>> we had identified 5:00 a.m. to be an optimal time to execute this search warrant. we were ready well prior to that and still awaiting a final green light from the department of justice. >> you're in the attorney general's office. she stated in her open line and i stayed on an open line with the ins people in miami because i needed to give them the order that it was a go. >> i had two lines. one to the house and one to attorney general janet reno. it never occurred to me that there was a raid planned and i kept saying to the attorney general what's the big rush about? >> she gave them deadlines. she told them after this point it's going to be too late and then you are out of time. you're running out of time. >> that was the only night that elian didn't sleep.