TOP STORY: ICE hosts first-of-its-kind special response training for Kuwait, UAE delegates

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) forged important partnerships during a recent training course the agency's Homeland Security Investigations' (HSI) Office of International Affairs (OIA) hosted for a delegation of law enforcement partners from Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.

This two-week course, which took place in Miami, was the first of its kind between ICE and the two countries.

"A cooperative event like this strengthens the bond between our nations' law enforcement agencies and leads to a safer operating environment worldwide," said James Nagle, OIA operations chief for Europe-Middle East-Africa. "The members of the Kuwaiti and Emiratis delegation completed their training with admirable precision and professionalism."

Conducted with the assistance of HSI Miami special agents and the office's special response team, the first week consisted of classroom instruction focusing on different HSI authorities, such as documenting sources; as well as tactical disciplines, including undercover operations, surveillance, serving warrants and tactical entries. During the second week, the 10 delegates applied their classroom knowledge, actively participating in various exercise scenarios

The course culminated with a graduation ceremony that HSI and foreign leadership attended.

Housed within HSI, OIA enhances national security by conducing and coordinating investigations involving transnational criminal organizations and serving as the agency's liaison to counterparts in local government and law enforcement.

"Everyone at OIA is committed to enhancing national security by conducting and coordinating investigations involving transnational criminal organizations," said David Thompson, OIA deputy director. "We take pride in our work and in serving as the agency's liaison to our counterparts in government and law enforcement."

HSI's SRT members are all existing ICE special agents or officers who undergo rigorous training. The teams are dedicated to one overriding goal: to protect public safety. Through a unique combination of specialized training and real-world experience, SRTs complete a diverse array of missions including serving warrants under hazardous conditions, securing airspace over high-profile events, going undercover to dismantle drug trafficking organizations and assisting after national disasters.