U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani | U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani has announced his resignation as the chief law enforcement officer for the Southern District of Texas, effective at midnight on January 19. Reflecting on his tenure, Hamdani expressed gratitude, stating, "Serving as the 24th Presidentially Appointed U.S. Attorney for this incredible district has been the honor of a lifetime."
During his time in office, Hamdani managed over 400 employees and oversaw more than 10,000 criminal cases against over 12,000 defendants with an average conviction rate of 95%. His efforts included tackling issues from fentanyl trafficking to cybercrime and human smuggling.
The Civil Division under Hamdani's leadership filed over 2,500 cases in fiscal years 2023-2024. This included securing an $85 million settlement against a cardiac imaging company and a $15 million settlement with the Texas Medical Center.
Hamdani addressed violent crime by partnering with the Department of Justice’s Violent Crime Initiative and focusing on cases involving Mexican cartels. He highlighted the arrest of 23 individuals in a poly-drug indictment from Galveston Division and emphasized actions against those distributing fentanyl-laced pills.
His focus extended to cybercrime, including disrupting a botnet used by state-sponsored hackers from China. Additionally, he continued prosecuting national security matters such as attempts to support foreign terrorist organizations.
In collaboration with other Texas U.S. Attorneys, Hamdani participated in initiatives targeting machine gun conversion devices and human smuggling operations. His office was involved in Joint Task Force Alpha to combat smuggling groups operating across Central America.
A significant aspect of his work was combating human trafficking within the district while providing support for victims. He also pursued justice for crimes against children and elderly exploitation schemes.
Hamdani contributed to addressing white-collar crime and health care fraud, leading prosecutions like that of a Houston man involved in a $160M Medicare fraud scheme.
Appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland to serve on the Advisory Committee in October 2023, Hamdani advised on border security among other issues during his tenure.
Reflecting on his career ethos known as the “mama rule,” he said it emphasizes treating others as one would their own family members.
Born in England to Indian parents who immigrated to Texas when he was ten years old, Hamdani holds degrees from both University of Houston Law Center and University of Texas at Austin. Prior to joining SDTX in 2014, he served with the Department of Justice since 2008 focusing primarily on national security issues.
As he leaves office after serving since December two years ago when appointed by President Biden—becoming Texas’ first Asian U.S Attorney confirmed by Senate—Hamdani noted: “We love mercy walk humbly always seek justice.”
