U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Trade Regulatory Audit (TRA) have agreed to enhance their efforts against international trade threats affecting Florida’s ports. This initiative involves embedding TRA personnel in HSI Tampa’s office to better identify, intercept, and investigate illegal trade activities.
The partnership aims to streamline trade enforcement resources, enhancing the enforcement of executive orders on international trade, customs revenue, and economic security. The initiative began in October 2023 and has been formalized with a memorandum of understanding that allows TRA staff to be permanently stationed at HSI Tampa. John Condon, HSI Tampa’s Special Agent in Charge, stated, “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.”
The partnership builds on the Trade Enforcement Coordination Center (TECC) framework, designed to co-locate HSI and CBP experts for stronger trade enforcement. TECC coordinates efforts among federal agencies to enforce trade laws and protect U.S. businesses from unfair competition. It aims to fortify the U.S. economy against unfair competition and ensure compliance with international trade rules.
Executive Director Anibal Marrero of CBP’s Trade Regulatory Audit said, “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.”
The collaboration seeks to form a dynamic team to tackle various trade threats, facilitating complex investigations into customs law violations. The initiative will initially focus on offices in Tampa, Florida, San Diego, California, and Tucson, Arizona, with John Condon’s team already implementing the plan.
