In recent days, during federal operationschosenMany agents were carrying rifles, wearing vests with the words “HSI Police” and driving new model SUVs, characteristics that are not common in the local ICE offices in Cary and Charlotte, the organization Siembra NC warned.
The presence of these agents raised questions: Who are they? Why aren't they wearing the typical uniforms of ICE or the Border Patrol? What is their role?
To answer these questions, it is important to understand what is Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and what its role is in the federal government.
El HSI: an investigative division within DHS
The HSI is one of the main operational branches of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS)Although many people mistake it for ICE because of its clothing or because it appears in immigration-related operations, HSI is not an independent agency, but rather the investigative division of ICE.
This means that, while ICE has various functions —including arrests, detentions and deportations—, HSI specializes in complex criminal investigations, many of them with an international scope.
Related: ICE and DHS report operations in Greensboro, Durham, Apex, Brookford, and Morrisville
What are the differences between HSI and ICE?
Many HSI operations do not resemble typical ICE immigration operations (particularly those of ERO, the branch in charge of arrests and deportations).
- HSI agents carry long guns if the situation requires it.
- They wear vests or badges that say “HSI Police” , No "ICE ".
- They drive unmarked vehicles or new trucks, similar to those of other federal investigative agencies.
- Sometimes they work alongside local or state police.
For many immigrant families, these elements can generate fear, especially when the operations are carried out near homes, businesses, or community spaces.
Related: ICE arrests reach a historic record, predominantly of people without criminal records
The presence of HSI does not always mean immigration raids
Although HSI is part of ICE, its presence does not necessarily imply arrests for immigration status.
In many cases, their work is related to investigations that do not seek people for civil immigration violations, but rather individuals or networks involved in serious crimes.
Even so, the lack of clear information and the visible presence of armed agents can increase concern in vulnerable communities.
What does HSI investigate?
- Human trafficking: investigations against networks that exploit migrants for work or sex.
- Smuggling of drugs, weapons and goods : includes operations against cartels and transnational organizations.
- Financial crimes: money laundering, fraud, tax evasion and other economic crimes.
- Cybercrimes: online child exploitation or attacks targeting critical infrastructure.
- Terrorism and border security: Investigations into threats that may affect the country within or outside its borders.
You may be interested: What is the difference between ICE and the Border Patrol (CBP)?
HSI offices in North Carolina
HSI has a presence in more than 200 cities across the United States; in North Carolina it operates primarily through its Field Office in Charlotte.
This is the state's HSI headquarters. From here, they coordinate investigations and oversee operations throughout North Carolina. HSI also maintains an operational presence in the Triangle region, including Raleigh.
These offices are not always public or visible because many of their investigative operations are conducted discreetly. In addition, HSI has satellite, non-permanent offices in Wilmington, Greensboro, and in counties bordering other states.
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