First ICE public advocate on enforcement issues begins job

ICE Washington D.C. headquarters

Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s first public advocate  --  the point of contact at the organization for the public, including individuals, public advocacy and community groups with questions about immigration enforcement policies   --   introduced himself on the DHS Blog on Feb. 7

Andrew Lorenzen-Strait, public advocate and senior advisor at ICE, said he was honored to be named the agency’s first-ever public advocate. He said as ICE continues to implement detention reforms and other enforcement-related initiatives, he and his staff will be the  point of contact for individuals, including those in immigration proceedings, non- governmental organizations, and other community and advocacy groups, who have concerns, questions, recommendations or important issues.

Last summer, ICE Director John Morton and DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano said ICE lawyers would be given more discretion in opting to pursue deportation cases, pushing criminal cases to the front of the line. Lorenzen-Strait’s appointment is aimed at helping the public understand how the new prioritization works.

He said he role would be challenging, but as the agency focuses “sensible priorities” and “processes that prioritize the health and safety of detainees in our custody while increasing federal oversight, and improve the conditions of confinement within the detention system,”  his officer would work to expand and enhance dialogue with the stakeholder community.

 In his new position, Lorenzen-Strait said he will have four main duties. The first will be to help individuals and community stakeholders to address complaints and concerns in accordance with agency policies and operations, particularly concerns related to ICE enforcement actions that affect U.S. citizens;

Secondly, he said his office will inform stakeholders on detention and deportation policies, programs and initiatives, and enhance understanding of ERO’s mission and core values;

Third, he said his office will engage stakeholders and build partnerships to facilitate communication, foster collaboration and solicit input on immigration enforcement initiatives and operations.

Fourth, he said his office will advise ICE leadership on stakeholder findings, concerns, recommendations and priorities as they relate to improving immigration enforcement efforts and activities.

Lorenzen-Strait said he’s been with ICE since 2008, first as an advisor and analyst on policies related to immigration enforcement, detention and juveniles, and most recently as the senior advisor for Enforcement and Removal Operation’s (ERO) detention management division. Prior to that, he was an attorney and was recognized as the Maryland Attorney of the Year for Pro Bono Service working with Community Legal Services of Prince George’s County.