Metro Detroit native named HSI special agent in charge

DETROIT — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has named Steve Francis as the new special agent in charge of the ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) office based in Detroit.

As special agent in charge, Francis, a 20-year veteran of federal law enforcement, supervises a cadre of special agents located across Michigan and Ohio. HSI special agents protect national security and enforce immigration and customs laws by conducting criminal investigations in various mission areas such as: drug smuggling, illegal exporting munitions and high-tech items, money laundering, financial crimes, transnational gangs, human smuggling and trafficking, intellectual property rights, and crimes against children including child sex tourism and possessing child pornography.

HSI plays a key role in maintaining the safety and security of the United States relative to international trade and commerce, financial markets, contraband, industrial and strategic parity, and immigration and border integrity. HSI uses its unique customs and immigration law enforcement authorities to identify, disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations and other threats. HSI also works to deprive potential terrorists and transnational gangs from employing smuggling networks and methods to further their crimes against the United States.

Prior to accepting the position as HSI special agent in charge in Detroit, Francis served as the deputy special agent in charge, beginning in February 2015.  In that capacity, he maintained operational and administrative oversight of five investigative divisions comprised of 20 groups, six remote sub-offices and mission support staff for the two-state region of Michigan and Ohio.

Francis is a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES).