ICE introduced as newest member of Ameripol
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) was introduced today as the newest permanent observer agency to the American Police Community (Ameripol).
ICE is the second U.S. agency admitted to Ameripol. The object of observer agencies is to coordinate law enforcement initiatives aimed at organized and transnational crime.
"I am extremely pleased to represent HSI as we are welcomed in to Ameripol as the newest observer agency," said John Connolly, assistant director of ICE's Office of International Affairs. "By working with our international partners in forums such as this, we will better be able to share best practices, coordinate training and enforcement, and educate the public about our shared mission and goals."
Ameripol is an internationally integrated organization whose purpose is to promote and strengthen police cooperation in scientific and technical training, as well as to streamline the exchange of information used for intelligence purposes. The organization aims to coordinate and enhance efforts in criminal investigations and increase judicial assistance between the police and its counterparts in America.
Ameripol currently has 28 police forces as members including law enforcement from Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panamá, State Border Service, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, St. Christopher, St. Lucia, Uruguay and Trinidad and Tobago.
Ameripol now has 19 observer agencies to include HSI.
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