Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a critical division within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), is an essential federal law enforcement agency operating under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
HSI focuses on investigating a wide range of crimes, including immigration violations, transnational criminal organizations, and cross-border criminal activities.
This article provides an overview of HSI and the roles and responsibilities of its agents.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Mission:
HSI’s primary mission is to protect the United States and uphold public safety by targeting transnational criminal organizations, preventing terrorism, and combating illegal movement of people and goods across U.S. borders.
Duties and Responsibilities of HSI Agents:
- Investigate criminal activities related to border security, including human smuggling, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and weapons smuggling
- Conduct investigations into financial crimes such as money laundering, commercial fraud, and intellectual property theft
- Combat cybercrimes, including cyber-enabled financial crimes, child exploitation, and cyberattacks on critical infrastructure
- Enforce immigration laws and identify, arrest, and remove individuals who pose a threat to national security or public safety
- Dismantle transnational criminal organizations involved in various criminal activities, such as human rights violations, corruption, and trade-based money laundering
- Collaborate with other federal, state, local, tribal, and international law enforcement partners to share intelligence, conduct joint investigations, and enhance operational capabilities
- Provide specialized training and resources to enhance the skills and expertise of HSI agents and other law enforcement personnel
Homeland Security Investigations plays a vital role in protecting the United States from a wide range of threats, including transnational criminal organizations, terrorism, and illegal cross-border activities. HSI agents are responsible for investigating and dismantling criminal enterprises and enforcing immigration laws. By executing their duties and responsibilities, HSI agents contribute to maintaining the overall security and stability of the United States.