HSI Tampa, CBP partnership combats threats at Florida’s ports, strengthens international trade

WASHINGTON – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations has entered into a formal agreement with U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Trade Regulatory Audit to establish a full-time presence with HSI Tampa investigators to identify, interdict, and investigate the ever-evolving trade threats that pose a risk to the economy and citizens of the United States.

The in-residence partnership between HSI Tampa and TRA better positions trade enforcement resources and also enables more effective enforcement of the President’s Executive Orders and focus on international trade, Customs revenue, and economic security. This partnership initiative, which began development in October 2023, demonstrates both agencies' renewed dedication to ensuring lawful international trade and pursuing violators who seek to harm America’s economy. This initiative was formalized through a memorandum of understanding that established permanent TRA representation within the HSI Tampa field office, enabling frontline personnel to combat illegal trade practices more effectively.

“This collaborative partnership and a shared commitment to safeguarding our nation's economic integrity, HSI Tampa and TRA are standing united against trade threats that jeopardize the livelihoods of American workers and the stability of our economy,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge John Condon. “We will leverage our combined strengths and authorities to protect our borders and uphold the rule of law in the ever-evolving landscape of international trade.”

The HSI and TRA partnership initiative was an enhancement to the longstanding Trade Enforcement Coordination Center framework to co-locate HSI and CBP subject matter experts and resources in aligned trade enforcement units. The TECC framework was designed to enhance the enforcement of trade laws and the protection of American businesses against unfair trade practices. Established to coordinate efforts among various federal agencies, TECC aims to streamline the enforcement of trade regulations, combat illegal trade practices, and support U.S. workers and industry. Its focus includes addressing criminals who circumvent the U.S. revenue collocation process in violation of U.S. law. The TECC seeks to fortify the U.S. economy against unfair competition and ensure compliance with international trade rules. It is part of broader efforts to promote fair trade and protect American businesses and jobs.

“Because of this strong relationship between Tampa HSI and TRA that allows us to work closely together—sharing information, aligning knowledge, and building mutual trust—we can deliver the disruption needed to counteract sophisticated financial and trade crimes,” said Executive Director Anibal Marrero, Trade Regulatory Audit, CBP Office of Trade.

This unique partnership will seek to leverage the unique authorities and capabilities of HSI Tampa and TRA to form a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team to identify, interdict, and investigate ever evolving trade threats that pose a risk to the economy and citizens of the United States. This partnership will enable HSI and TRA to conduct complex investigations into violations of antidumping, countervailing duty evasion, in-bond diversion, textile fraud, public health and safety concerns, and other schemes designed to exploit and circumvent the customs laws of the United States through the illicit movement of goods into, or out of, the United States.

The three locations identified to be the first candidates for the initiative were HSI field offices located in Tampa, Florida, San Diego, California, and Tucson, Arizona. Special Agent in Charge John Condon and his team spearheaded this initiative and hit the ground running with this force multiplying plan.