U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations Houston field office, along with FBI Houston, has announced the formation of a regional Homeland Security Task Force. This initiative aims to address emerging threats from transnational criminal organizations in Southeast Texas.
The task force is part of a broader national effort initiated by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice, following an executive order issued by President Donald J. Trump on January 29. The order seeks to protect Americans from threats posed by transnational criminals.
The main goal of the Houston-based task force is to eliminate criminal cartels, foreign gangs, and other transnational organizations operating in Southeast Texas. It will employ a collaborative approach involving multiple government levels to conduct investigations into various crimes such as drug trafficking, money laundering, weapons trafficking, human trafficking, alien smuggling, homicide, extortion, kidnapping, and child exploitation.
HSI Houston Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz emphasized the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies to tackle these sophisticated threats. "As transnational criminal organizations... continue to evolve... it's vital that we work together as a law enforcement community," he stated.
FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams highlighted the unified front now present in Houston against foreign terror organizations profiting from violence and drugs. He noted that for the first time, there is a concentrated effort among law enforcement and intelligence agencies to combat these criminals within local communities.
The task force will be based in Houston with an additional office in Corpus Christi. Leadership will be shared between HSI Houston and FBI Houston heads with guidance from a regional executive committee comprising leaders from participating agencies. Personnel will include law enforcement agents, intelligence analysts, and professional staff.
Participating agencies encompass several federal entities including the Drug Enforcement Administration, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, IRS Criminal Investigative Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Field Operations among others.
For updates on HSI Houston and the task force activities follow them on X at @HSIHouston or @FBIHouston.
