Detroit-area man charged with defacing ICE building

DETROIT — A Warren, Michigan, man was arrested Thursday, by special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) and the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) on charges of depredation of government property, announced United States Attorney Matthew Schneider.

Schneider was joined in the announcement by ICE OPR Special Agent in Charge Keith Barwick.

Corey Cook, 30, appeared in federal court Thursday, in Detroit after a criminal complaint was filed, charging him with depredation of government property. He was released on bond and preliminary examination has been set for Oct. 24.

“Today’s arrest should send a strong message that acts of profane vandalism of federal property will not go unchallenged," said Barwick. "These appalling attempts to intimidate and disrespect the federal workforce serve no purpose and only further heighten our commitment to uphold the law."

“Let this arrest stand as an example that the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General will not tolerate acts of vandalism targeting the department’s facilities,” said DHS OIG SAC John Tiano. “Such acts of disrespect will never diminish the dangerous and very important work that the men and women of Immigration and Customs Enforcement perform every day to keep this country safe.”

“Casting aspersions about ICE only spreads fear in a community; this is unfair and without merit,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Field Office Director Rebecca Adducci. “Our officers do their jobs professionally, humanely, and treat those they encounter with dignity and respect. It is unconscionable when those who have ideological or political beliefs that differ from the law, misdirect their attacks on ICE officers who are charged with upholding laws Congress has passed.”

According to court documents, on July 19, following a review of surveillance footage, authorities observed Cook taking out a can, which he shakes, and then he is observed spray painting the words “F--- ICE” on the ICE sign in front of its Mt. Elliot office. Upon completion of the graffiti, he is observed placing the can of spray paint in a bag, and then walking off.

Let this arrest stand as an example that the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General will not tolerate acts of vandalism targeting the department’s facilities. Such acts of disrespect will never diminish the dangerous and very important work that the men and women of Immigration and Customs Enforcement perform every day to keep this country safe.

This case is the product of an investigation by the ICE OPR and DHS OIG.

If convicted, Cook faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.