WASHINGTON, DC, United States (CMC) — The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency says US Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) International Operations Assistant Director (AD) David J Magdycz and Haiti Minister of Justice Emmelie Prophete-Milcé on Wednesday signed a memorandum of cooperation at HSI headquarters, to formally establish the Haiti Transnational Criminal Investigative Unit (TCIU).

The memorandum provides the framework for TCIU operations and details the responsibilities of both parties.

“The TCIU will facilitate the exchange of information between law enforcement partners in the United States and Haiti, and will enhance the abilities of Haiti and the United States to investigate and prosecute those involved in transnational criminal activities,” ICE said in a statement.

“TCUIs are a critical component of HSI’s efforts to build partner nation capacity and combat Transnational criminal activity at the source, preventing its entry into the US,” it added.

Magdycz said that establishing the TCIU is “a pivotal moment in our collective efforts to combat transnational crime and ensure the safety and security of both our nations”.

ICE said the HSI’s TCIU programme currently partners with 17 countries.

TCIUs are multi-discipline units comprising vetted foreign law enforcement, prosecutors, and customs, immigration and intelligence officials that share information and operational activities. TCIUs also provide operational support to HSI personnel at foreign posts who do not possess law enforcement authority in their host nations.

“Through this partnership, HSI and TCIUs work together to develop and expand investigations overseas in compliance with host country laws, agreements, treaties, and US mission policies,” ICE said.