'Securing the Homeland - ICE' exhibit opens at Crime Museum in DC

WASHINGTON — The Crime Museum today unveiled a new exhibit entitled "Securing the Homeland – ICE," offering insight into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and its efforts to promote homeland security and public safety through the enforcement of more than 400 federal laws governing homeland security, customs, trade and immigration.

The exhibit educates the public on the role and work of ICE. Museum guests will have the opportunity to read about some high profile ICE cases, learn about the impact of counterfeit goods on U.S. security, understand how ICE protects our homeland and test their knowledge of ICE at the Crime Museum.

"This exhibit provides ICE with a new venue to showcase how the dedicated men and women of this agency work to keep our nation and its people safe every day," said ICE Deputy Director Daniel Ragsdale. "As we protect America from the cross-border crime and unlawful migration that threatens public safety, we hope to inspire people to join our team and help us keep our nation safe."

A variety of items that ICE has confiscated are among the artifacts in the exhibit, along with uniforms and part of the agency's history. Some highlighted objects include:

1. Reproductions of the 9/11 hijackers' passports and other 9/11 artifacts
2. Drug smuggling paraphernalia and drug tunnel digging tools
3. Seized counterfeit goods including fake Super Bowl tickets and merchandise
4. A stuffed bear and a highway road sign that helped special agents solve cases and rescue endangered children

"Our mission at the Crime Museum is to educate, utilizing interactive and entertaining experiences," said Janine Vaccarello, chief operating officer of the Crime Museum. "We are pleased to team with ICE to present this informative exhibit that underscores the role the organization plays in public safety on a daily basis."

"Securing the Homeland – ICE" at the Crime Museum is scheduled to run through summer. The museum is located at 575 7th Street, NW (between E and F Streets) in downtown Washington, D.C., less than a block from the Gallery Place Metro Station.

Regular business hours are Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call (202) 621-5550 or (202) 870-2343 to verify daily hours, or visit www.crimemuseum.org.