New York Special Agent-In-Charge Felix Jimenez refuses to comment on motivation for internal memo

An internal memo uncovered by the New York Daily News has made the news for instructing federal air marshals to wear suits and ties while performing their duties during the same period in which the Republican convention will be taking place in New York.

The memo, issued by (NY) Special Agent-In-Charge Felix Jimenez, states that during the period from August 29 to September 3 "all [New York] FAMs (federal air marshals) will be required to wear coat and tie on all domestic missions." According to the memo, the order is being given to try to ensure that air marshals "blend in" with the folks attending the convention. The memo added that marshals can "revert to summer dress code" after the convention, but did not add any details.

However, a number of members of the air marshal corps are not happy about the memo, which they say is completely opposite to the established policy of wearing "undercover" clothing on the job. "They want all these people going to the convention to know there are marshals on the flights," said one of the marshalls. "It's just a big public relations stunt."

Agent Jimenez refused to comment on the memo, other than to confirm that he was the author. Dave Adams, spokesperson for the Federal Air Marshall program, also refused to comment on the dress code memo, but he did say that "Nothing in our policy is going to threaten the lives of marshals."

FMI: www.ice.gov/graphics/fams/