The head of Australian Border Force has admitted the agency's statement on an operation in Melbourne was "clumsily" written and has been misconstrued.
A statement released earlier on Friday said officers would be in positions around the CBD this weekend "speaking with any individuals we cross paths with", about visas.
But ABF Commissioner Roman Quaedvlieg later told reporters in Canberra the press release was "clumsily worded" and did not properly portray the agreed role between Victoria Police and the force.
Mr Quaedvlieg said Immigration Minister Peter Dutton had no knowledge of the press release and his office was not involved.
He said it was circulated at a regional level in Victoria.
"I didn't see it," he told reporters in Canberra.
Asked if any action would be taken against the media release's author, Mr Quaedvlieg said it was an internal matter which he would not canvas.
"It is an unfortunate incident. It shouldn't have occurred. Remediation will be put into place but it's not a fatal embarrassment," he said.
Mr Quaedvlieg said he had talked on Friday with Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton.
"We are good colleagues. We have good institutional relationships. That's as far as I am going to take that conversation," he said.
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