From: Johnson, Liz Sent: 18 Jun 2018 15:57:38 +0000 To: Rep Jelzea, JennifefOXE): OLNC) xe en7Ner Cer (ENE: CHANEY Subject: RE: DRAFT Statement re: Justin ‘Thank you for all your help! From: (byGL (ZCI) Sent: Monday, June 18, 2018 11:43 AM To: (YG). NTC) Johnson, LihbE OC) Elzea, Jennifer {0/6 DIO fever eyc7vcy CEONER ONTNET ‘subject: RE: DRAFT Statement re: Tustin Everyone: Justin has seen the statement and appreciates all the work, “Well Said!” This is extraordinarily hard for him as he is facing difficult personal circumstances, but he is now following all the horrible things being said, he is glad we are fighting back. OER Public Affairs Officer US. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) (813) 273} fice (813) 525| bile @ermaicy v From:{5](6), ONTO) Sent: Monday, June 18, 2018 11:41 AM To: Johnson, Liz BV), (ONC) ___} Elzea, Jennifer {0)6). (NTC) IGE (GROG) ‘cef)(6): BYTNC) XEON ‘Subject: RE; DRAFT Statement re: Justin Here's a graphic of the statement, From: Johnson, Liz Sent: Monday, June 18, 2018 11:31 AM To: Elzea, Jennifer {B)6): ONTO) pe HANEY 2020-ICLI-00003 88ce: {OLE ONANG) ‘Subject: RE: DRAFT Statement re: Justin Suggest shortening to this pe From:[b)(6). (1710) Date: Monday, Jun 18, 2018, 11:24 AM To: (AVAR TWO.) fever: (ICC) Johnson, Liz Cef(b)(6): (b)(7(C) ] Subject: RE: DRAFT Statement re: Tustin 'm fine with that title, or making it clear that it’s a statement so: pa Jennifer D. Elzea Press Seeretary (Acting) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Mobile: 202-59: HY OTHE) From: [B)(6): (M7 VC) Sent: Monday, June 18, 2018 11:21 AM TofBHE): ONTO) ByB): NTH) F ToRTson, Uz FONG KPC) 7 Elzea, Jennifer Ce: YEH ONTICY Subject: RE: DRAFT Statement re: astm How about “Trending social media post erroneously attacks ICE employee for military tattoo” From: [B)G (ONC) Sent: Monday, June 18, 2018 11:18 AM To:{BNE)(ON7NCL Johnson, Liz {V6 ONC) Enea, Jennifer {0\6); PMTNCL TIBUTUGT pe (by7™C) ‘Subject: RE: DRAFT Statement re: Justin What would you like the title of the statement to be? From: (oy(6y; (B)7NC) Sent: Monday, June 18, 2018 11:14 AM 2020-ICLI-00003 89To: Johnson, Liz {OVS ONTO) Elzea, Jennifer {ON6n ONC) CosfONEL ENTE) fever TNC) ‘Subject: RE: DRAFT Statement re: Justin (On more typo: solving should be solve. NET OMTNCY [Deputy Assistant Director (Acting) ICE Office of Pubic affairs | Department of Homeland Security 202-732 DNB} Jes | 202-731 BH Efnodie) From: Johnson, Liz Sent: Monday, June 18, 2018 11:11 AM To: Elzea, Jennifer ye (anrey Ce: YOBVTIC) P HTC) jubject: RE DRAFT Statement re: Justin Perf From: Elzea, Jennifer Sent: Monday, June 18, 2018 11:10 AM To: Johnson, Liz {VG} (TNC) ceofOY6)- DITO). [BTe): ICANT Subject: RE: DRAFT Statement re: Justin, Jcaught another typo. Fixed here. | am sending now to media outlet who queried and veterans org 2020-ICLI-00003 90fersy JE Jennifer D. Elzea Press Secretary (Acting) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Mobile: 202-595{0)6) [EXE CONTAC) From: Johnson, Liz Sent: Monday, June 18, 2018 11:08 AM To: Elzea, Jennifer Ce: (Bre); (e7NCY ratement re Justin Great ~ condensed slightly and fixed a typo. The highlighted is the most impt thing for «witter purposes. I would like to review before we post please. Thank to you all for the fast work on this! From: Elzea, Jennifer Sent: Monday, June 18, 2018 11:04 AM To: Johnson, Liz [BV6r-(BYTNET Ce: [BYE BNTIC) ‘Subject: ORAFT Statement re: Justin Importance: High Here’s what we've got[B))._}s pulling out proposed tweets now and working on a graphic to post the whole statement: bY) 2020-ICLI-00003 91VB) Jennifer D, Elzea Press Secretary (Acting) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Mobile: (Pe Powe 2020-ICLI-00003 92bem) 18 Jun 2018 155424 +0000 Johnson, iEizea, Jennifer {TEESE Subject: RE: DRAFT Statement re: Justin Attachments: IMG_0317 jpg, IMG_2809.pe Updated statement attached. All tweets: Justin Gaertner is a combat wounded U.S. Marine who continues to serve his country as an ICE computer forensics analyst, helping solve criminal cases & rescue abused children. The tattoo shown here is the symbol for his platoon while he fought in Afghanistan. **with attached photo** Read the full ICE statement regarding erroneous attacks on ICE employee for military tattoo: **with attached statement graphic** Per Gaertner, the tattoo on his left elbow is actually “Titan 2,” the symbol for his platoon while he fought in Afghanistan. The writing on his right arm is the Spartan Creed which is about protecting family and children. **with photo AND graphict* From: Johnson, Liz Sent: Monday, June 18, 2018 11:31 AM To: Elzea, Jennifer DIGHOIMC) BNE): ONTO) CefBNE): OUTED ‘Subject: RE: DRAFT Statement re: Justin Suggest shortening to this, PNY From: Elzea, Jennifer (BG! (ONTVC) Date: Monday, Jun 18, 2018, 11:24 AM To: [NGr (ONTO) (B)(6); (ONTNC) Johnson, Liz cE EC 1 ‘Subject: RE: DRAFT Statement re: Justin 'm fine with that title, or making it clear that it’s a statement so: Pe 2020-ICLI-00003 93Jennifer D. Elzea Press Secretary (Acting) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Mobile: 202-595{0)(6) (DIGHOIGIG From: oN6): NTC) Sent: Monday, June 18, 2018 11:21 AM To:{D1(6): (ON7NC) f° (NTC) Johnson, Liz {B)(6): (NTC) ; Elzea, Jennifer Cer[(ON6):(EN7AC) Foyer ITNT ] ‘Subject: RE: DRAFT Statement re: Justin How about {O)6) From:|BVG) (OTC) ‘Sent: Monday, June 18, 2018 11:18 AM Tofb\6)(bUTIC) b; Johnson, Liz [BG OKC) Elzea, Jennifer {oy@) KC) cofBNE): ONTIC) (exe: ETIE ‘Subject: RE: DRAFT Statement re: Justin What would you like the title of the statement to be? From: Pallas, Charissa M Sent: Monday, June 18, 2018 11:14 AM To: Johnson, Liz Elzea, Jennifer {oy} ONTO) ‘Subject: RE: DRAFT Statement re: Justin (On more typo: solving should be solve. (()(6); (NC7HC) Deputy Assistant Dver (tng) ICE Ofc of pubic Aas | Department of Homeland Securty 202-732(BNBX sig | 202-72 [EYE Nmodie) From: Johnson, Li Sent: Monday, June 18, 2018 11:11 AM To: Elzea, Jennifer (ONG (ZNG cefbV6r NTNCY pro (NTC) Subject: RE: DRAFT Statement re: Justin 2020-ICLI-00003 94Perf From: Elzea, Jennifer Sent: Monday, June 18, 2018 11:10 AM ‘Subject: RE; DRAFT Statement re: Justin [D]caught another typo. Fixed here. 1am sending now to media outlet who queried and veterans org attributable to me. PNY JE Jennifer D. Elzea Press Secretary (Acting) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Mobile: 202-595-[0)6) DORIC) ‘Sent: Monday, June 18, 2018 11:08 AM (B)(6); (oT H(C) 2020-ICLI-00003 95‘Subject: RE: DRAFT Statement re: Justin Importance: High Great — condensed slightly and fixed a typo. The highlighted is the most impt thing for twitter purposes. I would like to review before we post please. ‘Thank to you all for the fast work on this! From: Elzea, Jennifer Sent: Monday, June 18, 2018 11:04 AM To: Johnson, Liz fb)(6)_(B)7NC) ce: [NEE ONTO) ‘Subject: ORAFT Statement re: Justin Importance: High Here’s what we've got {bV6)_ 5 pulling out proposed tweets now and working on a graphic to post the whole statement: PNY Jennifer D. Elzea Press Secretary (Acting) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Mobile: 202-595{bv6" | [v6 oyerNC) 2020-ICLI-00003 96ICE STATEMENT REGARDING ERRONEOUS ATTACKS ON ICE EMPLOYEE FOR MILITARY TATTOO “Justin Gaertner is a combat wounded U.S. Marine who continues to serve his country as an ICE computer forensics analyst, helping to solve criminal cases and rescue children who have been sexually abused. During one of three combat deployments, including two in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, where he served as a fire team leader and lead sweeper for IEDs, he was wounded by IEDs, resulting in the loss of both legs and other permanent injuries. He is a para-Olympic athlete who has volunteered his time to motivate other wounded warriors and Boston bombing victims. “Over the weekend, social media perpetuated by a tweet by New Yorker reporter Talia Levin erroneously implied that a tattoo on one of his arms was an Iron Cross and essentially labeled him a Nazi. Levin deleted her post after military veterans responded that the tattoo looked more like a Maltese cross, a symbol associated with fire fighters. “Per Gaertner, the tattoo on his left elbow is actually “Titan 2,” the symbol for his platoon while he fought in Afghanistan. The writing on his right arm is the Spartan Creed which is about protecting family and children. “Anyone attempting to advance their personal political opinions by baselessly slandering an American hero should be issuing public apologies to Mr. Gaertner and retractions. This includes Levin and the New Yorker.” 2020-ICLI-00003 97(b)(6); (bN7)(C) 2020-ICLI-00003 98(ONG) NANCY TB Jun 2018 17:21:19 +0000 Johnson, Liz RE: DRAFT Statement re: Justin pe Deputy Assistant Ovector (Acting) ICE Office of Public affairs | Department of Homeland Security 202-7324{B)[Bkses%) | 202-731[B){E] movie) From: Johnson, Liz June 18, 2018 12:58 PM Elzea, Jennifer CeftbV(Gr-X7NCT ‘Subject: RE: DRAFT Statement re: Justin I'm on the phone with OPR right now. They are going to work with HSI and peer support to reach out to him ASAP. I've asked them to let me know when that happens. From: [biG (X7NC) ] Sent: Monday, June 18, 2018 12:54 PM. To: Johnson, ti Elzea, Jennifer VEL (BUTVIG a (b)(6); OMTNC) Pbennydisraeli @bennydisraeli2 28m28 minutes ag0 If Justin works for ICE | wish whoever wounded him in combat would've finished the job This is unbelievable. What can we do to help Justin and his family. They are already facing dificult circumstances and this is not something they should have to be facing right now. 2020-ICLI-00003 99(Exe: MINE Publ Affors Officer US, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) (813) 357 fpr fetes (813) 52516); |mobile BGI (VTC) vy From: Johnson, Liz ‘Sent: Monday, June 18, 2018 12:46 PM To: (Er BUAIO pe (PNTNCY fp Elzea, Jennifer fON@). NTC) Cer): ENTE) (OGY: NTC) ‘Subject: RE: DRAFT Statement re: Justin Thanks —I’ll also give a heads up to OPR and HSI chiefs, From:[5y(6) 1710) Sent: Monday, June 18, 2018 12:45 PM To: Johnson, Liz [BVI BITWG) (Ene): NANCY ‘cosfOY16), DITO) [exer BIKE) ‘Subject: RE: DRAFT Statement re: Justin ‘As an FYI, Justin has let me know he and his family feel unsafe and threatened because of all the threats on social media. | have informed SAC and leadership. POO Public Affairs Officer USS Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) (813) 3570)(6oice (813) 525¢__Imobile vy From: Johnson, Liz Sent: Monday, June 18, 2018 12:02 PM To:{OIE) NAC) zea, Jennifer p° (HTC) CoTOHE)ONTNCD 2020-ICLI-00003 100WeRwTTS. ‘Subject: RE: DRAFT Statement re: Justin good to go From:(b16) 7G) ] Sent: Monday, June 18, 2018 12:01 PM. To: Johnson, Liz {)(6): (HTC) }: Elzea, Jennifer{(b)(6); (67K) POT (b\(6); (b\(7)(C) ‘Subject: RE: DRAFT Statement re: Justin Also: Read about how Gaertner and his friend, {BV61-(BITVG] also a Human Exploitation Rescue Operative (HERO) & computer forensic analyst (CFA) with ICE HSI, provided support to Boston Marathon bombing victims: https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/heros-provide-support-boston-marathon-bombing-victims From: Sent: Monday, June 18, 2018 11:54 AM To: Johnson, Liz BVOC): Elzea, Jennifer {VSL BITC) _———] Peer CeO) XTC) fs (ver birrNCL ‘Subject: RE: DRAFT Statement re: Justin Updated statement attached. All tweets: Justin Gaertner is a combat wounded U.S. Marine who continues to serve his country as an ICE computer forensics analyst, helping solve criminal cases & rescue abused children. The tattoo shown. here is the symbol for his platoon while he fought in Afghanistan. **with attached photo** Read the full ICE statement regarding erroneous attacks on ICE employee for #military tattoo: **with attached statement graphic*™* Per Gaertner, the tattoo on his left elbow is actually “Titan 2,” the symbol for his platoon while he fought in Afghanistan. The writing on his right arm is the Spartan Creed which is about protecting family and children. **with photo AND graphic** From: Johnson, Liz Sent: Monday, June 18, 2018 11:31 AM To: Elzea, Jennifer )6), (OMI) Date: Monday, Jun 18, 2018, 8:14 AM To: Johnson, Lie QBW6Y- (BY (Ce: Rodriguez, Sarah (BMG): (BYTWGY Subject: RE: Request for comment W's in the tweet he links to. Jennifer D. Elzea Press Secretary U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Mobile: 202-595fb)(6) ] From: Johnson, Liz Date: Monday, Jun 18, 2018, 8:07 AN! To: Elzea, Jennifer [By(@), BATNCL Ce: Rodriguez, Sarah {(6)(6): (O)(7)() Subject: RE: Request for comment Do we have the photo in question? From: Elzea, Jennifer {OV6] ONTO) Date: Monday, Jun 18, 2018, &:07 ANT 2020-ICLI-00003 143To: Johnson, Liz {6\(6) ce: Rodriguez, Sarah 4016): (OV TNC) Subject: FW: Request for comment Not good. I'm driving to drop of ONE), pow. (BIS (ey) JE Jennifer D. Elzea Press Secretary US. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Mobile: 202-595[b)) From{b)(6): (NTC) Date: Monday, Jun 18, 2018, 8:01 AMT To: ICEMedia Subject: Request for comment Dear ICE Media, I'ma senior editor at Pluralist, a news website that covers American politics. I'm interested in your reaction to allegations that one of your promotional tweets features a man with a tattoo of the Iron. Cross, a common white supremacist symbol, ook forward to your response. Be: [ETE] senior editor | pluralist | 972.54.74f VC) ‘CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This message, including any attachments, s the property of Spartrity Group of companies its affiliates and/or subsidiaries and/or its Brands Minute Media, 90min and 12up, i soley forthe use ofthe individual or entity intended to receive it. It may contain confidential, araprietary and/or privileged information, and any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or eistribution fs prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient or Ifyou have tecelved this message in error, please permanently delete it and contact the sender by reply e-mail 2020-ICLI-00003 144Edge, Peter T 18 Jun 2018 18:57:27 +0000 Johnson, Liz;Homan, Thomas;Benner, Derek N;Erichs, Alysa;Rodriguez, Blank, Thomas {B)(6): (XTC) mon, Joseph Df{bV(E): NTNC) RE: HERO employee/online attacks Thanks Liz Peler T. Edge Office of the Executive Associate Director Homeland Security Investigations and the Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Director, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement 500 12" Street SW 20536 ww) From: Johnson, Liz Sent: Monday, June 18, 2018 1:41 PM To: Homan, Thomasfb)(6): (BIC) ; Edge, Peter T {ONE ENTNC) Benner, Derek N [ENS PN7C) Erichs, Alysa {BY@) BYTE) ] Rodriguez, Waldemar {0)(6) (PN7NC) Ce: Blank, Thomas {NEI (BNTNC) ‘Simon, Joseph DJON@): (XTC) Subject: HERO employee/online attacks All, Wanted to make you aware that a media outlet contacted us this morning regarding a promotional photo highlighting the HERO program, which features one of our employees — a combat wounded vet. Apparently a New Yorker reporter tweeted over the weekend implying that a partially visible tattoo on his arm resembled an Iron Cross (a Nazi symbol) and essentially accusing him of racism/white supremacism. She deleted her tweet after military vets groups countered that it could be a Maltese cross (used by firefighters), but this chatter has continued to spread online, We've since contacted the employee, confirmed that the tattoo represents the symbol of his platoon fiom Afghanistan, and issued statements online and to the media correcting this misinformation. Unfortunately, this employee and his family were already dealing with some personal challenges, which are now being compounded by threatening messages they’re seeing posted online. OPR and HSI are coordinating to provide support to him —F’ll let them weigh in with any additional updates here, Just wanted to make you all aware, let me know if you need more info. Following is the statement we issued: 2020-ICLI-00003 145“Justin Gaertner is a combat wounded U.S. Marine who continues to serve his country as an ICE computer forensics analyst, helping to solve criminal cases and rescue children who have been sexually abused, During one of three combat deployments, including two in Helmand Provinee, Afghanistan, where he served as a fire team leader and lead sweeper for IEDs, he was wounded by IEDs, resulting in the loss of both legs and other permanent injuries. He is a para-Olympic athlete who has volunteered his time to motivate other wounded warriors and Boston bombing “Over the weekend, social media perpetuated by a tweet by New Yorker reporter Talia Levin erroneously implied that a tattoo on one of his arms was an Iron Cross and essential labeled him a Nazi. Levin deleted her post after military veterans responded that the tattoo looked more like a Maltese cross, a symbol associated with fire fighters. “Per Gaertner, the tattoo on his left elbow is actually “Titan 2,” the symbol for his platoon while he fought in Afghanistan. The writing on his right arm is the Spartan Creed which is about protecting family and children. “Anyone attempting to advance their personal political opinions by baselessly slandering an American hero should be issuing public apologies and retractions to Mr. Gaertner. This includes Levin and the New Yorker.” Thanks, Liz 2020-ICLI-00003 146BHO) NACH 18 Jun 2018 21:11:29 +0000 Elzea, Jennifer;Bennett, Danielle Johnson, LiefbWek (BVZWGL Subject: RE: Media Inquiry: Connecting Vets, Veteran photo on twitter ‘Thanks Jenn. (ONE ONTNCY Public Affairs Officer U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Central and Northem Florida (813) 357{06)] desk * (813) 5$25{2VEHcell (ONC From: Elzea, Jennifer {0N(6), (Y7C) Date: Monday, Jun 18, 2018, 4:26 PM. To: {06}, OVC Bennett, Danielle 1G) (bYTUCY jobnson, Liz oF HANCY [Ny CITNICY ‘Subject: FW: Media Inquiry: Connecting Veis, Veteran photo on Dwilfer FYI on one of the resulting stories. IE Jennifer D. Elzea Press Secretary (Acting) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Mobile: 202-59; PeEMMme [ENED ONTNET Sent: Monday, June 18, 2018 4:05 PM To: Elzea, Jennifer {V6}: (ONTO Subject: Re: Media Inquiry: Connecting Vets, Veteran photo on twitter Hi Jennifer, Thanks for your patience. Here is the piece: http://connectingvets.com/articles/no-marine- corps-veteran-who-works-ice-isnt-nazi 2020-ICLI-00003 147Best, Matt From: Elzea, Jennifer V6), (OX7O) Sent: Monday, June 18, 2018 12:25 PM To: [VEL (UTCIICEMedia cofltY(6) Subject: RE: Media Inquiry: Connecting Vets, Veteran photo on twitter | don’t have it at hand, but I'll see if we can locate it. | have the tweet where she mentions del {4 Talia Lavin @ © some vets said this ICE agent's tattoo looked more like a Maltese cross than an Iron Cross (common among white supremacists), so i deleted my tweet so as not to spread misinformation Jennifer D. Blzea jonday, June 18, 2018 12:20 PM Izea, Jennifer [BNGV-(N7NC) |; ICEMedia NEY: (PN THC) Subject: Re: Media Inquiry: Connecting Vets, Veteran photo on twitter, Hi Jennifer, 2020-ICLI-00003 148‘Thanks for this. We'll write a story on this today. Do you, by chance, have Talia’s now- deleted tweet by chance? Best, er From: Elzea, Jennifer {BV6)- (BITC) Sent: Monday, June 18, 2018 11:37 AM Tofb)(6): ON7NC)}ICEMedia Ces Subject: RE: Media Inquiry: Connecting Vets, Veteran photo on twitter Hie | can provide the following statement from me on the record as ICE press secretary. P I've also included a previously-released photo that shows the tattoo in question fram another angle. STATEMENT: “Justin Gaertner is a combat wounded U.S. Marine who continues to serve his country as @ computer forensics analyst at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), helping to solve criminal cases and rescue children who have been sexually abused. During one of three combat deployments, including two in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, where he served as a fire tearm leader and lead sweeper for IEDs, he was wounded by IEDs, resulting in the loss of both legs and ‘other permanent injuries. He is a para-Olympic athlete who has volunteered his time to motivate other wounded warriors and Boston bombing victims. “Over the weekend, social media perpetuated by a tweet by New Yorker reporter Talia Levin erroneously implied that a tattoo on one of his arms was an Iron Cross and essential labeled him 2 Nazi. Levin deleted her post after military veterans responded that the tattoo looked more like ‘a Maltese cross, a symbol associated with fire fighters. “Per Mr. Gaertner, the tattoo on his left elbow is the “Titan 2,” the symbol for his platoon while he fought in Afghanistan. The writing on his right arm is the Spartan Creed which is about protecting family and children. 2020-ICLI-00003 149“Anyone attempting to advance their personal political opinions by baselessly slandering an American hero should be issuing public apologies to Mr. Gaertner and retractions. This includes Levin and the New Yorker.” Jennifer D. Elzea Press Secretary (Acting) USS. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Mobile: 202-595 {0167 baw VOX (BNTNGY jonday, June 18, 2018 10:50 AM To: Elzea, Jennifer [OVG). ONTC) __ }:|CEMedia (GRU) Subject: Re: Media Inquiry: Connecting Vets, Veteran photo on twitter, Hi Jennifer, ‘Thanks for your note. We'd be happy to write an article correcting the record and highlighting that the tattoo is a Navy symbol and not the supposed "Iron Cross." But we'd like a full picture of the tattoo, and could you make the Marine veteran available for a quick interview? Thanks. Best, From: Elzea, Jennifer {0)(6): (o)\7 NC) Sent: Monday, June 18, 2018 10:23 AM To:[b)(G):(V7H(C)] ICEMedia Subject: RE: Media Inquiry: Connecting Vets, Veteran photo on twitter, HifPYG) ‘Thanks for reaching out. We can confirm that there is an anchor in the middle of tattoo that is ‘obscured in the photo that was tweeted, unfortunately. This would suggest this a naval symbol on his tattoo, and not the “Iron Cross” as some on social media have suggested. This individual served in the USMC honorably and has gone on to serve at ICE Homeland Security Investigations as part of the HERO Corps. 2020-ICLI-00003 150| am working on gathering some additional specific info about this veteran, but any pushback todo on social media in the meantime is greatly appreciated. It’s not fair for a veteran to be inaccurately painted with a broad brush just because of some peoples’ negative/false assumptions about ICE. Regards, Jennifer Jennifer D. Elzea Press Secretary (Acting) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Mobile: 202-595 4016) BYE IBTNCL == From: Sent: Monday, June 18, 2018 9:02 AM To: ICEMedia Subject: Media Inquiry: Connecting Vets, Veteran photo on twitter Hello, I'm a reporter with Connecting Vets, a veteran/military centric national news website: http://connectingvets.com/ This morning, I saw a photo ICE posted on Twitter on May 25th depicting a disabled veteran now ‘working for the agency. And | also saw that droves of people on Twitter were saying they saw a “Iron Cross” Nazi tattoo. (Photo attached) Could ICE confirm what the tattoo is? Is it a Maltese cross, known to symbolize firefighters? We only see half the tattoo in the frame, so my hunch is that the internet is jumping the gun here. ‘And we want to clear the veteran’s name. Can you identify the veteran, and confirm it isn’t @ Nazi or white supremacost tattoo? Thanks. Best, (BNGY: HHTNCY 2020-ICLI-00003 151ORO 16 Aug 2018 17:20:40 +0000 Johnson, Lizs[PN6): (ON7C) Subject: FW: OPA AD Reports Attachments: 2018_08_socialmediaHighlight.docx. FYSA From: [OV6) NTC) Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2018 1:20 PM To:OHE) UNO Subject: RE: OPA AD Reports In addition, here are a few examples of the power of social media, (NER That is perfect! Thank you! From:{Bie) (TVG) Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2018 11:26 AM To:(BXEE ONTO) Subject: RE: OPA AD Reports I should be able to get it to you by 1 or 2 today. From:[bV6x YT} Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2018 11:25 AM To:{BVer ITO) ‘Subject: RE: OPA AD Reports Got it! Thank you{B](S]]Do you mind getting it to me this afternoon? From:[)(6); M7) Sent: Thursday, August Te, 2018 11:24 AM To: Va ae) Subject: OPA AD Reports Hifevex_) | will be submitting edits for Strat Com. 2020-ICLI-00003 1522020-ICLI-00003 153The power of social media Quick stats Our Twitter account reaches an average of 10.6 million people per month and has more than 310,000 followers Reports of a child death (Aug. 1, 2018) ‘An immigration attorney issued a tweet around midnight that stated a child died in ICE custody, which resulted in a lot of social media traffic and press queries © Twitter: Reports that a child died in ICE custody at Dilley are false. Tweet (approx. 756,000 users saw the tweet) ICE employee accused of Nazi tattoo (June 18, 2018) A fact checker with the New Yorker shared a photo of an ICE employee that she found on the ICE Twitter account and falsely accused him of having a Nazi tattoo. This resulted in a false narrative being spread quickly throughout social media, © Twitter: Justin Gaertner is a combat wounded U.S. Marine who continues to serve his country as an ICE computer forensics analyst, helping solve criminal cases & rescue abused children. The tattoo shown here is the symbol for his platoon while he fought in Afghanistan. Tweet (approx. 2.8 million users saw the tweet thread) Acting Director Homan discusses California enforcement (Feb. 28, 2018) © Twitter: WATCH: Acting ICE Director Tom Homan discusses California eas enforcement activities on @foxandfriends on @FoxNews Tweet (approx. ace cng cr oreer sm nan 1.5 million users saw the tweet thread) ‘sees Borers om ICE “raids” (Feb. 17, 2017) ERO San Francisco had an urgent situation in Morgan Hill, CA regarding fake news postings, predominately on social media. There were frequent postings alerting that ICE is conducting raids in certain areas, setting up checkpoints, etc. There was a protest planned at the ERO sub office on Monday, Feb. 20, coordinated by the Morgan Hill Teachers Association. Teachers were warning students that ICE officers are supposedly in the area and they had even issued an automated callin San Jose alerting of ICE presence. We had not been in any of the areas and had not conducted the alleged enforcement actions. 2020-ICLI-00003 154‘The local media outlets were not contacting the PAO anymore to ascertain whether the allegations are true or not. ERO SF asked us to push back on social media. © Twitter: Reports of ICE checkpoints, indiscriminate “raids” & sweeps in cities such as San Francisco and Atlanta are false, dangerous & irresponsible. (264,359 users saw tweet, 3,678 retweets, 4,301 likes) "Entire chain: 1,014,217 users saw tweets © Facebook: indiscrimin: San Francisco, Atlanta & Miami are false, dangerous & irresponsible. These reports create mass panic and put communities and law enforcement personnel in unnecessary danger. Any groups falsely reporting such activities are doing a disservice to those they claim to support. (176,000 people reached, 5,245 likes, comments and shares, 16,826 clicks) DACA (Mar. 9, 2017) = ow Ow In March, DACA was being discussed in traditional media, where Situs shnauenonsnnaynmoonsnns inaccurate information was being disseminated. The media team composed a statement, which was then tweeted out. Be accent It resulted in a large increase in media attention, a congressional xo letter sent to the Director, and a sitin. Lesson learned: Ensure oe ea in a1 pus has that more context is given to our tweets, which resulted in our —_terminatea deferred action for approx 1.500 Know the Facts” campaign, tects defo imal gan Ho COOEESOC® Know the Facts campaign . oe Initially @ one-time event in February, Know the Facts is a way to frame information on social media so that the media and the public are aware that this is a way to counter misinformation. We have used it numerous times for timely news stories, like the ICE “raids,” deporting criminals, ICE check-ins, sensitive locations, public safety and crime vietims, VOICE misinformation, and more. Most Wanted /Fugitives July 17, 201 © Twitter: We're asking for your help to find an MS-13 associate wanted on sex traffickini charges. He's at-large and wanted for his role in operating an interstate prostitution ring, which also included the trafficking of a known minor. (approx. 1.2 million people saw the tweets) Apr. 14, 2017 © Twitter: ICE ‘most wanted fugitive’ captured in Colorado following local news report (192,258 users saw tweet, 1,136 clicks, 1,077 retweets, 1,814 likes) (© Facebook; ICE ERO Denver Fugitive Operations team officers arrested one of ERO’s most wanted fugitives Friday morning in Aurora, 2020-ICLI-00003 155Colorado, making a second arrest in the process - his brother, also a sex offender wanted for removal. (40,189 people reached, 2,368 likes, comments and shares, 2,268 clicks) ‘Aug. 17, 2017 Twitter campaign for predator release: WE ARE SEEKING YOUR #HELP: : Can you help us ID this unknown female suspect in a child sex abuse & exploitation case? 243,004 users saw tweets, 1,285 clicks, 2,835 ga g retweets, 1,289 likes) 2020-ICLI-00003 156