Kenneth C. Smith, Assistant Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO) San Diego, spoke with Job Corps’ Homeland Security cadets on March 14, 2013 at the San Diego Center.  Smith is responsible for the ICE ERO San Diego’s Congressional Affairs, Community Outreach, and Freedom of Information Act requests in the San Diego region.

Smith advised the students that ICE is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, created in 2003 through a merger of the investigative and interior enforcement elements of the U.S. Customs Service and the Immigration and Naturalization Service.  “Our primary mission is to promote homeland security and public safety through the criminal and civil enforcement of federal laws governing border control, customs, trade, and immigration,” he stated.  “We have two principal operating components, Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement and Removal Operations.”

After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Smith worked for the San Diego County Department of Social Services where he continued his pursuit of higher education.  He earned both a bachelors and master’s degree prior to starting his federal career with the Immigration and Naturalization Service . 

One of the Homeland Security cadets listening to the speaker was 23 year old Ena Bourne from Lancaster, California.  “Mr. Smith was fantastic,” she stated, “he was interesting, informative, and honest about some the obstacles he overcame to reach this point in his career.   I could relate to a lot of the things he shared.  He encouraged us to pursue our education, not waste time, and take the necessary steps to get where we want to be.”

“I want to be a corrections officer,” Bourne continued, “and Mr.  Smith gave us good advice on preparing for careers in law enforcement.  He encouraged volunteer work, which is part of our training at Job Corps.  Mr. Smith also emphasized the importance of self improvement, being positive in all that we do, and the importance of interpersonal relationships.” 

“Do what you have to do to be successful,” Smith advised the cadets.  “Talk to people who’ve been down the road you want to pursue.  Listen to them and be open to learn.”  He encouraged them to focus on themselves. “You’re controlling your own destiny.”

“We believe the officers assigned to ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations are doing important work and we’re excited about having an opportunity to educate the community about our mission,” said Gregory Archambeault, Field Office Director for ICE ERO in San Diego.  “Forums like the one conducted by the San Diego Jobs Corps enable us to reach young people with an interest in law enforcement and let them know what a valuable contribution they’ll be making to their county and their communities if they pursue a career with ICE.”