ICE HSI New York special agent in charge receives federal officer of the year award from the Asian American Council

NEW YORK – The Asian American Council honored James T. Hayes, Jr., special agent in charge (SAC) of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New York. Hayes received the 27th annual ‘Federal Officer of the Year Award' at its annual inaugural ceremony on Nov. 18, 2011.

"I am deeply honored to receive this award," said SAC Hayes. "This recognition is a testament to the dedication of all SAC New York employees and reflects the hard work of all the agents at Homeland Security Investigations to target, disrupt and arrest the worst of the worst: violent transnational gang members, narcotics traffickers, human smugglers, and human rights violators."

"SAC Hayes earned the award for his extraordinary achievements and dedication to public service, pioneering spirit, making the city of New York a better place to live and work, for improving the quality of life of all its citizens regardless of race, creed, color or religious beliefs, and for preserving new immigrant rights and constitutional values," said Michael S. Limb, executive chairman of the Asian American council. 

In its 27-year existence, the Asian American Council in New York has advocated a culture of peace, rule of law and international peace. The council's mission is to improve the quality of life for Asian Americans living in New York. 

The council also sponsors and conducts seminars with law enforcement agencies on matters relating to public safety. The council has been coordinating with U.S. Department of Homeland Security's ICE, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and U.S. Custom and Border Protection to provide informational seminars to the public to disseminate current laws, rule and procedures pertaining to immigration.