Let me get my brain …engaged

Juan on February 17, 2012 at 3:54 pm

I don t know what to say or do…DS you do a great great no spin reporting,but what do we do?? I mean we ve done what we can as far as politically is concerned,but the burecracy in DC and their cohorts are so corrupt,Debb…reaaly what do we do? I hate reading the spin of the news when patriots and true heroes are theown under the proverbial bus and the anti americans are put up as great men /women…. we can fill the halls of congress with so called conservatives and the corruption and shenanigans won t stop…even my papi says this government stinks like the corruption of a third world country.

Juan on February 17, 2012 at 4:10 pm

Socialist Workers Peoples Party of WW II Germany. Hitler was ALSO a left-wing fascist!

bill on February 17, 2012 at 4:18 pm

What about the killing of Mr. Garcia? Was it necessary for a trained agent like Mr. Woo to shoot to kill? What was Woo afraid that Garcia might say?

Little Al on February 17, 2012 at 4:45 pm

There are two real tragedies that come out of this incident:

First, that a fine patriotic public servant like Agent Garcia had to sacrifice his life to expose to the world the corruption that exists in the ICE upper management Boys Club, and Second, that Agent Garcia was not a better shot.

Former ICE Agent on February 17, 2012 at 5:46 pm

Amazing! This will be the most looked at post (this weekend) by those in the industry who nick DS’ work. And she has been warning us about the ICE and that grand moron Morton as much as she can. It’s like a continuing unpleasant cliffhanger…with the bad guys getting away with sh** everytime!

Those of us engaged in the high crimes and misdemeanors of the Obama Administration know that this is just more of his disasterous “Hope and Change”. The “Hope & Change” that those who still support him have to twist their mind like a pretzel to still believe. Then you have the “proles” who are far more into the death of Whitney Houston to even care or know what ICE means and that is USED to be called INS.

And on a previous thread Juan quite rightly alluded to Republican leadership and how neutered and horrible they have been. And just as Rush Limbaugh has said so aptly this week….Obama knows Congress will NEVER stop him so he’s taken control with nothing to hold him back, and that means the Constitution as well.

IF that POS is fired in November (and that’s a BIG if!) we have so much work to do. If he is re-elected, it will be a Sysiphisian task for all traditionalist Americans.

Skunky on February 17, 2012 at 5:55 pm

This looks like a case where the “victim” is nothing but a high school bully, and the “crazed gunman” is the real victim that was pushed over the edge, and nobody would listen to him or protect him from that bully.

“Treat a man like an animal, and pretty soon he will at like one”

Fed Up on February 17, 2012 at 6:13 pm

SAC LA!! yea!! we’re number 1 in being f’d up.

NICE SAC & RAC on February 17, 2012 at 6:20 pm

I worked for ICE. I left after I filed a discrimination complaint against my former supervisor. Needless to say I lost the case. My former supervisor perjured himself on his affidavit and so did his friend and fellow racist. I think that if my former supervisor and his friend wouldn’t have perjured themselves I would have stayed. But when your supervisor is a criminal and not held accountable by ICE, its equivalent to institutionalized corruption. In fariness to ICE they are not the only “law enformcement agency” that does this. Zeke Garcia will likely accomplish more in death against his fight against bullying and discrimination.

with held on February 17, 2012 at 6:57 pm

So no one is going ask why Kevin was still working after having several EEO and Gender Discrimination suits filed against him? Maybe, because he is a crony of the demoted and disgraced Robert Schoch former top ICE agent in Los Angeles who was accused of using undercover funds to carry on an extra marital affair with second in charge Jennifer Silliman. Maybe, because Kevin was a friend of recently convicted Frank Johnston (ret. Assistant Agent in Charge) who stole approximately $600000.00 of goverment money before retiring. Maybe, Mr. Garcia no longer had enough company secrets to keep him afloat.

Jimmy Tompkins on February 17, 2012 at 7:03 pm

He was probably being counseled on his poor marksmanship.

Bullseye on February 17, 2012 at 7:23 pm

Debbie, the word EXCLUSIVE at the top of this blog is an understatement. You won’t see or hear any of these stories from the bloggers anywhere in the media. This story needs to grow legs. It could be ICE’s Fast & Furious.
This story is the tip of the iceberg, and the Los Angeles ICE office is the Titanic.

Newshound on February 17, 2012 at 7:30 pm

In 30 years of law enforcement, I never dreamed something like this would happen in a federal agency. Then I had to work under John Chakwin in Dallas. I feared that this type of shooting would take place in Dallas. Chakwin was universally despised by the entire office due to his unfair bullying of employees. Chakwin previously had numerous complaints filed against him and he was removed from his position as SAC/Atlanta by a former Assistant Commissioner. But new ICE management appointed him SAC/Dallas and I can honestly say the man had no redeeming qualities. The SAC/Dallas Office experienced two suicides on Chakwin’s watch. I agree with Fed Up, “Treat a man like an animal and pretty soon he will act like one.” ICE avoided another tragedy by finally removing Chakwin from active management in April 2011. Of course he remained on the payroll until this December 31.

Bonzer Wolf on February 17, 2012 at 7:37 pm

Time to “Barney Fife” the agents with only one bullet each, kept in their shirt pocket. Only let them arm up when looking for contraband at the super bowl, they may need to take down some innocent citizens. So how long till they use this shooting to try and restrict more of our gun rights?

Ender on February 17, 2012 at 9:08 pm

While I didn’t know any of these individuals personally – I know from personal experience what pieces of crap individuals like Kevin Kozak can be. I’ve worked for and with too many of them for far too long – and still they continue their abusive behavior without repercussion – while the agency continues to decline.

Quite frankly – I’m amazed some of the former leaders of ERO did not meet the same fate with the abusive behavior that carried on for so many years.

However – this thing goes FAR beyond just legacy customs – legacy INS….. This administration and the leaders at DHS and ICE have now added the denominator of destroying a large portion of ICE’s law enforcement focus and the good officers of ICE have for some time been trying to figure out whether they are actually enforcement officers or advocates for law breakers. Add the equation of Beth Gibson and her demoralization of deportation officers by telling them they’re only ‘civil enforcement officers’ as opposed to ‘law enforcement officers’ bullshit – and Suzie Barr calling ERO the ‘Retard Club’ further serves to erode the morale of what could be a great agency. The cancer pervades ICE from the top down. Its destroying the agency, their officers and impacting national security.

Food for thought – the Moroccan nutcase arrested today by the FBI for ‘trying’ to blow up the Capitol would no doubt have qualified for ‘prosecutorial discretion’ as per John Morton’s policy memorandum if he was never convicted of crimes prior to today’s arrest. This guy – an illegal alien for years – meets the criteria this administration is setting for putting illegal aliens on a ‘path to citizenship’ a.k.a. ‘amnesty’. Knowing who is running ICE – the policies these leaders adopt – combined with the treatment given to employees – leave one feeling very frightened for the safety and well being of this country.

If anyone knows whether they are raising money to help Zeke’s family – please let us know. There are many of us out there that would like to help out.

God Bless you Zeke.

belugajedi on February 17, 2012 at 9:53 pm

All correct Debbie. Garcia had completely lost it with rage and couldn’t hit his target. Garcia was an educated and intelligent guy. He knew better. Woo & Kozak will get promotions and a paid move out of this deal. Woo acted so quickly and efficiently because he saw it coming and was well prepared. That simple honestly. I am certain there is a well constructed paper-trail about Garcia now available to further their ‘loose-cannon’ theory. The government will buy their homes at fair market value (the price they paid) as well as closings costs and incidental expenses to their new stations. This is not an easy job. Zeke..you fucked up. The bad guys won this round. Morton, you are out of your element. They need a recently retired military officer to run this outfit, not a poseur.

#1 Vato on February 17, 2012 at 10:02 pm

Seeing some pics of the players in this scenario and a few questions:
Kozak looks like he should have his testicles on his shoulders, one on each side of his head. He went to China to teach our enemies the ways of customs enforcement? WTF?
He showed the worlds largest counterfeiter how to beat our customs inspection techniques? Can you say “screw up, move up?”

And who the F— is that SAC of LA ICE? He looks like Dougie Houser! He had no idea of any conflict between the two?!!!!!!
Probably a true statement, since he looks like he hasn’t got an effing clue of what goes on in his district. A family? He must be the drunk uncle in the corner at the family re-union.

Valhalla's Bartender on February 17, 2012 at 10:29 pm

“Kozak is alive today because of the heroic action of another ICE supervisor,” said Claude Arnold, special agent in charge for ICE in Los Angeles. “This is the first time anything of this nature has occurred within ICE,” he said.

ya think?

^%$#@ on February 17, 2012 at 10:46 pm

The margin of error being so slight considering all that’s at stake how pathetic that such ill-equipped supervisory appointees land at the highest levels of our security apparatus. Apparently–quite apparently– in this instance it cost a good agent his life and his family a level of agony we all pray we never know.
Sadder yet, the bigger picture: In these red alert blinking and blaring times we’re saddled with an Administration, more than less it seems, putting our national security on ICE.
This is a sobering story Debbie posts here. It sends me off to redouble my prayers that November’s election delivers us out from under the nightmare of Obama. Even absent a Great Right Hope, any Republican (except R.P.) would at least ease the throbbing in my head.

lee, of the lower case "l" on February 17, 2012 at 10:55 pm

The fact: one good man lost his life, due to the ego of another. EG was pushed to his outer limits, and his dignity destroyed, for what real reason?? EG’s dignity was traded in to feed the hunger of another man’s ego, and no one was brave enough to step in and stop the madness. EG may you rest in peace, and all the prayers to your wife, children, and family.

East LA LowRiders on February 17, 2012 at 11:09 pm

I’m as disgusted as anyone about the state of ICE, DHS, and the culture of incompetent and passive-aggressive “leadership” under the auspices of the Soetoro/Soros regime, but the fact remains that Garcia was a homicidal psycho. We’re talking about a *job* and a commute. To unholster, draw and fire with intent to kill – even an a$$hole boss- is inexcusable, especially w\considering this was a sworn agent with the right to use lethal force. I have no sympathy for the maniac Garcia.

DS_ROCKS! on February 17, 2012 at 11:23 pm

DS_ROCKS! You didn’t know Zeke. He was not a “maniac”. If you worked for Kozak you would be saying that Zeke was a “homicidal psycho” in fact had you worked for Kozak you would have shot yourself on the first day. If anyone has any links to contribute to Zeke’s family please post. Rest in peace my INS brother.

DS_ROCKS is an IDIOT on February 17, 2012 at 11:49 pm

One more thing I’d like to add – John Moron Morton stating publicly before OPR has completed a thorough investigation (not that ICE OPR can ever complete a thorough, unbiased investigation being staffed by incompetent fools) that the two surviving officers are heroes is disgusting, reprehensible and totally unprofessional…… This same idiot Morton threw ERO officers from Detroit under the bus by publicly claiming they screwed up on an enforcement action….. before the situation was fully investigated and officers were exonerated…. Morton should be doing alot of examination into the situation before opening his fat mouth. And this guy wants to run for congress??? Unbelievable. Thank God he was born in Scotland – saves us from his running for President.

belugajedi on February 17, 2012 at 11:57 pm

Perry,

Thank for not letting this go any further than Kevin’s door. You are the real hero and will always be. People welcome to law enforcement it was never perfect or what it seems.

If you all mean what you say call any goverment offical and get the job done. More than once. If you can’t you never will.

Old School,

P.S. Once again Perry thank you for keeping everyone safe.

Old School on February 17, 2012 at 11:59 pm

Not surprising this blew over. Racism, poor management, and the continuance of the ‘good ole boy’ corrupt federal agency that has existed for decades. Garcia was probably sick of the public humiliation of the ‘good ole boy’ managers.

Prime example of why ICE ranks as the agency with the lowest morale.

sunrise on February 18, 2012 at 12:09 am

Bullying in the workplace….who’ll listen now.

sunrise on February 18, 2012 at 12:25 am

What a disgrace ICE is! Disgraceful, the biggest joke in law enforcement.

notanEVSfan on February 18, 2012 at 12:29 am

I can’t believe all these posts, full of emotion & with no substantiation. I would think DS would know better than to write an opinion report rather than a factual one. DS you need to start dialogue w/other than INS agents. This report reads like an INS “woe is me, I need a union rep to get me thru a day” report. DS, why don’t you get the numbers of lack of integrity-related cases for INS vs Customs. Also check the ratio of college educated between the two.

This post, including DS opinion, is based on emotions vs facts. It is evident many have drawn false conclusions based on their hatred of any manager who is committed to holding entitlement-minded agents accountable. Shame on you all of you for condemning the wrong people.

As DS ROCKS wrote, there is no excuse for what Garcia did. A reasonable and sound person would have walked away from the disagreement.

JD: In fact, the comments I posted in my commentary are split between Legacy Customs and INS agents. But all of them disliked Kozak and felt for Garcia. However, perhaps you missed my repeated statement that I do NOT condone this violence and that Kozak did NOT deserve to be shot. RIF–Reading Is Fundamental. I suggest you try it sometime, or perhaps a stronger reading glasses prescription is in order? What I post on my site is a mix of commentary and fact. I do original investigative journalism and also post my opinion. In this case, I merely stated that the agents I know (who are a mix of legacy Customs AND INS) universally condemned Kozak and praised Garcia.

I do not believe that a horrible boss justifies killing–much less shooting at–him, as I noted in my review of the movie, “Horrible Bosses.” And never once did I say otherwise here. I merely asked what it took to make an agent who was not a nut, who was universally liked, and who had no record of workplace violence, to take a shot that he knew would result in his death (b/c another agent, like Perry Woo, whom I understand is a good guy, would be forced to shoot him in response). DS

john doe on February 18, 2012 at 1:01 am

BTW, if agents don’t like being moved or not moved for the sake of the mission of the agency, they should give up their badge and find a job that meets their personal needs/desires for residence. There is purpose for the mobility agreement agents sign. Agents make A LOT of money, so if they didn’t sign this agreement, they should have in order to seal their comittment to serving their country vs self.

john doe on February 18, 2012 at 1:30 am

The people that are praising Garcia by saying that he just wasn’t a good shot will all burn in hell!! Unless you worked with or knew Kevin Kozak personally or the other 2 agents, you have no right to sit in judgement. There is NO justification to shoot an unarmed man for “getting bullied”, or any other idiotic reason!! THERE IS NO REASON TO TAKE ANOTHER PERSON’S LIFE UNLESS THEY ARE TRYING TO TAKE YOURS!! Woo did exactly what he was trained to do. He took an oath to protect this country and our citizens and he executed that. He did nothing illegal or immoral. Someone made a comment did Woo shot Garcia because he was afraid of what Garcia might say. What he did was protect an unarmed man that was being shot @ point blank range by someone who couldn’t deal with being reprimanded for his perfomance or anything else. It’s called serve and protect not serve and murder! If you shoot an unarmed man 7 TIMES trying to kill him, I hope you beg forgiveness from God!! I feel sorrow and sympathy for Garcia’s family because he caused all the pain and agony that they are going through and feeling now and for a long time. Our prayer’s and best wishes go out to both famililies and we’re very happy that Kevin is a strong man and is still here!! God bless you and God bless Agent Woo for being the man and hero that he is for saving Kevin’s life!! God bless all our agents that put their lives on the line for all of us everyday! They should be thanked, not condemned by all you people who don’t know what the hell you’re talking about!!

Anti-Debbie (does Dallas) Schlussel on February 18, 2012 at 1:33 am

I think it is true that Garcia was abused and mistreated, and I have met Kozak and agree with the assessment of his arrogance and mean spirited management style. That said, I have seen people treated worse: force transferred from their homes for running afoul of a SAC, disciplined for filing a travel voucher a day late, being ostracized for taking medical leave to recover from a surgery. Hell, my own career has been squashed, reformed, squashed and resurrected again. I have been called into a meeting and lectured, berated, insulted…..but you don’t shoot people.

Zeke wasn’t the only guy in the history of this agency treated badly. I can tell you for a fact that under the old INS it could be a hell of a lot worse. Many people get into positions of power and authority because they WANT to exercise control over you. You have to expect that when dealing with them.

I know what’s going on in SAC LA, and while rough and depressing for some, it pales in comparison to some of the abuse I and my colleagues took in the late 90’s. His case and situation wasn’t so special, and I never knew anyone to SHOVE a manager much less shoot him. Hell, Marcy Foreman made hundreds of people’s lives miserable by her DIRECT action, myself included, but no one did what Garcia did.

Garcia didn’t experience anything worse than I, or hundreds like me, did over the years at ICE and INS before. Would he have done it without an abusive manager? No, but alpha male (M Foreman included) law enforcement types in management are dicks by nature. This has as much if not more to do with the guy himself and everything going on in his life as it does the actions of Kozak. He wasn’t painted into a corner, he wasn’t left with no choice, he wasn’t stripped of dignity. You have to ALLOW the actions of another to have that effect on you. Garcia CHOSE to react to it in that way.

The fact is, people everyday in all walks of life are confronted with managers like this, it’s only one in a million that kill somebody. There are a couple hundred agents in LA that have to deal with Kozak, only Garcia resorted to violence.

please on February 18, 2012 at 1:56 am

Debbie, you knocked it out of the ballpark.

Good job!

And it’s just as bad at Border Patrol as it is at ICE.

Chris on February 18, 2012 at 2:20 am

Looks like they gave Kozak a computer and an Internet connection in the intensive care ward.

ICE Boys Club on February 18, 2012 at 2:21 am

Not too long after Kozak’s holes are patched up, Obama will appoint him as the new Director of ICE, and then have the Secretary of the Navy name a combat ship after him.

The unsinkable USS Kozak.

Hero Worshiper on February 18, 2012 at 2:31 am

The morale is f$&ked up in ICE, look at Honolulu’s SAC office. Hey John Morton why don’t you come visit Hawaii and see how things are f$&ked up there. The SAC has his many favorites kissing his almighty ass and if you ain’t kissing his ass no matter how much ass cases you make you ain’t shit to his ass. Mr. Morton that is why you need to start getting rid of the waste from the top down cause it’s all a JOKE.

John doe on February 18, 2012 at 5:16 am

Wow! I know Kozac from Miami back in the old USCS days. I’m stunned by al this!
violence is never the answer however this kind of thing has been under the surface for decades. To me this is the problem in LE. We are not taught to love each other as brothers anymore.

I saw this as a retired S/A and before that CPO. At one time we really looked out for each other. We care about each outer.

That is gone and now we are a snake eating it’s tail.

CPO Sharky on February 18, 2012 at 8:58 am

I would like to add to my comments that I absolutely do not condone what Zeke did nor do I think he is a hero. However we don’t know his state of mind or what the straw was that broke the camel’s back.

I do have alot of understanding how some managers push and push and push trying to destroy employees – their dignity – and their lives – and for this I can symphasize. From what I hear it sounds like Zeke performed admirably for his country for years. He was a fellow law enforcement officer – and he has a family – a child – who lost a beloved dad – and who needs to be taken care of. Unfortunately because of the situation – dad will likely be vilified. Just not right.

If the managers in that office did indeed systematically push him past the point – then they also bear some responsibility in this situation and have his blood on their hands. This includes those in Washington that fail to address the morale problem and the arrogance and corruption pervading ICE which only continues to get worse.

But then again…..we all anxiously wait for all the town hall meetings that Morton and crew are planning to have with the field to help boost morale. When do they start?

belugajedi on February 18, 2012 at 8:59 am

I can say with no hesitation that the old INS was rife with lousy managers-I retired before “The ICE Age”915 years already)so I don’t know first hand of the INS/Customs enmities,but I’ve heard things.
I think it’s tragic that Garcia was pushed to the point of opening fire at another agent,and that a third agent had to shoot him.No one comes out of this ok.
Ms.Gibson sounds like a fuckin’ idiot-reminds me of that turd Chris Sale who was Deputy Commissioner under Needlenose Meissner.She hated Investigations with a passion.
I have to say I was lucky enough to have worked for some outstanding Supervisors/Managers while in INS although I did also work for some certified assholes-I just tried to stay busy and away from the office unless I had someone in custody.
They need someone like former Commissioner Leonard Chapman who was running INS when I was hired.He had it right on what he called “The Silent Invasion”-he was also former USMC Commandant.No social worker putz like we got later on.
In any event,it is saddening to read that Garcia was a good guy who broke down under the stress of the situation.
FWIW the best District Director I ever knew in the INS was Charles Cobb of the Boston District-an old cop and WW2 veteran who really liked the troops.He had your back when you were right.
The worst I knew was A.D.Moyer of the Chicago District-perverted and corrupt to the bone.Thankfully now deceased.

Joe on February 18, 2012 at 9:22 am

I also want to say that no one comes out whole from this. Everyone suffers Kozac is finished and will suffer health problems forever from this. Very sad. Garcia is dead, and Woo is fucked mentally. And for what? Walk away people it’s not worth it for any thing. Love is the answer! Love each other you are fucking brothers!

In the old days this would have never had come to pass. USCS was a family and we really did try and take care of each other. I go back to CPO days.
And was a S/A in Greenback in Miami. Old school cop.

l’m friends with my old bosses. Some of my old buddies still work there.
They say it’s never been like this. Now it’s like a bad dream.
The end game must me near for America if this kind of shit is happening.

God what has Amerika become?

CPO Sharky on February 18, 2012 at 10:22 am

The bottom line is that ICE is not a law enforcement agency, it is more of an administrative regulation agency. ICE would be much better off if it converted its “investigators” from job series GS-1811 (criminal investigator) to GS-1810 (general investigator). Converting the agents to 1810’s would take away the guns in the agency and would also result in the government saving millions of dollars as they would no longer have to pay the Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP), a 25% pay bonus, and the law enforcement retirement pay. The problem is that ICE hires its agents with little to no qualifications and then attempts to hold them up to law enforcement standards–it is a recipe for disaster.

King David on February 18, 2012 at 10:38 am

It is unfortunate that Garcia snapped, but that is no excuse to shoot another man. I don’t know anything about Garcia except for what I have read, so I won’t judge him. But if he was unstable enough to try to kill Kozak, I think it is a good thing that he is no longer walking around in public with a loaded weapon and a badge. What if one of us just happened to piss off Garcia when he was out in the field? If he couldn’t control himself around his boss and his co-workers, do you think he had enough control in the field? I don’t think so. Millions of men and women in the armed forces and other gov’t agencies carry lethal weapons, and they have the self control to not use them when someone pisses them off. Garcia was undisciplined and did not possess the mental wherewithal to use sound judgement and reason to deal with the situation.

Do not take any of what I just wrote as though I am defending Kozak, he sounds like a POS that should have been gone a long time ago.

Jarhead on February 18, 2012 at 10:41 am

Shame on you if you think anything justifies this. As LEOs we all take the sam e oath. If you are not an Leo shut your mouth. NO ONE DESERVE TO DIE but Zeke chose his path. He disrespected the oath and should rot in hell. He did not care for his family or anyone else’s . Perry is a hero. Zeke is a zero. Anonymous assholes are everywhere. Come forward cowards. If you think what he did is justified then turn in your badge and give up your paycheck scumbags. Go get a job somewhere else. We don’t need you or want you.

Sarge on February 18, 2012 at 10:48 am

Our collective perspectives center around the ongoing Legacy Customs -vs- Legacy INS. In a few years as we all retire off, there will be a hybrid employee in-place unaware that we all once had different ways of doing things in the old days. The fact is; the executive level of our government does not want immigration law aggressively enforced as it once was. And that seems to be why there is no respect amongst the law enforcement community as a whole toward ICE/CBP whatever. My buddy is a Chief of Police in a large CA city. He said when a potential applicant fails a poly or an oral exam, the board encourages them to join Border Patrol. As a former PA I must say that hurts, but it is true.

#1 Vato on February 18, 2012 at 10:52 am

At Anti-Debbie (does Dallas) Schlussel:
Shut up punk, blaming former INS agents, the merger was ten years ago you fool. Most ICE agents are trying to look forward, assess, learn, and improve their workplace and thereby their morale. First, implement a Virginia Tech type text to at least the LA agents Blackberries so that they get a “code 4” and aren’t scared about being attacked. ICE agents had to look to local news channels for information, that’s wrong. Second, all agents that can, should stage the following day somewhere for a full briefing and plan of action to continue their jobs, and or assist with the crisis. And third, – why don’t you fill this part in punk.

Shut Up Already Punk on February 18, 2012 at 10:54 am

So right Debbie, Obama appoints “his” people, they in turn appoint “their” people, thus the domino game of family and friends, and management, or lack of management style is established. Human nature to follow example.
Today the Stockholm syndrome is more pertinent than ever. If you have an enemy and you want to understand him, make sure you demonstrate that you are free from prejudice and have empathy by hiring someone of his ethnicity and background as soon as possible. Don’t ask too many questions. Overlook any minor infractions such as embezzlement, or any past history of mental instability.
Obviously on the supevisor’s end they did not include anything related to sensitivity to your “special hires”, or how to relate to employees you may due the nature of your job hold a prejudice or resentment against.

Ron Wolf on February 18, 2012 at 11:39 am

This is just anothe example of President Obama lack of leadershop and his lack of holding himself and his staff accountable. It all over his head and He just can not do a good job. Look at all the pas bad judgement he made.That in it self sould tell american voters that he more of an enemy then a friend of america. Just look how much our AG screw up . He need to be fired and Obama does not have the guts to do his fob right. Obama is a failed leader and need to listen to Col West, I also want to echo his statement.Col West statment…………………. http://patriotupdate.com/17875/allen-west-to-obama-get-the-hell-out-of-the-united-states-of-america

Walter on February 18, 2012 at 11:59 am

Sounds like you ICE/HSI people need your own whitle-blower blog, like ATF has. You don’t have any friends in the major media, so there is no publicity on your plight. Debbie is just a friendly shoulder to cry on here, you need your own unauthorized, underground anonymous, ICE Blog. A good blog can be a direct pipeline to the media, as mist any investigative reporter will monitor it for inside tips.

Regarding the crime scene at hand, unless the local Homicide Detectives work the case, the true facts behind the scene will be covered up. There is no one in that Federal building that investigates homicides on a daily basis.

C: Um, thanks for the “just a friendly shoulder to cry on” dig, but in fact the mainstream major media DO in fact read this site, which is why my work is constantly cited and/or outright stolen. I’ve broken major stories here. And, in fact, today’s Christian Science Monitor does, in fact, cite me on this story:

But, again, thanks for the false diss. If this site is “just a friendly shoulder to cry on,” why are you here very often? DS

CSI-LA on February 18, 2012 at 12:13 pm

First, to all involved in this tragedy, you are in my prayers. The entire situation is so far beyond comprehension, I don’t even want to think about passing judgement.

When stationed at SAC/LA, I had the opportunity to work with each of the individuals involved. Zeke, always seemed like a nice guy, but I don’t know his work ethic. Perry was always friendly and was helpful whenever I needed some Cyber Crimes related stuff. Kozak…well, I admit, he scared the hell out of me and I stayed out of his way. But I do know that back in the day he was a good agent.

I don’t condone Zeke’s actions or Kozak’s management style, both are wrong. The problem with most Federal Law Enforcement is that it is designed for the SAC level management to build their own autonomous kingdoms where the working stiffs are treated like peasants. This isn’t a “Customs” or “INS” thing, its a lack of leadership thing.

As for the Agency bashing, get over it. My first set of credentials were signed by Commissioner Bonner, but I have seen good and bad agents from both legacy agencies. We enforce the laws of human and merchandise contraband. Deal with it. Child Pornography today, Visa overstays tomorrow.

It is getting better, obviously some people forget the dark days of Michael Garcia trying to give away Title 21 or having to carpool in G-Rides, and it will be better 5 years from now.

And, to Mr. King David and your post, you obviously have absolutely no idea what our Agency does. Administrative? Obviously you haven’t been to Arizona and seen the complex narcotics investigations worked, or the criminal worksite cases in Iowa, or the money laundering cases done by El Dorado in NYC. So, make sure you actually know what you are talking about before you open your mouth.

Finally, I hope our MANAGEMENT learns from this horrible tragedy and learns about LEADERSHIP, for without truly inspirational LEADERS at all levels of our Agency, I fear for the sanity of my fellow working agents.

Redneck Cop on February 18, 2012 at 1:18 pm

DSAC must live with the what he created, one agent dead and another agent mentally scarred for life. I hope that Zeke was such a bad apple and that there is sufficient documentation of Zeke allegedly being a poor performer, that the end justifies the means. (I doubt it) Why was the “counseling” done at the end of the day?

GS on February 18, 2012 at 1:50 pm

I have known and worked with Zeke Garcia for my entire 20 year career. I can unequivocally state that Zeke Garcia was one of the most mild mannered, reasonable and agreeable guys at SAC Los Angeles. I have never heard Zeke utter a bad word about anyone, nor, ever raise his voice in anger.

Therefore, given Zeke’s temperament, it begs the question, “What could have pushed such a reasonable, nice man as Zeke to resort to this level of violence?” It is very telling and very indicative of Kozak’s management and personal “style” that so many are not surprised at all that this would happen to Kozak.

It is a betrayal of all investigative practice and ethics to announce the result of an investigation before the investigation has even been launched. Therefore for the Head if ICE to call Kozak a hero is premature. To the contrary investigators should be focusing on what Kozak did to provoke Zeke. What could it have been to make such a, nice, mild mannered, soft spoken agreeable man like Zeke resort to such violence.

It is stupid to ask why Perry Woo did not just “wing” and disable Zeke. IMO, from all that has been revealed thus far, Perry Woo performed very well under fire. Ironically, Perry Woo and Zeke have similar personality traits. Both are mild mannered, soft spoken men, but hard workers and effective agents. Likewise I have never heard Perry Woo ever raise his voice in anger, or ever utter a bad word about anyone else.

My heart goes out to Perry who probably knew Zeke and who is distraught about killing a kindred spirit. But he had to neutralize Zeke. I wonder how many would have performed as well once the guns started blazing in that small office.

But, I cannot congratulate Perry, just feel for him. Zeke should have never have been pushed to such a point. I do not condone his violence, but, knowing Zeke Garcia, IMO, his violence was definitely not unprovoked. IMO Kozak did something that had set Zeke off. And knowing Zeke, to provoke him to such a degree is a hard thing to do.

In my opinion the root of the problem is Kozak, a Legacy Customs Manager, fostering an adversarial anti-Legacy INS culture and sentiments in SAC/LA. The fact of this adversarial conditions in the SAC is readily apparent by anyone who has read the comments of ICE employees in this Debbie Schlussel blog:

http://www.debbieschlussel.com/10128/exclusive-man-slated-to-be-obamas-top-immigration-agent-investigated-for-embezzlement/
In my opinion Kozak thought it was “cute” to harass Legacy INS agents and supervisors. For example, one time I when I was the Duty Agent sitting outside of Kozak’s office, I overheard Kozak bragging to another Legacy Customs ASAC that he thought it was funny that he, Kozak, somehow forgot to arrange for Jorge Guzman and Brad Thompson, Legacy INS Supervisors, to receive annual bonuses.
In my own investigative unit (Group), the Legacy Customs Supervisor gave the Legacy Customs their choice to pick the best, most promising assignments and casework most likely to result in successful conclusion. Meanwhile the Legacy INS agents were summarily assigned the inevitable dog casework that held less promise of a successful conclusion, but, nevertheless had to be undertaken and given “due diligence.”

In turn, the Legacy INS agents performance reviews were consequently degraded to reflect the less successful casework. Meanwhile the Legacy Customs agents whose cases concluded in successful prosecutions, were given higher ratings and better opportunity for advancement.

Legacy INS Supervisors were given the worst Investigative Groups and assignments, while Legacy Customs Supervisors were positioned in Groups that promised more high profile casework and more opportunity for positive recognition and advancement. Just about every Legacy INS Group Supervisor that I knew were harassed by superfluous inquiries into their conduct. I know of two Legacy Customs officers that actually were found to have perjured themselves to support charges against a Legacy INS Manager.

Invariably the “Cool Blue” Legacy Customs agents regard themselves and their work and mission as superior to the Legacy INS agents and the Legacy INS Mission.

However statistics prove other wide:

The last available Dept of Justice annual case prosecution statistics from 2002 of the U.S. Customs Service and the INS prior to the merger of these agencies indicate the following:
In 2002 INS Office of Investigations had 2,255 agents, Customs had 2,779 agents, about 220 more than INS., However, according to the facts, below, INS agents accomplished more – put far more bad guys in jail and presented higher quality work as indicated by far less rates of cases declined for prosecution.
In fact, in 2002, only 690 INS cases compared to 918 Customs cases were declined for prosecution.
In 2002 INS filed 17,814 cases with the US Attorney’s Office that were “concluded” by Federal Prosecutors; Customs had only 8,650 cases – less than ½ the production of INS but 220 more agents.
And the INS focused on the worst of the worst criminal aliens –not only cases that could produce the biggest asset seizures or the most ROI’s per day.
Legacy Customs agents like to say that their work is more complicated, but a load of smuggled aliens speaking foreign languages along with their smugglers is far more difficult to handle, develop as prosecution witnesses and protect to win a prosecution than a container of fake Pokémon cards, T-shirts or even dope, particularly if the aliens are slaves.
Every Legacy Customs agent who had prior INS experience that I know had been a failure in INS, and had never completed a criminal case. It’s a joke to say that they left INS to pursue more “cerebral” work.
In fact, they did not have the stomach for the comparatively tough INS street work and the complexities of dealing with foreigners to make criminal cases.

It is more difficult for a supervisor like Zeke Garcia to complain and to seek help than for a regular agent. Supervisors are supposed to be management team players and are not supposed to file complaints of harassment or to seek treatment for work related stress or depression.

I hope the “cool blue” guys, particularly the “cool blue” anti-Legacy INS managers like Kozak appeared to be, will learn a lesson from all of this.

Been There on February 18, 2012 at 2:10 pm