Movies, books and television shows feature gripping, action-packed work that ICE does to protect the public and national security

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforces more than 400 federal statutes and focuses on smart immigration enforcement, preventing terrorism and combating the illegal movement of people and goods. ICE has offices in every state in America and 48 countries in the world and enforces immigration and customs laws that touch on nearly every egregious criminal activity known. Yet, because ICE is a relatively new government agency, established under the Department of Homeland Security in 2003, some still ask “who and what is ICE?”

While ICE’s expertise and successes in immigration and investigative cases have steadily enhanced ICE’s reputation as a premier 21st century federal law enforcement agency, it’s the job of Brandon Montgomery, a public affairs officer (PAO) with ICE’s Office of Public Affairs to educate the entertainment industry about ICE.

As a result of Montgomery’s efforts, ICE has been added to the story lines in television shows and movies, including Hawaii Five-O, Revenge, Graceland, Chicago Fire, Elementary, Law and Order, Resurrection, Baby Sellers and End of Watch.

Montgomery was also instrumental in providing information that led to a book by Johnny Dwyer that will be for sale in April 2015. It’s called “American Warlord” and tells the true story of Chucky Taylor, an American citizen who had committed human rights violations in Liberia. HSI led the Taylor investigation, which is part of the agency’s purview in investigating human rights violators who engage in war crimes, genocide, torture and other serious human rights violations, who then try to obtain safe haven in the United States.

Another true and suspenseful story ― this one that tells of the elaborate and successful sting HSI conducted to stop Iran, Russia, China and North Korea from stealing U.S. military technology ― is featured in Pulitzer Prize finalist John Shiffman’s book called “Operation Shakespeare.”

One of the venues Montgomery hosted was the Sept. 2012 Writers Guild of America East conference in New York where he met Joan Bauer, an author of books for young adults. Bauer had the seed of a human trafficking story in mind, but became more interested when she heard presentations from ICE/HSI representatives, which she said were “jaw-dropping.”

“I don’t think anyone in the room realized the breadth and scope of what ICE does,” Bauer said. “Every individual who spoke for ICE was so impressive. I told my friends, ‘Where ICE is concerned, I feel good about where my tax dollars are going.’”

Bauer spoke with Montgomery, as well as ICE Office of Public Affairs former Assistant Director Brian Hale. Bauer’s book, “Tell Me,” for young adults is the fruit of her follow-up with Montgomery and Hale, who provided her with information about ICE; especially how the agency combats human trafficking. As with his counseling on all prospective entertainment projects, Montgomery advised Bauer so that HSI’s work would be accurately portrayed.

“Tell Me,” which Bauer said “shows kids how they can be empowered,” has been well received. One middle school in Oklahoma City designated the book as an “all-school read”  Now that Bauer is more aware of what ICE does, she said she has plans to feature the agency in her future books.

In the meantime, PAO Montgomery will continue to pitch story ideas about ICE to the entertainment community.