ICE HSI, ERO in Boston supports federal coordination for 2019 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
BOSTON – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) personnel in Boston provided critical support as part of a federal, state and local law enforcement security effort, implemented for the “2019 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular,” held along the Boston Esplanade on July 3 and 4.
The Independence Day fireworks display and Boston Pops orchestra concert celebration, held annually alongside the Charles River on the Boston Esplanade in Boston, is a nationally-televised public event designated as a Level 2 event under the Department’s Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) system which determines the risk level of public events that may be considered as potential threat targets.
HSI and ERO Boston offices performed various roles to include behavior detection, investigative support, field communication support and digital forensic support over the two day period of the popular holiday spectacular, which drew approximately 500,000 holiday concertgoers to the event this year.
“Since the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing, law enforcement agencies within Massachusetts have been on a heightened state of alert for all functions that have the potential for large crowds and gatherings. HSI Boston takes its commitment to helping secure large-scale events like this very seriously” said Brian D. Heslin, ICE HSI Boston Assistant Special Agent in Charge. “We’re honored to support our federal, state and local law enforcement partners in ensuring the safety of this event” stated Heslin, who was designated as Deputy Federal Coordinator (DFC) for the event by acting DHS Secretary McAleenan and oversaw coordination of federal support with state and local government officials over the two days of events.
Following the completion of the event, federal, state and local law enforcement partners including the U.S. Secret Service, the Massachusetts State Police (MSP), which served as lead local law enforcement agency and the Boston Police Department reported no significant security issues reported at the event. Following conclusion of the celebration, multiple media outlets reported public recognition of how safely and smoothly events occurred during the two-day schedule of events.
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