FBI’s Role in Rampart Probe

Re “FBI Pressured INS to Aid L.A. Police Anti-Gang Effort,” Feb. 29: The FBI did not request and did not pressure the Immigration and Naturalization Service to deport any individuals detained by the LAPD anti-gang officers in the LAPD’s Rampart Division. The FBI has not participated, and is not currently participating, with the INS Violent Gang Task Force or LAPD’s CRASH unit in the suppression of 18th Street gang activities. While it is true that the FBI has conducted investigations related to an 18th Street gang clique, the investigation was separate from the independent investigative activity conducted by the INS Violent Gang Task Force and the LAPD Rampart Division.

The FBI routinely shares criminal intelligence information with local and other federal law enforcement agencies on matters within their investigative jurisdictions. When evidence is developed concerning individuals who have violated federal immigration statutes, this information is appropriately provided to the INS for its independent investigation.

The public can rest assured that the FBI can and will be an independent and objective participant in the ongoing Rampart investigation. One of the priorities of the FBI in Los Angeles and throughout the nation is the investigation of civil rights and public corruption matters. It is our intention to bring federal resources to the problem and be part of the solution.

JAMES V. DeSARNO JR.

Assistant Director in Charge

Los Angeles FBI Field Office