On April 29, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) joined over 1,000 service members, law enforcement professionals, government officials, and participants from 26 allied and partner nations in Trinidad and Tobago to launch TRADEWINDS 2025. This multinational exercise is sponsored by the U.S. Southern Command and led by U.S. Army South.
During the exercise, ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), conducted a technical exchange on firearms trafficking investigations and evidence recovery. TTPS Deputy Commissioner of Police Suzette Martin opened the proceedings in Port of Spain alongside senior leaders from both nations’ defense and law enforcement communities, including Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Lt. Col. Dwayne Edwards, U.S. Army Col. Christopher Johnes, and ICE HSI Caribbean Regional Attaché Rafael Quinquilla.
Throughout the weeklong exercise focused on the Caribbean region, ICE HSI worked closely with Trinidad and Tobago law enforcement counterparts to enhance capacity and operational collaboration. Activities included intelligence briefings on emerging firearms trafficking trends, instruction in advanced investigative techniques, hands-on evidence recovery exercises such as DNA and fingerprint collection, and a counter-human trafficking briefing with a case study.
“Strategic partnerships with TTPS—including recent high-impact operations with the Transnational Organized Crime Unit, Special Investigations Unit, and Special Evidence Recovery Unit—are essential to disrupting transnational criminal networks,” said ICE HSI Rafael Quinquilla. “ICE HSI deeply values the professionalism and partnership of our Trinidad and Tobago counterparts.”
ICE HSI’s involvement in TRADEWINDS 2025 is part of Operation Hammerhead—a broader initiative to combat firearms trafficking across the Caribbean using investigative support, criminal analysis, and capacity building strategies.
“TRADEWINDS 2025 represents the true essence of multinational cooperation,” said U.S. Army South Training Director Col. Christopher Johnes. “By working hand-in-hand with our partners we are not only building readiness but also reinforcing trust.”
This marked the 40th iteration of TRADEWINDS uniting military, security, and law enforcement professionals from across the region on Chaguaramas Peninsula's rugged terrain for realistic training aimed at enhancing interoperability.
ICE HSI’s expertise in firearms trafficking was crucial to this exercise’s law enforcement component.
TRADEWINDS 2025 reaffirmed ICE HSI’s commitment to supporting global security through integrated training and cooperation.
Learn more about ICE HSI’s missions on X @ICEgov.
