Herald Staff Report

 The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service on Saturday denied reports that
 its employees made derogatory anti-Cuban remarks during the Elián González
 controversy.

 ``These types of assertions are inflammatory, and they mislead the public,'' said a
 statement by the INS released Saturday. ``The notion that the Florida District
 Office would condone, encourage or promote an atmosphere of hostility toward
 any ethnic group or nationality is outrageous and untrue.''

 The INS statement came in response to a deposition by an attorney representing
 INS employees who testified last month that his clients told him they were
 ordered to destroy any derogatory information related to the Elián case.

 Donald Appignani's testimony was taken for a federal lawsuit filed by the
 González family against the U.S. Justice Department and the INS, claiming the
 April 22 raid in which Elián was seized was unconstitutional.

 ``Basically, that is what I heard, that somebody was -- that people were instructed
 to remove anything derogatory to the Elián González case,'' Appignani said in a
 sworn statement.

 Appignani also testified that the department created a hostile environment for
 Cubans -- with employees boasting anti-Cuban paraphernalia throughout the
 office. INS officials deny the allegations.

 The INS statement says, ``The core values of the leadership of this office embrace
 dignity and respect for each and every individual in our community. Any behavior
 contrary to these values is addressed immediately and decisively.''