News from 2023
Largest international operation against darknet trafficking of fentanyl, opioids results in record arrests, seizures
By Homeland Newswire Report | May 4, 2023
International partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and its Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement (JCODE) team announced the results of Operation SpecTor, which included 288 arrests — the most ever for any JCODE operation and nearly double that of the prior operation.
California man convicted of passing over $1M in counterfeit bonds following HSI investigation
By Homeland Newswire Report | May 4, 2023
A California man pleaded guilty May 1 to passing counterfeit U.S. savings bonds over three years. The plea follows an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the U.S. Secret Service, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Inspector General, and the Cameron County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edgardo J. Rodriguez and trial attorney David D. Hamstra are prosecuting the case.
ERO Seattle removes Somali citizen convicted of supporting terrorism
By Homeland Newswire Report | May 4, 2023
Officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Seattle removed Omer Abdi Mohamed, 38, a citizen of Somalia convicted of conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, to his home country April 28.
ERO San Antonio returned fugitive wanted for aggravated theft, arson and criminal organization in his home country
By Homeland Newswire Report | May 4, 2023
Officers with Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) San Antonio returned an unlawfully present foreign fugitive wanted in Paraguay for theft, arson and criminal organization on April 17.
DHS, ICE continue to conduct removal flights weekly
By Homeland Newswire Report | May 4, 2023
DHS conducted more than 1.2 million expulsions, removals, returns in first half of fiscal year 2023
Federal judge sentences naturalized citizen for lying to obtain US citizenship
By Homeland Newswire Report | May 4, 2023
U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced Cruz Miguel Aguina, 40, to eight months in prison following a guilty plea to immigration fraud. Aguina was also judicially denaturalized as a U.S. citizen.
Chinese national indicted for skirting antidumping and countervailing duties in Puerto Rico after HSI investigation
By Homeland Newswire Report | May 4, 2023
On April 26, 2023, a federal grand jury in the Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging Shuyi Mo, a citizen and resident of the People’s Republic of China, with 31 counts of wire fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C., Section 1343; one count of a wire fraud conspiracy in violation of 18 U.S.C., Section 1349; and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States in violation of 18 U.S.C., Section 371.
Over 900 pounds of marijuana with a street value over $2 million intercepted by Louisville CBP
By DOL Newswire Report | May 4, 2023
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Louisville seized 36 boxes containing a total of 909 pounds of marijuana on April 25.
Not so trusted travelers revealed after CBP officers intercept $1 million worth of narcotics
By DOL Newswire Report | May 4, 2023
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers intercepted two SENTRI members attempting to smuggle over $1 million worth of narcotics at the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa port of entry.
El Paso Sector conducts dangers of crossing the border safety event
By DOL Newswire Report | May 4, 2023
U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector conducted a border safety media event Tuesday at the border to highlight the dangers migrants face when entrusting themselves to transnational criminal organizations to illegally smuggle them across the border.
Falfurrias agents stop major human smuggling attempt
By DOL Newswire Report | May 4, 2023
Falfurrias Border Patrol agents interdicted the driver of a commercial vehicle attempting to smuggle 45 people on Monday morning.
CBP Seizes 3,175 Pounds of Marijuana at Detroit Cargo Facility
By DOL Newswire Report | May 4, 2023
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers assigned to the Port of Detroit intercepted 3,175 pounds of marijuana at the Fort Street Cargo Facility, April 20.
Baltimore CBP and FDA Seize $688k Shipment of Apetamin, an Appetite-Stimulating and Potentially Harmful Supplement
By DOL Newswire Report | May 4, 2023
For decades, consumers have been bombarded with products pitching weight loss that failed to work as promised, or worse, that presented health complications to consumers. Now, social media and the internet marketplace is fostering a trend reversal and pitching supplements to help consumers bulk up to a more-curvy appearance.
CBP Starts Global Entry Receiptless Facial Kiosks at the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU)
By DOL Newswire Report | May 4, 2023
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the deployment Wednesday of Global Entry Receiptless Facial Kiosks at the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU).
U.S. Border Patrol conducts border safety event in Presidio
By DOL Newswire Report | May 4, 2023
U.S. Border Patrol Big Bend Sector conducted a border safety initiative event at the Presidio Station today to raise awareness about the dangers of illegally crossing the border and the sector’s efforts to rescue migrants in distress.
CBP officers, agriculture specialists intercept 10 baby parrots at Hidalgo International Bridge
By DOL Newswire Report | May 4, 2023
CBP officers and agriculture specialists at the Hidalgo International Bridge intercepted 10 live baby parrots in a single enforcement action.
CBP Initiates Use of Face Kiosks without Receipt for Global Entry at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport ( SJU )
By DOL Newswire Report | May 4, 2023
Customs and Border Protection ( CBP ) announced Wednesday the use of face-recognition kiosks, without receipt, from the Global Entry program for Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport ( SJU ).
Officers: If you are interested in afloat assignments, this roadshow is for you
By DOL Newswire Report | May 4, 2023
The Officer Personnel Management’s (OPM), Career Management Branch (OPM-4) hosts its sixth virtual road show May 10, at 2 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
New: Sexual assault victims can 'disclose' an incident to a confidant
By DOL Newswire Report | May 4, 2023
The Coast Guard just updated its Sexual Assault Prevention, Response, and Recovery (SAPRR) Policy as part of its continuing efforts to combat sexual violence and support victims of sexual assault.
TSA prevents man from carrying handgun through Newark Liberty International Airport checkpoint
By Homeland Newswire Report | May 4, 2023
A Georgia man was arrested by police after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Newark Liberty International Airport stopped him with a .38 caliber handgun in his carry-on bag earlier today (April 28). The firearm was loaded with six bullets.