Pete Sessions: “That is absolutely right. In fact, in 2002, all of the U.S. Attorney's Offices in Alabama kicked off Alabama ICE, which…”

“That is absolutely right. In fact, in 2002, all of the U.S. Attorney's Offices in Alabama kicked off Alabama ICE, which stands for Isolate the Criminal Element. It is a partnership among Federal, State, and local law enforcement officials designed to help get guns out of the hands of convicted felons. As an example, the number of indictments for the Middle District of Alabama is expected to reach 110 by the end of this fiscal year, up from 15 in 2001. The program allows law enforcement to charge convicted felons with felonies through the Federal court system if found in possession of a gun, or in possession of a gun during violent or drug trafficking crimes. If charged at the State level, a convicted felon would likely be charged with a misdemeanor if found in possession of a gun. And the results have been exceptional. As I said, Alabama ICE was first implemented in Alabama in April 2002. During the first 11 months of 2003, the number of violent crimes in Montgomery showed significant decreases. Criminal homicides decreased 45 percent, robberies 10 percent, aggravated assaults 16 percent, and domestic violence aggravated assaults 43 percent. I know the Senator must have countless examples from his home State of Texas; isn't that right?”