A weekly compilation of engaging digital content.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS AND COMMERCIAL FRAUD | IPR Center, RIAA launch partnership to combat digital piracy

The National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) announced a long-term agreement expanding and formalizing their partnership on digital antipiracy efforts. Under the signed memorandum of understanding (MOU), the RIAA and the IPR Center will coordinate public and private sector efforts to disrupt and combat all forms of digital piracy.  Read more

CONTRABAND, OPERATIONAL | Bipartisan bill signed into law enhances Shadow Wolves Program

The “Shadow Wolves Enhancement Act” signed by President Joseph R. Biden paves the way for reclassifying Shadow Wolves from tactical officers to special agents for HSI. This elite unit of eight, based out of the Tohono O’odham Nation, covers 2.8 million acres, including a 76-mile stretch of border shared with Mexico. The newly passed law now allows these officers to not only patrol the desert, but to investigate, interdict and disrupt criminal activity on their land as HSI special agents. Read more

TRANSNATIONAL GANGS | HSI Baltimore-led investigation results in a 50-year sentence for a notorious MS-13 gang member

An investigation led by the HSI Baltimore field office recently culminated in a lengthy prison sentence for a member of La Mara Salvatrucha, a transnational criminal enterprise also known as MS-13. After a three-month trial, Jose Joya Parada, 20, was sentenced to 50 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for racketeering conspiracy, racketeering and related violent crimes in aid of racketeering. Read more

HUMAN SMUGGLING/TRAFFICKING | HSI Washington teams up with the Virginia State Police to launch "Operation Safe Passage" 

HSI Washington partnered with the Virginia State Police and the Virginia Trucking Association to detect, deter and raise awareness of the growing problem of human trafficking. Read more

NARCOTICS | 6 men indicted for cocaine trafficking following investigation by ICE HSI, federal partners

Several south Texas men are facing up to life in prison for their alleged roles in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy. Read more

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforces federal laws governing border control, customs, trade and immigration to promote homeland security and public safety.