Federal agencies have kicked off their first task force in New York, with law enforcement officials committing to address the “changing threat of transnational organized crime.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI, Department of Homeland Security, IRS, and New York City Police Department revealed the establishment of the new Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) in New York, aimed at confronting infamous cartels and foreign gangs operating in the city.
During a press conference in Lower Manhattan, officials expressed that this task force is designed to enhance the flow of information among various agencies at all levels.
“This task force represents the first unified approach across government agencies, establishing the HSTF as a prototype for safeguarding our homeland against evolving threats from transnational organized crime,” mentioned Ricky Patel, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New York.
Jay Clayton, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, pointed out that while crime rates have decreased, they still remain excessively high in certain vulnerable neighborhoods.
“The people of New York seek public safety. They want their parks, schools, subways, and streets to be secure and welcoming for families, kids, and visitors,” he stated during the Wednesday press event.
He referenced a recent incident at Washington Square Park that resulted in the capture of nearly 20 suspected drug traffickers, highlighting effective collaboration with law enforcement.
This new task force will particularly concentrate on foreign terrorist organizations. FBI New York Assistant Director Christopher Reier shared that authorities are on the lookout for two leaders from the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, a notorious organization recognized as a terrorist group this year.
Even though the formal launch occurred this week, Patel noted that “this groundbreaking collaborative effort for resource-sharing has already been initiated behind the scenes.”
