Ambassador
Ambassador's Event
AMBASSADOR WAYNE, HOMELAND SECURITY ASSISTANT SECRETARY JULIE MYERS AND SECRETARY OF CULTURE JOSÉ NUN PRESIDE AT FOSSIL REPATRIATION CEREMONY
May 8, 2008
Ambassador Wayne, Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, (ICE) Julie Myers, and Secretary of Culture José Nun signed today at Argentina’s National Secretariat of Culture a document that completes the repatriation of over 3,681 kilograms of prehistoric fossils to be returned to Argentina in the near future.
The cache of fossils, including prehistoric pine cones and dinosaur eggs, was seized two years ago by ICE agents at a gem and mineral show in Tucson, Arizona. Authorities say the fossils’ return sends an important message about ongoing international efforts to combat the trafficking of cultural artifacts and prehistoric specimens.
"These fossils rightfully belong to Argentina and the Argentine people. ICE is working closely with its law enforcement counterparts here and overseas to target this illegal activity and return the smuggled items to their countries of origin," – Myers said.
Ambassador Wayne added: “Repatriation of these fossils is a clear example or effective and firm cooperation between both countries and helps protect Argentina’s heritage.”
ICE officers conducted an exhaustive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fossils’ arrival in the United States, but no criminal charges have yet been filed. Fossils, like cultural relics, are protected by the Argentine government and removing them form that country without the government’s permission is against the law.
Since they were seized in 2006, the fossils have been kept in protective custody in a warehouse in Southern California. Last week, the collection was loaded onto a truck and shipped to Washington D.C. where the specimens will be transported by plane back to Argentina.
About U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was established in March 2003 as the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security. ICE is comprised of five integrated divisions that form a 21st century law enforcement agency with broad responsibilities for a number of key homeland security priorities.