New HSI special agent in charge, Buffalo native continues family tradition of law enforcement

BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has named Kevin Kelly as the new special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) office based in Buffalo.

As special agent in charge, Kelly, a 29-year veteran of federal law enforcement, supervises a cadre of special agents responsible for investigative work across 48 counties in central, western and northern New York State. HSI special agents protect national security and enforce immigration and customs laws by conducting criminal investigations in various mission areas such as: drug smuggling, illegal exporting munitions and high-tech items, money laundering, financial crimes, transnational gangs, human smuggling and trafficking, intellectual property rights, and crimes against children including child sex tourism and possessing child pornography.

Kelly continues a family legacy of law enforcement, which was started by his late father, Lt. John Kelly, who served proudly for 32 years with the Buffalo Police Department.

HSI plays a key role in maintaining the safety and security of the United States relative to international trade and commerce, financial markets, contraband, industrial and strategic parity, and immigration and border integrity. HSI uses its unique customs and immigration law enforcement authorities to identify, disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations and other threats. HSI also works to deprive potential terrorists and transnational gangs from employing smuggling networks and methods to further their crimes against the United States.

Prior to accepting the position as HSI special agent in charge in Buffalo, Kelly served as the deputy special agent in charge, in both Buffalo and Newark, NJ HSI Offices. In that capacity, he maintained operational and administrative oversight special agents and mission support staff for the region. Kelly is a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES).