TOP STORY: HSI Dallas supports law enforcement partners during Final Four

DALLAS — It's called Final Four madness for good reason. Officials predict about 100,000 visitors will flock to North Texas April 4-7 to celebrate the final four NCAA games and attend 40 surrounding events. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Dallas is lending its law enforcement support to the Dallas Police Department to ensure the public is protected during Final Four Madness events taking place in Dallas.

HSI Dallas is assisting the Dallas Police Department and the Dallas SWAT with one of the big attractions, the March Madness Music Festival inside the Dallas Convention Center in Bracket Town and Reunion Arena area. The Music Festival is an interactive event with more than 40,000 spectators expected to attend performances by top country and rock recording artists and bands.

HSI Dallas is providing radio communications and video surveillance. HSI Dallas deployed its Mobile Command Center (MCC) to serve as a command, control and communications platform. The MCC is outfitted with multiple workstations, a conference room, telephones and radios. It's designed to provide communications during large-scale enforcement operations, national security special events, natural disasters or other contingency operations.

"Final Four Madness is an exciting time that draws crowds," said HSI Dallas Special Agent in Charge David Marwell. "But security is always a major concern during large-scale public events like this, and our main concern is keeping everyone safe. We're glad to assist our law enforcement partners in Dallas with communications, which is a key security measure."

HSI Dallas' MCC also supported Super Bowls held in Arlington, Texas; New Orleans, La.; and Indianapolis, Ind. The MCC also supported the grand opening of the George W. Bush Library and the JFK Memorial both in Dallas, Texas, as well as other events around the country.

There are three MCC vehicles around the country. HSI's Tactical Wireless Communications (TACCOM) Program manages the overall tactical and wireless communication capabilities within the agency.