Title: Homeland Security’s New Task Force Targets Transnational Criminal Organizations in Northern Mariana Islands and Guam
HSI Announces New Cooperation Initiatives in CNMI and Guam
WASHINGTON D.C., Feb. 13, 20 XX, – In the effort to enhance border security and combat illegal activities in the Pacific Ocean, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) announced new initiatives in cooperation with the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) on Feb. 10, and Guam on Feb. 13.
Unique Vulnerabilities and Proximity Make CNMI and Guam Attractive Targets
CNMI and Guam, due to their geographical isolation in the Pacific Ocean, have significant vulnerabilities as nearly all goods arrive by sea and air. Their proximity to Asia makes them appealing transit points for transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) engaged in various illicit activities.
Creation of Border Enforcement Security Teams (BEST) Task Force
HSI Assistant Director Jerry Templet and HSI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge John Tobon, in collaboration with Lt. Gov. David Apatang of CNMI and Guam Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio, announced the formation of a new task force – the “Border Enforcement Security Teams” (BEST) task force – aimed at combating these illegal activities.
The multijurisdictional BEST task force includes personnel from:
- HSI
- U.S. Coast Guard
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- CNMI Customs and Quarantine
- Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency
- Guam Police Department
- Guam Airport Police
- CNMI Department of Public Safety
Significant Threats Posed by Transnational Criminal Organizations
According to Templet, TCOs involved in murder, narcotics and weapons trafficking, and human smuggling pose significant threats to the CNMI and Guam. HSI’s unique immigration and customs legal authorities enable them to combat these activities and protect the United States from all illegal activity with a border nexus.
Combating Threats and Vulnerabilities at Transportation and Port Facilities
The BEST task force intends to address the vulnerabilities and threats that TCOs pose at transportation and port facilities. The task force will improve investigations and contribute to dismantling organizations that exploit global commerce and infrastructure through imports and exports processed through U.S. seaports and airports.
Establishment of BEST Program Within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
In 2012, the Jaime Zapata BEST Act was signed into law, officially establishing the BEST program within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and authorizing the secretary of Homeland Security to assign federal personnel to BEST. The law also permitted the secretary to provide financial assistance for operational, administrative, and technical costs related to participation.
Zapata, an HSI special agent assigned to a BEST task force, was tragically murdered in Mexico on Feb. 15, 2011.
HSI’s BEST Initiative and Department of Homeland Security’s Commitment
The HSI’s BEST initiative represents another instance of the Department of Homeland Security’s dedication to strengthening border security and identifying and addressing vulnerabilities and threats in critical locations. With a workforce of over 8,700 employees, HSI’s international presence stands among the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.