The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Brazilian Federal Police (PF) have formally agreed to expand their collaboration in fighting transnational crime. On April 22, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed to set up a comprehensive framework that will allow direct sharing of criminal investigative intelligence, methodologies, and best practices across North and South America.
U.S. Charge d’Affaires in Brazil, Gabriel Escobar, highlighted the success of cooperation between the two countries. He stated, “Our bilateral law enforcement cooperation has resulted in the arrest of dozens of criminals threatening communities in both of our countries this year.” He added that the new agreement is poised to further bolster efforts to bring transnational criminals to justice.
The agreement was signed by HSI International Operations Deputy Assistant Director Jeff DaRin and PF Director of International Cooperation Felipe Tavares Seixas at ICE headquarters in Washington, D.C. Emphasizing the potential impact of the partnership, DaRin said, “This partnership will enable our agents and officers to collaborate seamlessly on high-impact investigations, strengthening our collective ability to address security threats and protect the well-being of citizens in both countries.”
Director Tavares Seixas described the signing as more than just a formal agreement, saying, “Today’s signing ceremony is not just a formal agreement, but a testament to our shared commitment to fighting crime and protecting our citizens.” He highlighted the importance of leveraging resources and expertise to make progress in combating transnational crime and enhancing the security of both nations.
HSI and PF have a longstanding history of collaboration, spanning over two decades, in addressing significant transnational criminal organizations. Their efforts have predominantly focused on areas such as human smuggling and trafficking, firearms trafficking, child exploitation, cybercrimes, and financial criminal networks.