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ICE highlights HSI task forces, DOD partnerships and Fort Bliss repatriation operations
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Summary
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons told the committee that Homeland Security Investigations and newly established homeland security task forces are central to combating transnational criminal organizations, and described Defense Department partnerships to support repatriation flights and use of military installations such as Fort Bliss.
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons told the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security on May 14 that Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), interagency task forces and Department of Defense partnerships are central to disrupting transnational criminal organizations and supporting large‑scale repatriations.
Lyons said HSI focuses on threats outside U.S. borders — including forced labor, IP theft, trans‑shipment schemes and narcotics flows tied to the People’s Republic of China — and asked for more technology, analysts and overseas capability to pursue those networks. “Homeland security investigations is a key part to Department of Homeland Security,” Lyons said.
Several members praised task forces. Rep. Cuellar called the Border Enforcement Security Task Force “an excellent program” and Rep. Gonzales and others urged continued support for task force models that bring multiple federal partners together. Lyons described newly formed Homeland Security Task Forces created by executive order and said they will marshal Department of Justice and DHS resources to target cartels, transnational gangs and foreign terrorist organizations.
Members pressed Lyons about Department of Defense support for repatriation operations. Lyons said Fort Bliss is a “key part” of repatriation work and estimated the Fort Bliss site planning figure at approximately 3,500 beds while noting the Department of Defense funds facilities and ICE provides contracting. He said 69 detainees were at Fort Bliss at the time of questioning and that ICE would provide exact counts for members on follow‑up. Lyons said DOD has been an “excellent partner” for airlift and base support but deferred budgeting questions to DOD. Gonzales and others asked ICE to ensure adequate civilian contractor staffing at repatriation sites.
There were no formal actions in this hearing segment; members asked for follow‑up data on DOD facilities, airlift costs and exact bed counts.
