38 Explorers graduate from ICE-sponsored law enforcement exploring post

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A group of 38 young men and women graduated and received their exploring law enforcement badges Saturday at the Tapia Theater in Old San Juan. This is the second cohort to graduate from the only U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)-sponsored Exploring Post in the nation.

Explorers, parents, HSI San Juan personnel and special guests, including Puerto Rico Police Superintendent Jose L. Caldero, attended the ceremony. This event highlighted and validated HSI San Juan’s commitment to the development and well-being of youth.

HSI San Juan’s Special Agent in Charge Angel M. Melendez presided over Saturday’s ceremony and introduced Puerto Rico Police Department Superintendent Jose L. Caldero as the keynote speaker. Melendez and Superintendent Caldero commended the explorers for completing the physically and academically challenging basic training while also attending a formal academic institution.  They both shared inspiring messages with the Explores on the importance of hard work and dedication to achieve personal and professional success. 

HSI San Juan’s Law Enforcement Exploring Post 800 was established Sept. 11, 2013, under the by-laws of the Boys Scout of America and its Learning-for-Life program. Post 800 is now composed of 59 young men and women between the ages of 14 to 21.

On Oct. 1, 2014, Post 800 commenced its second basic training, which consisted of 16 sessions.  During these sessions, the Explorers were exposed to an overview of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) responsibilities centered on HSI’s mission. Basic training sessions included physical training and general lessons on integrity, DHS history and components, human exploitation and immigration enforcement, child exploitation, financial investigations, illicit trade enforcement, HSI communications, surveillance operations, and seaport and airport investigations, among others. 

The Explorers also learned arrest techniques, self-defense tactics and handling and use of firearms. As part of this training, the Explorers conducted a simulated investigation in which they employed the techniques and procedures learned during the training.

More than 20 HSI San Juan employees, mostly special agents, task force agents and contractors continue to serve as adult leaders and advisors on a volunteer basis. Their goal is to provide these young men and women with career orientation, leadership opportunities and exposure to community service amongst other developmental and life changing experiences.