Partnership combats transnational criminal organizations

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Joint Task Force-West (JTF-W) South Texas Corridor officials are espousing the benefits of collaborative efforts to thwart transnational criminal activity.

With the advent of the Southern Border and Approaches Campaign launched in December 2014, the USCIS has provided assistance in intelligence and investigative efforts involving immigration laws. The JTF-W, which is comprised of inter-agencies working to stop transnational criminal organizations along the South Texas-Mexico border, seeks to enforce immigration laws and interdict individuals seeking to illegally cross land, sea and air borders.

“It is important that USCIS plays a role in providing support to our law enforcement partners in the South Texas Corridor,” District Director Mario Ortiz said. “Our knowledge of immigration benefits helps in the efforts to disrupt those seeking to break our immigration laws.”

USCIS collaboration within JTF-W STC has resulted in more than 430 illegal immigration case referrals to law enforcement partners since fiscal year 2017. The referrals have resulted in close to 100 immigration benefit denials and 20 deportations, with 13 individuals pending removal.

“Successes such as these highlight the benefits realized when multiple agencies, with differing missions, work together to address a common threat,” Rodolfo Karisch, JTF-W STC commander, said. “With the knowledge provided by our USCIS partners, we have the ability to impact illicit networks and multiply an agency’s enforcement posture.”