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An Investigation of Travel Reimbursements in Connection with the INS’s Operation Safeguard

December 2002
Office of the Inspector General


EXHIBIT 7

  U.S. Department of Justice
Immigration and Naturalization Service
U.S. Border Patrol

          TCA 100/5.7-C

Office of the Chief Patrol Agent   1970 W. Ajo Way
Tucson, Arizona 85713
(520) 670-6871

April 25, 2002

 
MEMORANDUM FOR GUSTAVO DE LA VINA
CHIEF, U.S. BORDER PATROL
WASHINGTON, DC
 
FROM: David V. Aguilar [Signed]
Chief Patrol Agent
Tucson Sector
 
SUBJECT: Local Actions Taken on Allegations

The following information is being forwarded 35 a means of updating your office on certain specific actions taken by Tucson Sector on the allegations of impropriety on the part of Agents detailed into the Tucson Sector. The matter is currently being investigated by the Office of Inspector General and the INS Office of Internal Audit and was discussed by Office of Internal Audit Director John Chase at the Chief Patrol Agent breakout session on April 16th,

The allegations of improprieties related to housing rentals by Border Patrol Agents derailed into the Douglas Station were first received on May 8, 2001 by APAIC Norma King. APAIC King notified the Office of Inspector General and Tucson Sector Headquarters by way of memorandum on the same day.

Douglas Station

All incoming details are addressed by Supervisory Border Patrol Agent personnel at the time of their arrival and scheduling into the station rotations. Commencing with the May 20, 2001 detail rotation, the issue of improprieties relating to housing/rentals has been addressed. It has been made clear that an employee should not submit a claim that does not accurately reflect the amount paid for lodging. This procedure has been followed through the last derail rotation into the Douglas Station that ended on April 21,2002.

Naco Station

The Naco Station received 10 detailers commencing February 11,2001. The Naco Station has included the same housing/rental specific briefing and cautions since November 8,2001. Naco continued this type of briefing through the last rotation that occurred on March 23, 2002.

Casa Grande -Tucson -Ajo Stations

The Casa Grande, Tucson, and Ajo Stations are currently receiving detailers as an augmentation to their West Desert operations. The detailers all receive the same type of briefing relative to housing/rental concerns.