A shootout inside the Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) office, Glenn M. Anderson Federal Building, in Long Beach, California on Thursday, February 16, 2012 killed one enforcement supervisory officer, wounded another high ranking supervisor and involved another who struggled with the dead officer for his gun. The wounded, second in command for the Los Angeles area, is recovering from his gunshot wounds at this time. What prompted the shooting is unclear at this time. However, the incident appeared to be happened during an employee performance evaluation. Published news stories indicates that the officer who lost his life wanted a transfer to another facility and may have been under pressure related to a personal family matter. The shooting is being investigated by the FBI, Long Beach police and ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility.

ICE was formed in 2003 in response to 9/11 attacks. Its primary responsibilities include protection of national security and public safety, protection of the integrity of U.S. borders, and enforcement of federal immigration laws which constitutes over 400 statutes.

ICE has about 400 offices throughout U.S. and other countries and employee about 19,000. The annual budget for the operation of ICE is about $5 billion.