April 24, 2007

ICE returns plundered pre-Colombian stone carving to Mexico

PHOENIX - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) today handed over to Mexican authorities an ancient carved figure from the state of Sinaloa that an Arizona man attempted to bring into the United States illegally last year.

The pre-Colombian stone head was seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the port of entry in San Luis, Ariz., in December 2006. The Arizona resident, who has business interests in Sinaloa, failed to declare the artifact when he arrived at the U.S. border crossing.

ICE agents investigated the incident, but no criminal charges were filed because the individual involved asserted he was only bringing the artifact into the United States to be evaluated by professional archeologists.

Experts at the Arizona State Museum in Tucson who examined the figure say it is difficult to determine its exact age or origin because it had been removed from its original surroundings. Archeologists explain that, when evaluating artifacts like this, they rely heavily on other articles found in the same location, such as pottery remnants and ceremonial items. Experts say this is why the looting of such artifacts severely hinders research on ancient cultures.

ICE turned the stone head over to the Mexico's Consul General in Phoenix at an informal ceremony this morning. Mexican authorities say the artifact will be taken to the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) in Sinaloa for further analysis.

"The Mexican government and the people of the state of Sinaloa are grateful to American authorities, and especially to ICE, for the recovering this artifact which will contribute to the understanding of Sinaloa's rich history," said the Consul General of Mexico Carlos Flores Vizcarra. "This case underlines the importance of our countries working together to combat the illicit trafficking of these artifacts."

"Seeing this carving returned to Mexico is particularly gratifying because it represents an important part of that country's culture and history," said Alonzo Peña, special agent in charge for the ICE office of investigations in Arizona. "ICE's mission is to prevent the illegal movement of people and goods across our nation's borders - be it human beings, high-tech weapons, narcotics, or ancient artifacts."

-- 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.

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