What Does HSI Police Do?
The Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is a major investigative arm of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which is a part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). HSI is responsible for investigating and enforcing U.S. laws related to border security, trade compliance, and national security.
What Does HSI Police Do?
Border Security
HSI plays a crucial role in securing the U.S.-Mexico border by investigating and disrupting transnational criminal organizations that smuggle people, drugs, and weapons. HSI agents are trained to identify and arrest smugglers, as well as seize illegal drugs and weapons. They work closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to share intelligence and coordinate efforts to secure the border.
Trade Compliance
HSI is also responsible for enforcing U.S. trade laws and regulations. They investigate cases of intellectual property theft, counterfeiting, and other trade-related crimes. HSI agents work with U.S. customs and border protection agencies to inspect cargo and seize contraband goods.
National Security
HSI has a critical role in protecting the United States from national security threats. They investigate cases of terrorism, cybercrime, and illegal export of controlled goods and technology. HSI agents work with other law enforcement agencies to identify and disrupt terrorist organizations and individuals who pose a threat to national security.
What Are the Responsibilities of HSI Agents?
Here are some of the key responsibilities of HSI agents:
• Investigations: HSI agents conduct investigations into various crimes, including human trafficking, drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and intellectual property theft.
• Arrests and Apprehensions: HSI agents make arrests and apprehensions of individuals suspected of committing crimes, including smugglers, counterfeiters, and terrorists.
• Seizures: HSI agents seize illegal drugs, weapons, and contraband goods, as well as freeze and forfeit assets connected to criminal activity.
• Intelligence Gathering: HSI agents gather intelligence on criminal organizations and networks, and share it with other law enforcement agencies to disrupt and dismantle these groups.
• Collaboration: HSI agents work closely with other law enforcement agencies, including ICE, FBI, DEA, and local police departments.
What Are the Missions of HSI?
HSI has several key missions:
• Protect the Homeland: HSI works to protect the United States from national security threats, including terrorism, cybercrime, and illegal export of controlled goods and technology.
• Enforce U.S. Laws: HSI enforces U.S. laws related to border security, trade compliance, and national security, including laws related to smuggling, counterfeiting, and intellectual property theft.
• Disrupt Criminal Organizations: HSI disrupts and dismantles transnational criminal organizations that smuggle people, drugs, and weapons, and steal intellectual property.
• Protect U.S. Economy: HSI works to protect the U.S. economy by investigating and disrupting trade-related crimes, including counterfeit goods and intellectual property theft.
Table: HSI’s Jurisdictional Authority
| Federal Statutes | Jurisdictional Authority |
|---|---|
| 18 U.S.C. § 981 | Forfeiture of assets connected to criminal activity |
| 8 U.S.C. § 1324 | Unlawful entry and immigration violations |
| 15 U.S.C. § 372 | Counterfeit goods and intellectual property theft |
| 18 U.S.C. § 2339A | Terrorism and material support to terrorists |
Conclusion
HSI plays a critical role in securing the U.S. border, enforcing trade compliance, and protecting the nation from national security threats. HSI agents are trained to identify and address a wide range of crimes, from human trafficking and drug trafficking to intellectual property theft and terrorism. By working closely with other law enforcement agencies, HSI helps to disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations and protect the United States from threats at home and abroad.
