WASHINGTON — On June 3, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced the selection of James C. Harris III as director of the Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Countering Human Trafficking.
“I am confident that Mr. Harris will lead the Center for Countering Human Trafficking toward continued success. His background and experience are exemplary,” said Mayorkas. “I know he will work tirelessly on behalf of the agency, promote its mission and advocate for its workforce.”
Prior to this assignment, Harris served as special agent in charge for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore in Maryland, leading more than 150 special agents, intelligence analysts and administrative staff, covering the full spectrum of HSI investigative activities throughout Maryland. He is a dynamic and effective executive within HSI, with extensive experience achieving results in public safety, financial, national security and human trafficking investigations.
Harris previously served as an HSI associate deputy assistant director, specializing in investigative services such as undercover operations, asset forfeiture, victim assistance, paroles and immigration benefits, and as an assistant special agent in charge of the national security portfolio for the National Capital Region. He then became the chief of staff to the ICE deputy director and eventually the deputy chief of staff to the ICE director. Before leading the HSI Baltimore field office, Harris served as the deputy special agent in charge for HSI Detroit, serving Michigan and Ohio, building investigations associated with more than 850 miles of international border with Canada, including 79 border crossings and ports of entry.
Director Harris began his career in law enforcement as a special agent in 2003 with the U.S. Customs Service in Seattle, Washington, and became a member of the Senior Executive Service in 2022. He holds an undergraduate degree in criminal justice from the University of Cincinnati, a Master of Business Administration from George Mason University, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania, and an Executive Certificate in Public Leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School.
About HSI
HSI is the principal investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security, responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel and finance move. HSI’s workforce consists of over 10,000 employees, assigned to 235 offices within the United States, and 93 overseas locations in 56 countries. HSI's international presence represents the Department of Homeland Security’s largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.