Los Angeles, California - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was one of 14 law enforcement agencies awarded the Helene and Joseph Sherwood Family Prize for Combating Hate by The Anti-Defamation League during a recent ceremony held at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles.
ICE, along with other agencies including the FBI, San Bernardino Police Department and San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, was recognized for its response to the Dec. 2 terrorist attack at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, California, that left 14 dead and another 22 wounded. ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO) were on the scene within moments of the attack, assisting local authorities and the FBI at the incident command post. Members of the Los Angeles ICE ERO and HSI Special Response Teams provided tactical assistance, securing the perimeter of the crime scene and helping clear one of the two buildings where the shooting occurred.
“ICE was honored to be recognized and included in this prestigious award ceremony,” said Robert Goetsch, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of HSI’s Riverside and San Bernardino offices. “We were all ‘from’ San Bernardino that day and the days that followed. It was truly a joint effort between the community and all of law enforcement, and I was proud to accept the award on behalf of all of the ICE personnel who answered the call on Dec. 2, and who answer the call every day.”
The Sherwood Price recognizes law enforcement personnel who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to combating extremism, bigotry and hatred by performing acts outside the normal scope of duties.