Reyes issues statement regarding relative's kidnapping

Reyes issues statement regarding relative's kidnapping
By Diana Washington Valdez / El Paso Times
Article Launched: 06/27/2008 01:03:50 PM MDT


In a statement his office issued today, U.S. Rep. Silvestre Reyes, D-Texas, downplayed his role in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement's investigation into the kidnapping of a relative in Juárez.

"Congressman Reyes was informed of the incident by his staff after law enforcement had been notified. While the Congressman was kept apprised of the situation, he had no other role," according to a news release by Vince Perez, Reyes' spokesman. "Any suggestion that Congressman Reyes somehow influenced the actions of law enforcement is false."

"As always, the Congressman is appreciative of the efforts by law enforcement officers, on both sides of the border, which led to the victim's safe return."

The statement also said that Reyes is certain the kidnapping victim was not targeted because of her relationship to a U.S. congressman.

Also today, the Washington Times newspaper published a story about the kidnapping, which quotes former El Paso DEA administrator Sandalio "Sandy" Gonzalez. Read the article here.

On Thursday, Reyes said the Office of the Inspector General was investigating how an ICE memo with details about the June 19 kidnapping of Erika Posselt was leaked to the news media. He did not indicate who requested the OIG investigation.

The memo states that an aide to Reyes contacted ICE after he was advised of the kidnapping. ICE officials would not comment on the kidnapping investigation.

"Silvestre Reyes is wrong and sounds like a prepotent when he states there is an ongoing OIG investigation to determine who leaked the ICE 'memo'," said retired ICE official Miguel Contreras, who disagreed with the congressman's view that the memo compromised an ongoing investigation.

Posselt, a Mexican citizen and a relative of Reyes' wife, was released unharmed June 22 after a family member paid a $32,000 ransom.

Diana Washington Valdez may be reached at dvaldez@elpasotimes.com; 546-6140.