Senior officials from the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice convened today to mark the third anniversary of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), a national effort aimed at investigating and prosecuting human smuggling at the southern border. The meeting, attended by senior leaders from various departments, highlighted JTFA's expansion into Colombia and Panama to address human smuggling in the Darién region.
Since its inception three years ago, JTFA has achieved over 300 domestic and international arrests and more than 240 convictions in the United States. The latest initiatives discussed include a legislative proposal to increase penalties for prolific human smugglers and an $8 million rewards offer as part of the new Anti-Smuggling Rewards Initiative.
"Countering human smuggling, and the ruthless criminal organizations that perpetrate it, is a law enforcement priority and critical to our homeland security," said Kristie Canegallo, Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security. "The steps taken today to expand Joint Task Force Alpha will lead to more arrests, indictments, and convictions of traffickers; support our efforts to dismantle transnational criminal organizations; and help protect migrants."
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized the enhanced focus on disrupting human smuggling networks: "Today, we are doubling down on our efforts to strike at the heart of where human smuggling networks operate." He noted that JTFA's next phase includes expanding its regional focus, offering financial rewards for information about key leaders of smuggling organizations, and seeking longer sentences for smugglers.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco also commented on the intensified efforts: "We are using every tool at our disposal to disrupt and dismantle the human smuggling networks that have spread misery throughout the Western Hemisphere."
The Darién region, a treacherous jungle terrain connecting Panama with Colombia, has seen increased human smuggling activities. Migrants often face severe dangers from criminal organizations controlling this route. Efforts to circumvent land routes via sea voyages pose similar risks due to rough seas and inadequate safety measures.
Key participants in today's event included Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco; Assistant Secretary of State Todd D. Robinson; Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri; Deputy Executive Associate Director Patrick McElwain of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Deputy Chief David S. BeMiller of U.S. Border Patrol; U.S. Attorneys from Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
JTFA was initially created in 2021 focusing on Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. The task force’s achievements include bringing major human smugglers to justice with significant prison sentences. Its expansion aims to apply expert resources in Colombia and Panama for accountability and deterrence while prioritizing human safety.
In addition to JTFA’s expansion efforts announced last week concerning anti-smuggling rewards initiatives and penalty enhancements for smugglers, DOJ formally transmitted a legislative proposal titled “Deterring Human Smuggling and Harm to Victims Act of 2024” aimed at increasing penalties for dangerous smugglers based on several criteria including injury or death caused during offenses.
The State Department announced awards under the Anti-Smuggling Rewards Initiative totaling up to $8 million focused on operations by Clan del Golfo in Darién. These rewards target key leaders involved in smuggling activities with substantial financial incentives for information leading to their arrest or conviction.
Information regarding these reward offers can be shared through various channels provided by HSI and CBP while maintaining strict confidentiality for informants.
For further details refer to DOJ Fact Sheet.
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