News Summary
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and FBI have created a Homeland Security Task Force in Houston to address transnational crime and illegal immigration. This initiative aims to dismantle criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking, human trafficking, and other serious offenses in Southeast Texas. The task force will enhance collaboration among various law enforcement agencies and focus on improving community safety.
Houston Task Force Established to Combat Transnational Crime and Illegal Immigration
Houston, TX – A new Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) has been established by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Houston Field Office and the FBI Houston, announced on July 17, 2025. This task force is aimed at addressing the growing threats posed by transnational criminal organizations in Southeast Texas.
The initiative is a regional component of a national task force formed under an Executive Order signed by President Donald Trump on January 29, 2025. Its primary objective is to eradicate criminal cartels, foreign gangs, and other transnational entities operating within Southeast Texas.
Focus of Investigations
The HSTF will embark on a comprehensive approach to tackle various pressing issues linked to transnational crime. Investigations are set to focus on serious offenses, including drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, money laundering, human trafficking, alien smuggling, along with more violent crimes such as homicide, extortion, kidnapping, and child exploitation.
By utilizing an intelligence-driven strategy, the task force will conduct multi-jurisdictional investigations, strengthening cooperation among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Its formation aims to reinforce efforts to dismantle violent criminal organizations and improve safety for communities throughout Southeast Texas.
Operational Structure
The HSTF will be headquartered in Houston, supported by a satellite office in Corpus Christi, providing a strategic advantage in addressing regional crime. Personnel from various federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies including, but not limited to, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigative Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Texas Department of Public Safety will be involved.
A regional executive committee will coordinate these efforts, promoting enhanced collaboration among the participating agencies. The task force also anticipates increased coordination with the U.S. Intelligence Community and international partners to effectively counteract emerging threats linked to transnational crime.
Background and Context
The establishment of the HSTF is a direct response to the escalated severity of border-related crime and challenges posed by illegal immigration issues observed in Houston over the past four years. The region has seen a notable surge in various criminal activities which have been linked to organized crime networks. The formation of this task force illustrates a unified effort by authorities to bring about decisive action against these continuing challenges.
Key figures involved in law enforcement have emphasized the evolving nature of transnational criminal organizations and the need for an integrated approach to law enforcement that spans multiple agencies and jurisdictions. This collaborative effort is not only directed at dismantling organized crime but also aims to ensure a comprehensive and cohesive law enforcement response to protect the community.
As the HSTF begins its operations, stakeholders express hope that its focused initiatives will lead to safer neighborhoods and a significant reduction in the influence of criminal organizations across Southeast Texas.
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Additional Resources
- Los Alamos Daily Post
- Click2Houston
- KHOU
- CW39
- KURV
- Wikipedia: Transnational Crime
- Google Search: Transnational Crime
- Google Scholar: Transnational Crime
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Transnational Crime
- Google News: Transnational Crime
