ICE announces selection of Atlanta special agent in charge

ATLANTA — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has officially selected the long-time acting special agent in charge of ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Atlanta to officially assume command as the top investigator in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

As special agent in charge, Brock Nicholson supervises all ICE HSI operations in the three states, overseeing investigations and enforcement of more than 400 federal laws.

"Brock is an exceptional special agent and leader. His years of experience in Atlanta and at his previous assignments make him the natural choice to continue leading HSI investigations and operations in Georgia and the Carolinas, protecting our homeland security and communities from transnational criminal organizations," said Executive Associate Director for ICE HSI James Dinkins.

ICE HSI investigates a wide range of domestic and international activities arising from the illegal movement of people and goods including: human trafficking and smuggling, smuggling of narcotics, weapons and other types of contraband, financial crimes like money laundering and wire fraud, child predators, counterfeiting, and immigration crime.

"During my 24 years in federal law enforcement, I have had the opportunity to work all over the United States but I consider it an honor to remain in Atlanta and continue to serve the great people of Georgia and the Carolinas. Leading our talented men and women throughout the three state area is truly a privilege and a responsibility I take very seriously," said Nicholson.

Nicholson has been in Atlanta since June 2006 when he assumed the role of deputy special agent in charge. He has been acting special agent in charge since June 1, 2010. Before arriving to Atlanta, he was the acting special agent in charge for the ICE HSI office in El Paso, Texas.

Nicholson began his federal career in 1987 in Brownsville, Texas, as a U.S. Customs special agent, after graduating with degrees in political science and sociology from the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville, Ind.

Within ICE, he has held positions as a supervisor and special response team (SRT) commander in Dallas, Texas, and he was the resident agent in charge for Nashville, Tenn. He has also served as a manager and supervisor at ICE's headquarters in Washington, D.C.