Press Releases
We respond to media requests and queries through our Office of Public Affairs (OPA).
We respond to media requests and queries through our Office of Public Affairs (OPA). Reporters and journalists can contact us about HSI activities, operations, or policies at (202) 732-4646 or email HSImedia@hsi.dhs.gov.
2 Monkeys Intercepted at Texas Port of Entry
BROWNSVILLE, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and agriculture specialists intercepted two howler monkeys at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge and turned them over to federal authorities.
California Man Charged With Maritime Smuggling Crimes in Attempt That Killed 3
SAN DIEGO — Charges unsealed Feb. 22 against Faustino Romero De La Cruz, 40, of Santa Barbara, allege that he organized the attempted smuggling of multiple unauthorized immigrants by boat on April 10, 2022, which resulted in the tragic drowning deaths of three passengers.
Fourth Defendant Pleads Guilty in Fatal Tractor-Trailer Smuggling Case
SAN ANTONIO — The fourth defendant in a deadly tractor-trailer smuggling case pleaded guilty to a charge related to his involvement in the organization responsible for smuggling at least 66 migrants in June 2022 that resulted in the deaths of 47 adults and six children.
HSI Nogales Case Results in Firearms Trafficking Indictment for Nogales Man
NOGALES, Ariz. — On Feb. 21, a federal grand jury indicted Jose Rene Murrieta, 30, of Nogales, on one count of smuggling goods from the United States, felony receipt of a firearm, and conspiracy to smuggle firearms out of the United States to promote a felony.
Retired Police Sergeant Sentenced to 10 Years for Distributing Child Pornography
GALVESTON, Texas — A retired Paterson, New Jersey, police sergeant has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for distributing child sexual abuse material following an investigation by HSI Houston and partners.
Florida Man Sentenced to 27 Years for Distributing, Receiving, Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material
TAMPA, Fla. — An HSI Tampa investigation led to a 27-year prison sentence for distributing, receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material.
HSI San Diego Spearheads Seizure of More Than 720,000 Pills and Related Arrest
SAN DIEGO — A joint operation in San Diego County resulted in the Feb. 9 felony arrest of a suspect and the seizure of 720,000 fentanyl pills.
South Texas Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material
BROWNSVILLE, Texas — A South Texas man was sentenced to 30 years in prison for possession of child sexual abuse material and sexual exploitation of a child following an investigation conducted by HSI.
HSI Investigating Record-Breaking Meth Seizure That Doubles Previous Record
HOUSTON — HSI Houston, working in conjunction with HSI Eagle Pass, HSI Mexico City, and HSI Headquarters, is investigating an attempt to traffic approximately 6½ tons of methamphetamine into the United States that was destined for Houston.
2 Charged With NFT Money Laundering, ‘Rug Pull’ of Digital Blockchains
TAMPA, Fla. — A joint investigation has led to the return of an indictment charging two people with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.