Last Thursday, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) opened a permanent office at the U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince, Haiti to expand its international presence and combat transnational crimes.

The HSI office is expected to strengthen country relations, and the HSI hopes the office will help to combat gang-related crimes, bring criminals to justice, and protect public safety. The office intends to develop a relationship with Haitian law enforcement partners to exchange information, coordinate investigations, and facilitate prosecutions, hampering the ability of transnational criminal organizations.

HSI Executive Associate Director Steve Francis spoke of the expansion during the new office's ribbon-cutting ceremony. "For more than 15 years, HSI has worked alongside international law enforcement agencies around the world, to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in transnational criminal activity,” said Francis. “As partners, and most importantly, allies, we are united in our resolve to support Haiti as they seek ways to prevent further gang violence and restore safety for Haitian citizens.”

Last year, HSI sent several special agents to Haiti to assist in Operation CITADEL, a program focused on targeting the mechanisms used to illegally move migrants, funds, and contraband throughout South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

HSI is a subdivision of the ICE. During the previous fiscal year, HSI arrested 34,974 individuals and seized more than $973 million in illicit funds.