The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has a broad scope of duties to keep its nation safe, ranging from border security to cyber security.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is the principal investigative arm of the DHS, responsible for investigating transnational crime and terrorism.

What crimes does the HSI investigate?

HSI investigates a wide array of transnational crime, including:

  • Terrorism.
  • National security threats.
  • Drug trafficking.
  • Human trafficking.
  • Money laundering.
  • Financial fraud and scams.
  • Cybercrime.
  • Human rights violations and war crimes.

How are criminals targeted?

The main target of HSI is Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) and terrorist networks, as well as their facilitators. The work of the HSI involves:

  • Working with prosecutors to charge and arrest wrongdoers.
  • Executing criminal search warrants.
  • Seizing proceeds of crime.

While seeking to protect U.S. interests, this work disrupts TCOs operating around the world.

An increasingly international footprint

HSI has 80 offices located in 53 countries around the world.

In Australia, an Attaché office is established in Canberra.

HSI has one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement, facilitating international law enforcement partnerships.

Divisions

HSI is organised into several divisions, each with a distinct focus:

Domestic Operations

The Domestic Operations Division supports investigations and operations of HSI domestic field offices.

International Operations

The International Operations Division supports investigations and operations of HSI international attaché offices, building relationships with foreign law enforcement partners to combat transnational crime and terrorism.

Investigative Programs

The Investigative Programs Division supports investigations and operations related to transnational crimes including financial and drug-related crimes, and human trafficking.

National Security Investigations

The National Security Investigations Division helps to disrupt transnational criminal and terrorist groups, as well as hostile foreign intelligence entities, that pose national security threats to the United States. It also targets action against human rights violators and war criminals.

Global Trade Investigations

The Global Trade Investigations Division provides oversight and support for investigations involving U.S. import and export laws, to combat illegal trade activity. This work includes targeting global intellectual property theft, the online sale of counterfeit goods, and commercial fraud which may restrict the competitiveness of U.S. industry in world markets.

Operational Technology and Cyber

The Operational Technology and Cyber Division oversees investigations of internet-related crimes, including cybercrime and child exploitation, and manages information sharing initiatives across DHS. The division also pioneers technological developments to combat crime through areas including technical surveillance operations, cybersecurity, computer forensics, and data analytics.

Office of Intelligence

The Office of Intelligence analyses criminal networks, producing intelligence that supports HSI investigations.

Mission Support

The Mission Support Division provides financial oversight and administrative support to HSI domestic and international offices.

Citation: Information and screenshots taken from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website.