a fact that there is some really good work going on within the SAC/New Orleans (proper) as well as the rest of their AOR. There are only a few guys in the SAC office that used to be with NOPD, and they are productive members of the SAC/New Orleans team.
I’d submit that your premise is incorrect, and that the SAC/New Orleans agents feel respected, know they are doing work worth doing, and enjoy their jobs. Is it possible? You bet your ass it is. I’d also say that it’s not as bad in the other 25 SAC offices, but the people that are working and making a difference, aren’t taking the time to chime in on here.
Work Safe,
EVS

EverVigilantSheepdog on August 13, 2007 at 7:54 am

“I’d submit that your premise is incorrect, and that the SAC/New Orleans agents feel respected, know they are doing work worth doing, and enjoy their jobs. Is it possible? You bet your ass it is. I’d also say that it’s not as bad in the other 25 SAC offices, but the people that are working and making a difference, aren’t taking the time to chime in on here.”- EVS
EVS, I have to give you credit for finally admitting that the rest of the 25 SAC offices really have it bad. Perhaps you are right about SAC/NO. Now that you mention it, I have never seen a post on DS from a New Orleans agent. Maybe those agents are too busy working and making a difference to chime in on here? Perhaps now you will back away from your government computer and slow down your DS posting so that you too can actually earn your salary like those SAC/New Orleans agents of whom you speak. The taxpayers deserve that much. Have a blessed day sir.

FingerEleven on August 13, 2007 at 8:46 am

FingerEleven,
You know, it’s a great advantage to have, being a multi-tasker. I can do more than one thing at a time, and pretty damn well too. I’m earning my salary, and then some. I hope you can say the same thing.
Work Safe,
EVS

EverVigilantSheepdog on August 13, 2007 at 2:11 pm

FingerEleven,
I never said the other 25 SAC offices have it bad, though you might have interpreted something I said to mean that. It certainly wasn’t my intent.
I’m very confident that I earn my salary, and then some each day, as I’m a very capable multitasker. I can do this and that. Try it, you might also be more productive.
Work Safe,
EVS

EverVigilantSheepdog on August 13, 2007 at 2:58 pm

EVS, perhaps you are correct my good man. I am starting to come around to your way of thinking. Can you give me some advice on being productive during my commute to and from my residence & the ICE SAC office? Like you I am assigned a government vehicle to use in the best interest of the government. Can you give me some suggestions for using my drive time in a productive manner. I am told you have come up with a way to make a daily 180 mile GOV commute, cost effective for the government. Please enlighten all of us to your method. Thank you for your continued support and guidance.

FingerEleven on August 13, 2007 at 7:07 pm

I wondered when my time would come to be chastised by Debbie for having a different view than hers. That’s okay just like I’m entitled to my opinion, she is entitled to hers.
I’m sure there are many agents writing to Debbie via e-mail about their opinions as to the status of ICE and it’s management. I can tell you this, I personally know one person who is in a high management position in ICE and that person, in my opinion only, has always cared about the people who were under his supervision. I cannot believe that all of the ICE managers don’t give, two hoots about the employees and their daily struggles to do their job. What are the odds of that? You might have one or two, but all.
I have had said in the past, yes we aren’t a perfect agency, but I don’t know of one person in the government who is working for a perfect agency. Yes, I do feel that someone with more experience to lead a newly formed agency could have been appointed from the get go. ICE was basically thrown to the wolves and we were ripe for the picking.
However, each employee also has an obligation to do their job to the best of their ability and no we weren’t guaranteed that it would be a bed of roses every day. My doing my job to the best of my ability does not depend on whomever is the Assist. Secretary of Ice or who heads the Office of Investigations. My doing my job is my responsibility and mine only. Now the tools I need to perform my job, (training, computer, desk, etc.) now that is the responsibility of the agency and government.
I’m thankfull every day for the job that I have and yes, I can’t wait for retirement as I’m ready for a new chapter in my life. For me retirement is not that far away, but for the many who are just starting their career remember life can be short and it is our choice in how our life evolves.
The newbies will go thru many Presidents and heads of our Department and Agency before they retire and you will agree with some of their policies and not agree with others. Unfortunately, we have no say in who the President picks to head our Agency and Department, but as it has been said here before it really doesn’t matter in the long run. Yes, they can come out with some really awful policies once in awhile and the employees have to live with them, but a lot of those policies will change with the next set of leaders.
As I said in my first post, I’m so tired of the name calling and profanity that a lot of my fellow employees use in their posts. It’s Debbie’s blog and I she can write whatever she feels and thinks and we can all agree or disagree with what she writes. However, if we, the employees of ICE, want the public in our corner we need to be more savvy about what we say in the public arena.
I know there are many who write Debbie via email that care deeply about their job and go out each and everyday and do an outstanding job. If you aren’t getting recognized, then it is shame on your managers. I’ve worked with many managers in my career and I can honestly say that only a handfull were truly horrible and should have never been selected to be a manager/supervisor.
All of you, who are agent’s, went into this profession because you cared enough to want to make the world a better and safer place. You are to be commended for that, but life took a major change on Sept. 11 and as a result of that many of our jobs are not the same. I often wonder how the families of the Sept. 11 victims feel about us bickering about having to find an illegal alien instead of a drug smuggler? Have you ever wondered about that?
Well I have some important stuff to do tonight so it’s good night to all. Even those who I don’t agree with.

NotAnAgent on August 13, 2007 at 7:50 pm

EVL, you aren’t in charge of jack. What a poser! You’re probably lowest man on the totem pole.

steve ventry on August 13, 2007 at 8:34 pm

FingerEleven,
Don’t know about you, but I wear the battery out in my Blackberry during my commute, taking care of business that otherwise would have to wait till I was in the office. I think that’s a pretty good use of my time, and again, there’s that multi-tasking thing. LOL
I probably work longer hours than you, but I choose to do this, as this job and the people I have the responsibility to lead deserve the best I can give them.
Steve ventry,
You wouldn’t understand, so I won’t play your game.
Work Safe,
EVS

EverVigilantSheepdog on August 13, 2007 at 8:42 pm

NotAnAgent & EVS, DS allows complete freedom of speech in all responses to her postings. As long as one does not violate the law he/she can post in their own words. DS does not block those who disagree with her. The vast majority of bloggers would have banned EVS months ago. DS has never banned him nor has she exposed him even though he constantly challenges her to do so. EVS would test the patient of any reasonable thinking person. If DS does know the identity of EVS, she will not expose him. EVS and every other poster to this site, friend or foe have complete freedom to post anonymously within the bounds of the law. DS is free to disagree with our posts just as we are free to disagree with her posts. Could you ask anything more of any Blog? I don’t agree with everything DS posts just as I don’t agree with everything my wife or anyone else believes. So what? I don’t think there is any disagreement that DS gives posters more latitude to express their personal opinions, in response to her posts, than any other blog on the internet.

FingerEleven on August 13, 2007 at 9:03 pm

EVS, you see I DO understand and I have had your number for a long time. You’re not as smart as you think you are and none of us are as stupid as you think we are. Stay tuned, more to come…

FingerEleven on August 13, 2007 at 9:59 pm

I thought EVS was just an asshole ICE manager…WOW, I stand corrected.
“It’s likely that we’ll be hearing a lot more stories like this one over the next few years, but a teenager who was apparently text-messaging while driving stuck and killed a cyclist last week. This is likely to bring about calls for laws outlawing text messaging while driving, which is sort of missing the point. Doing anything that puts others in the road while driving is already illegal as reckless driving. Outlawing specific activities takes away from the idea that anyone sitting behind the wheel of a car should be responsible for keeping that car in control and safely where it should be. The fact that anyone would need a special law to know they shouldn’t be text messaging while driving is a scary thought.”

FingerEleven on August 13, 2007 at 11:20 pm

FingerEleven,
You said “The vast majority of bloggers would have banned EVS months ago.” Why is this?
Because I take an opposing view? Because I support the agency and the people that are running it, against the coconuts that hide in the shadows and throw rocks and bottles? Because I stand up for those that can’t fight back for themselves, for obvious reasons? I don’t follow your logic. Is this blog, only for the disgruntled?
I have continued to adhere to simple Rules of Engagement, that I chose to adopt June 1.
I don’t fire until fired upon.
And even then, I stay on the high road more than most of my opponents, including you sir. I haven’t profanely called you, Debbie, or anyone else names. I’ve belittled your logic or your argument perhaps, but thats all.
Why are you so threatened by my very presence in what was once your own private little playground?
I’ve made no (zero) effort to identify any of you, as I don’t care who you are. Doesn’t matter, and doesn’t change a thing. But you and others seem to be obsessed with my identity. Comical.
As to your comment on text messaging, you are right. Teenagers or the like shouldn’t text message, talk on the phone, or apply makeup while driving.
The Sheepdog can do this, and that, quite effectively. Appreciate your concern though. LOL
EVS

EverVigilantSheepdog on August 14, 2007 at 7:17 am

EVS, first of all I am not a coconut which, is an offensive moniker often used to describe Hispanics who are perceived to be brown on the outside and white on the inside. Its the same thing as as calling an African American an oriole. But since you were assigned to Arizona, you are already well aware of that term. Secondly, YOU are the one who in numerous posts has challenged readers to ID you. You have further indicated that none of us are smart enough to “out” you since we are either coconuts or welfare 13’s or just dumb asses in general. Fourth, you are in fact an ICE high ranking official as you always choose to ignore the most significant point raised when making your lame responses.
Tell us about text messaging and reading your blackberry during your commute. We’d love to hear the justification behind that insanity.

FingerEleven on August 14, 2007 at 8:34 am

EVS,
To some degree agents leaving or staying is different from office to office. I can speak of my situation. I told management in my office about six months ago that I was thinking of leaving the first year I was eligible. I would have seven more years that I could work. I was never approached by management to discuss staying or why I wanted to leave so early. While it is always debatable, I was always regarded as a reasonably productive agent (legacy customs). When a good private sector job came along I took the opportunity to go. I never got the impression that my SACs or ASACs wanted me to stay. In fact it was just the opposite, I think they were happy to see an old timer go. Our SAC offce has several others going this year that are in my same situation and I know they have never been approached about why they want to leave or what could get them to stay. This is just my experience but I truly believe it is a common thing throughout ICE.

longshanks on August 14, 2007 at 9:10 am

I’ve known a couple of good agents who have left, all for good opportunities, so hard to blame them. Also more good agents who are staying put (some pushing 57) – who bitch about ICE while still doing good work.
What gets my goat is the guys who bitch, don’t leave, and don’t work so hard. I mean, complain about whatever; but sitting on your hands like a spoiled 14 year old, making others do your work while you do it. Grow up.
ICE probably needs to be melted down-or boiled away or something. But try and support your fellow agents in the meantime.
and thank goodness for small favors, no Crackberry for me.
Debbie, did you see where the money transfers to Mexico (from illegal workers) is way down this year? So much for the arguement , just here earning some money to support my family back home. “Home” must be here now.

CallofDuty on August 14, 2007 at 11:40 am

EVS, I hope you aren’t driving down an interstate at 80 mph or more while you are text messaging. Talk about career suicide.
I think “longshanks” has brought up a valid point and further shows how each SAC office is probably different from the next. It further validates my point that each office is different in how their employees are treated, as well as the employees perception of how good or bad ICE is on a day to day basis.
Any of us who has been in either legacy agency or ICE for awhile knows someone or many persons in HQS. to get the scoop from. I wonder though how many of the supposedly scoops most have heard have turned out to be true.
Since I have been in the SAC office where I work, there have been 4 SAC prior to the one we now have. They have all had different management styles and there were a couple that I personally felt didn’t have any management style, whatsoever. However, others in the office may have a different opinion than what I just posted. That is what I am talking about perception. We all perceive differently based on our values and how we are treated by the person who in question.
However, if we ever hope to become an agency that we all think is one great place to work, we also have to do our part in making ICE a better place to work. It maybe that we now have to investigate violations than we did in the past, we may have new computer systems that we are now required to use and we may have new assigned duties that have to deal with subjects we are not familiar with. ICE is here to stay, no matter how much we might yearn for things to go back to the way they were prior to the merger. We might be all surprised in a few years from now and ICE might be considered the best place to work in the government. However, at the present time we are still experiencing growing pains and it is unfortunate that we were not provided the proper leadership at the AS level from the very beginning of our existence.
So, responding to Debbie’s Blogs about ICE shows people care, it’s how you respond that if I were a private citizen that would cause me to go I hmmmmm about the employess of ICE.
To EVS and others, I’ve always said, you don’t have to sink to their level to get your point across. Would you want your mother or mother-in-law to see what you have written? I think not.

NotAnAgent on August 14, 2007 at 11:47 am

NotAnAgent …
I agree with a lot of what you say. However, invoking 9/11 families just doesn’t cut it with me. It is my humble opinion that Customs OI, in putting CRIMINALS in JAIL for money laundering and weapons trafficking (to say nothing of drug smuggling and child pornography from a domestic security standpoint), did more for Homeland Security than rounding up what are mostly (although not all) single-isuue (read: illegal entry), NON-CRIMINAL aliens.
longshanks …
I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment that the current ICE management structure is more than happy to see eligible, but non-mandatory, agents go quietly into that good night, because it will purge the old legacy culture from the ranks of the new ICE. That said, while the institutional knowlege is hemmoraging out the door, the new “ICE Babies”, as some of my colleages have stated, are nothing more than “three year wonders” – college educated (some with Master’s degrees) and with 26 weeks of CITP/ICESAT, once they see the increasingly single-mission focus of a bankrupt mission (read: immigration), they will seek other pastures, and all ICE will become is a revolving door (much like CBP is now).
CallofDuty …
Again, I agree with most of what you say, but need to place something in perspective.
People are HUMAN, and they are going to act in their own best interest. Many who are legacy from their respective agencies would like to leave, but can’t – too young to retire, but too old to go elsewhere. Many, especially the legacy USCS folks, feel that their prior efforts in Federal L/E (especially leading up to 9/11) were tossed to the wind and that they were thrown under the bus. It’s very easy to say “Do your job”, but very different from an organizational psychology standpoint to dismiss the feelings of those who feel they sacrificed a LOT over the years, simply to see it tossed aside like a used car in the junkpile. Many don’t feel respected or valued, so what they are doing is what most people do across the government and corporate spectrum when faced with these difficult issues – focus on themselves and their families; self-respect is the only shred of dignity left when you feel noone else respects you, and that you’ve done nothing to warrant the lack thereof.
You may disagree with me, and even ridicule me, but you, I, Ms. Schlussel or anyone else for that matter are NOT going to change this very BASIC fact of human nature and behavior.
Regards to all.

4EVERCUSTOMS on August 14, 2007 at 3:19 pm

FingerEleven,
So there is no misunderstanding, my use of the term “Coconut” was not, and is not meant to be a derogatory racial comment. I have never heard your explanation before reading it on this blog, and had I known you would interpret it that way, I would not have used it.
Coconut to me is a term of endearment for those guys we all know, that probably should have never made it past their probationary period, and would be better suited as shoe salesmen, car salesmen, or sanitation workers (no offense to any of these people intended:)
Not sure what point you suggested that I overlooked, but I’ll be glad to try to answer any questions I have some first-hand information on. I won’t initiate or participate in spreading rumors or speculate if I have nothing to offer.
Using a Blackberry in the vehicle isn’t difficult, if you spend anytime stuck in traffic. I don’t normally return email’s while driving 80 MPH. 🙂
longshanks,
I’d like to see an “exit interview” formalized, so that it happens everytime someone leaves and/or retires, and I know something along these lines is being drafted/staffed around the CAB. Nobody should begrudge or try to talk someone out of retiring, to take an attractive private sector job. Good for you. Even if you just want to sit on your porch and watch the world go by, you’ve earned it, and you deserve it. My SAC is always saying he’ll never try to talk anyone out of retiring, as he’d never forgive himself if something bad happened, and the guy he talked of retiring ended up injured or heaven forbid, lost his life. Life is too short. You earned your retirement, and you haven’t won, unless you get as many years in retirement +, then what you served.
All that is said re: retirement. Good people leaving for other jobs, and not retirement should be handled differently I think.
We, as a matter of course, do everything possible to show our workforce how much they are appreciated, and do our dead-level best to talk good people out of leaving, when on ocassion it happens.
We aren’t always sucessful, but we try, and at the end of the day, that’s all we can do. I’d like to think other SAC offices handle this the same way, though I’m not certain. If they don’t they should. 🙂
CallOfDuty
You said “What gets my goat is the guys who bitch, don’t leave, and don’t work so hard. I mean, complain about whatever; but sitting on your hands like a spoiled 14 year old, making others do your work while you do it. Grow up.”
Couldn’t have said it better my friend.
NotAnAgent,
As always, very nice post. I’d only comment that though I lost my Mom ten years ago, she would have been laughing her ass off at some of the posts on here, and I’m sure she’d be proud of her boy for standing up to the bullies.
Work Safe,
EVS

EverVigilantSheepdog on August 14, 2007 at 3:28 pm

EVS, you never cease to amaze me. YOU are the bully that your Mom told you to stand up to. Your sense of reality is as far from actual reality as one can get. Has it not occurred to you that since you are a very high level field manager, agents don’t tell you how they really feel? Believe me, the worker bees in your SAC AOR are much more in agreement with DS and the vast majority of the posters on this site. You are wishing and hoping for something that does not exist and will never exist. You can put EVS lipstick on this pig (ICE)all day but at the end of the day its still an ugly PIG. ICE sucks. PERIOD.

FingerEleven on August 14, 2007 at 6:03 pm

To EVS and the others, it’s a good thing my Mother wasn’t your Mother. You did not use profanity around herr and the one time I did, I said the word, “s..t”, she got all over my case. Now mind you I was college age at the time.
When you look back at all of the replies to Debbie’s posts and the various responses to the responses it all boils down to each person’s perception of what is happening in their particular office. Just as I am sure there are wonderful offices out there, I am just as sure there are offices that are a terrible place to be and work. However, we can choose to be miserable at work and complain all the time or we can make the best of a sometimes bad situation. Life is too short to be miserable each and every day at work. I do think that where you are on the “food chain” at work has a lot to do with how you perceive this thing we call “ICE” is working. Of course, there are probably some SACs that would take exception to that statement if they aren’t in HQS. good graces and therefore, are out of favor.
I’ve been in situations at work where my supervisor thought I was the best thing since sliced bread and then I’ve also been in situations where my supervisor hated my guts. So I don’t think it takes a rocket scientist to know where I was the happiest. However, even in the situation where my supervisor hated my guts, I still loved my job and had enough caring about my work reputation to do the best job that I could each and every day. I only had to be polite to that supervisor, I didn’t have to be a friend.
I think that is one problem that I have noticed with the male agent population and their supervisors. When a male agent becomes a supervisor, he doesn’t quit let go of being one of the rank and file and still stays way too friendly with the male agents he supervises and was probably good friends with while they were both just agents. Now mind you, this is just my observation and I know there are the doubters out there.
As I’ve said in the past, yes there are problems with our agency, but lets be honest, how many of the problems are because of our current management and how many of our problems are due to other outside factors (i.e. Congress, budget issues, current laws and regulations, being a new agency to name a few).
So I hope all of the agents don’t start text messaging each other while driving to work now, as you might be the one I’m thinking real nasty thoughts about as you are holding up traffic.

NotAnAgent on August 14, 2007 at 7:50 pm

FingerEleven,
I’m the bully huh? OK, Whatever. I know you think you know who I am, and if that is so, ask some of the agents that work for me, how they are treated. I think you might be surprised, but probably not big enough to post your true findings on here.
I work with, and supervise some people I’ve known for years, some over 15-20 years. I also just met some of them. I haven’t changed, since I was a street agent.
I’ll concede that I don’t tolerate fools or whiners near as well as I probably should, but I think that comes with age, not rank. Unlike many, I’m not surrounded by “yes-men” who attach themselves to one’s backside like a leech, hoping for favor down the road.
I’m working with some very experienced agents that don’t mind telling me when they think something HQS or the SAC I work for is proposing something goofy. But at the end of the day, they all know who the boss is, and after some healthy debate, with input from the lowest grade up, they all follow direction well.
If you think the agents that work for me fear me or won’t talk to me candidly, then you really don’t know me. ICE may suck where you are, and it isn’t perfect where I am, but it’s still a damn good job, with work worth doing.
NotAnAgent,
You made an excellent point re: Male Supervisors and rank and file agents. I’m a big believer in moving for promotions, for that very reason. I think it’s difficult for an agent to become a first line supervisor over his buddies, that last week he was running the streets with. It’s not impossible, but difficult.
It’s very difficult not to play favorites, when you know who the productive agents are and who the chuckleheads are from working with them.
I believe every first line supervisor should move somewhere he or she has never worked to take on that first supervisor job. Later, RAC/ASAC/DSAC/even SAC is not as important, in my view, as the initial experience.
Work Safe,
EVS

EverVigilantSheepdog on August 14, 2007 at 8:44 pm

EVS, you need to get past ,”I know you think you know who I am.” You know very well that I know exactly who you are. Re-read my posts over the last week if you have any doubt. I am not “outing” you because at this time it’s not in my best interest. If one of your A-hole buddies in another SAC office goes after an agent for “multi-tasking” while reading or blogging the DS site, the world will know your name. If some agent is told he can’t live more than 50 miles from his post of duty and drive his G-ride to and from, the world will know your story.
I hope you continue to post early and often. Your posts are a street agents dream, considering the position that you occupy. You are correct, I do not personally know you but I have been around (legacy CUSTOMS) at least as long as you. I do know agents that know you. You’re a John Wayne and always have been and I can live with that. Your sucking up to Meyers & Foreman and your perception of the current state of affairs in ICE is the fuel that drives my engine.
The ICE mission is not worth doing since there is no real mission, other than being a political pawn. Knowing that agents like me piss off suits like you and my SAC is the only reason I need to stay. But there are other reasons why I am still here. For now, I’ll keep those reasons secret just like I do your identity.
You know as well as I do, that valuable street agents and managers are leaving in droves every month. You and I are among the minority that can leave but choose to stay. Kevin D is one of the latest go to another agency. In the last 18 months most of the civil service types have left or will leave at the end of this year. This agency has gone from bad to worse in four years.
DS is the only messenger of the truth about ICE as the mainstream media doesn’t give a rat’s ass. DS had a lot of respect for Customs OI and is one of the few media types that is aware that our agency has been reduced to a civil misdemeanor arresting, tail chasing agency. ICE does not do justice to the Immigration or the Customs mission. DHS is a disaster and a national joke.
But you keep on doing what you do and I’ll keep on doing what I do and we will see what we see.

FingerEleven on August 14, 2007 at 10:09 pm

FingerEleven,
Let’s get one thing straight. Your thinly veiled threats do not conern me at all. I’ve said I’d admit my true identity if anyone guessed it, because I have no fear.
Diminimus use of the computer/government equipment is not a violation, for me, or for you. There has never been a “50-Mile Rule” carved in stone, in Customs Policy and Procedures or now with ICE. It’s always been left up the SAC’s, as it should be. Do your research, because that dog won’t hunt.
I’m not sure what your point was calling me “a John Wayne”. People from my father’s and my generation largely admired John Wayne for what he stood for as a person, and the roles he chose in Hollywood. He was certainly one of my heros. If you’ve discovered a way to make the Duke’s name derogatory, I’d like to hear it.
Sucking up to Meyers/Forman? You really need to re-read my posts beginning on June 1. I’ve purposefully steered clear of commenting on our appointed leadership. I have offered my perspective on John Clark, Marcy Forman, Ray Parmer and Traci Lembke when chuckleheads take shots at them, without having a glimmer of real insight into what makes these folks tick. I know them, I like them, but more importantly I respect them. You don’t, that’s fine. It’s my opinion, and I have the right to express it, even if it’s contrary to the group-think/sheep like practice so common here.
You call it sucking up, I say you are wrong. Sucking-up must have a quid pro quo, shouldn’t it? I’m where I am, based on merit, with no future aspirations for advancement. I don’t want another job, another promotion, or another transfer, and would retire, most likely if one was threatened. Ten Foot Tall and Bullet Proof…like my hero John Wayne. LOL
You said ” The ICE mission is not worth doing since there is no real mission”. What rock have you been hiding under? No real mission? Tell that to all the hard working ICE agents that are busting their ass each and every day, doing the job they are paid (quite well mind you) to do.
No, it’s not what you want to do, or you think you should be doing, but let me tell you this:
If this were a hobby and you tired of bass fishing, you could take up bull riding, bird watching, or basket weaving. But in a job my friend, you do what you are told, to further your employers objectives, not yours. Wouldn’t think I’d need to tell such a “senior experienced investigator” this.
You said “DS is the only messenger of the truth about ICE as the mainstream media doesn’t give a rat’s ass.” Now, who was it that was sucking up? Only messenger of the truth about ICE? My ass! Have you read the posts about us losing all of our Customs authority, or changing our name? It was unadulterated BS, no doubtedly gleaned from one or more of the disgruntles that worship at the DS alter, and put on the blog as gospel. Yeah, messenger of truth. What a joke.
I’ll close now, and let the complainers tell us to take our “bickering” to a private room. If only that were possible, I wouldn’t bore the rest of the readership with this. But I guess there is a small segment of the readers that enjoy these little exchanges, and they’ll be getting an entertainment value today.
Work safe,
EVS

EverVigilantSheepdog on August 15, 2007 at 4:41 am

Just trying to clear something up for EVS, finger11 is not saying you are like John Wayne, he’s saying that you THINK you are like John Wayne.
I’m sure this has been discussed, but one of the current big problems is the use of the agency for purely political purposes. The current emphasis on worksite enforcement is being done just to try to force legislation. Cops like to think that what they do goes beyond politics. This isn’t the only problem with ICE, but it’s a big one.

longshanks on August 15, 2007 at 8:54 am

longshanks,
Well, I almost named my horse “Ole Dollar”.
I’m a big man, and I walk the walk, so maybe you are right. Except my feet are bigger than his, so I don’t have the funny walk. LOL
As for ICE being used for political purposes, it’s true, Immigration enforcement is more political than anything us legacy Customs agents ever had to deal with. Nature of the beast. Thank the legacy INS guys you work with putting up with it as long as they did.
To say worksite enforcement is to push legislation may be partly true, but it’s also the only way we’re going to have an impact on illegal immigration, by taking the jobs away, and prosecuting the company officers for knowingly hiring people that are in our country illegally.
Probably won’t buy this explanation, but it’s true, as far as I know. Bottom line, an investigation is an investigation, is an investigation. We can do this.
Work Safe,
EVS

EverVigilantSheepdog on August 15, 2007 at 10:18 am

“As for ICE being used for political purposes, it’s true, Immigration enforcement is more political than anything us legacy Customs agents ever had to deal with. Nature of the beast. Thank the legacy INS guys you work with putting up with it as long as they did”.
EVS …
While I respect the legacy INS agents, I’m left to wonder why should I thank them? They CHOSE to do the work they did, for whatever reason; legacy Customs agents got SHOTGUNNED FORCIBLY into this debacle for work they didn’t sign up for and, in some cases, even left previously (note the large number of Border Patrol agents who left INS for USCS OI, only to end up back whenceforth they came).
Immigration and its associated politics will be the DEATH of this agency – there were no politics in things like drug smuggling, money laundering, weapons trafficking or kiddie porn. And there is the problem, sir – lots of style and window dressing, but little SUBSTANCE that makes a DIFFERENCE.
Respectful regards.

4EVERCUSTOMS on August 15, 2007 at 12:51 pm

EVS, once again you got me, oh wise one! Truth is, I won’t out you because nobody has ever heard of you and why should I make you famous? Google your name and you won’t get a single hit!
ICE sucks and legacy Customs agents are leaving in droves. ICE will NEVER be an investigative agency like Customs OI. Ain’t gonna happen. The best you can hope for is an improved Immigration Enforcement outfit and we ain’t there yet. But the time we get there all the illegals will be legal and there won’t be anyone left here that knows how to do traditional, complicated non-immigration investigations. But on the other hand, the pay sure is good! Buy low and sell high my good friend.
Speaking of good friends, that little group you named were the ones that gave the SAC/Pervert in Tampa a pass for waving his flag at a 14 year old. Shame on them and shame on you for holding them in high esteem.

FingerEleven on August 15, 2007 at 6:51 pm

“As for ICE being used for political purposes, it’s true, Immigration enforcement is more political than anything us legacy Customs agents ever had to deal with. Nature of the beast. Thank the legacy INS guys you work with putting up with it as long as they did”.EVS …
Holy Mary! Of all the moronic posts EVS has made, this one takes the cake! We got nuttin honey, to ever thank those guys for. But they can thank us for getting them GS/13 & GS/14 and some even GS/15 pay to either do GS/9 work or supervise GS/9 civil administrative arrests! EVS, if only you had a brain…

FingerEleven on August 15, 2007 at 11:28 pm

Yeah, you got them their 13’s and 14’s. You are so wrong.
EVS

EverVigilantSheepdog on August 17, 2007 at 7:07 pm

There is no fool like an EVS FOOL. Of course, I contributed to their huge wage increase. Every legacy Customs agent, especially one who was upgraded to a GS/13 via an OPM desk audit twenty years ago, should be thanked. You see ole EVS dawg breath, brain dead, southern Mississippi red neck; INS agents were upgraded based on legacy Customs agents job description/performance. Of course, all of us, ICE agents, perform GS/9 work now. But we have legacy customs agents to thank for this free booty! Buy low and sell high. ONE WORD: BSX

FingerEleven on August 19, 2007 at 11:44 am

Pretty good at insults finger, but my guess, is that’s all there is. I could call you names too, but it wouldn’t accomplish anymore than yours are, so I’ll not play your game.
I’d rather have an office full of legacy INS agents than any of your ilk. I received my 13 as part of a desk audit in 1990, and it doesn’t bother me a bit that they got their 13’s finally.
Welfare 13’s (probably fingereleven included) watered it’s meaning down some time ago anyway.
The coconuts and wannabe’s are wasting our tax dollars, but they’d rather bitch about their leadership. Get a life.
EVS

EverVigilantSheepdog on August 19, 2007 at 2:24 pm

EVS, Finger has a life far west of the Mississippi River in fact. I don’t think the Hispanic agents are wasting our tax dollars. That honor belongs to the management team at ICE. As a Deputy Moron in Charge, that includes you, EVS.
1990??? OMG, you aren’t even a CSRS agent! NO wonder you kiss up so much. You can’t afford to retire for a long, long time my mangy friend!

FingerEleven on August 19, 2007 at 8:23 pm

Again, you don’t get it. I said that I was promoted to a GS-13 in 1990. I was eligible to retire two years ago this November. Yes, CSRS.
Are you sure you can read? Bet you are a steady under-achiever right, and jealous of those of us who meet or exceed? LOL
And I never said anything about “Hispanic” agents. I’m not falling for your silliness.
Have a good night if that’s possible in your miserable world,
EVS

EverVigilantSheepdog on August 19, 2007 at 10:07 pm

Again, EVS you don’t get “it” or me. I am one of few happy guys in ICE. You have met your match, as I have been eligible for longer than you. Mister Eleven is old skewl and I knew exactly what I was doing when I made that post. Like a puppet on a string my man, like a puppet on a string…
Besides, I make more than you do. Think “locality pay.” Go Raiders.

FingerEleven on August 19, 2007 at 11:55 pm