Attorney General Merrick B. Garland marked the third anniversary of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA) by convening senior leaders from the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security, and State to discuss ongoing efforts against human smuggling at the southern border. Over three years, JTFA has led to over 300 arrests and more than 240 convictions in the United States.
The meeting highlighted new initiatives, including JTFA’s expansion to combat human smuggling in Colombia and Panama's Darién region, a legislative proposal to increase penalties for prolific human smugglers, and $8 million in rewards as part of the Anti-Smuggling Rewards Initiative.
“Today, we are doubling down on our efforts to strike at the heart of where human smuggling networks operate,” said Attorney General Garland. “We will continue to work across the federal government to disrupt and dismantle the human smuggling networks that prey on vulnerable migrants and endanger our national security.”
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco emphasized expanding enforcement efforts to Darién: “To those who traffic human beings through the Darién, know this: the full force of the U.S. government is coming for you.”
The Darién is a dangerous jungle terrain connecting southern Panama with northern Colombia. Migrants crossing it face significant risks from criminal organizations involved in violent crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, and extortion.
Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Kristie Canegallo stated: “Countering human smuggling is a law enforcement priority and critical to our homeland security.” She noted that expanding JTFA would lead to more arrests and convictions while protecting migrants from exploitation.
Key partners joined Attorney General Garland at today’s event, including Deputy Attorney General Monaco; Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Secretary Canegallo; Assistant Secretary Todd D. Robinson; Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri; Deputy Executive Associate Director Patrick McElwain; Deputy Chief David S. BeMiller; U.S. Attorneys Alamdar Hamdani, Jaime Esparza, Alexander M.M. Uballez, Gary Restaino, and Tara K. McGrath.
Since its inception in 2021 focusing on Mexico and Central America’s Northern Triangle countries (El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras), JTFA has achieved significant results by securing long prison sentences for major smugglers.
In addition to expanding its geographical focus to Colombia and Panama’s Darién region—using investigative resources—the Justice Department continues its emphasis on prosecuting human smuggling with initiatives like last week’s Anti-Smuggling Rewards Initiative announcement.
A new legislative proposal titled "Deterring Human Smuggling and Harm to Victims Act of 2024" was transmitted earlier today by the Department of Justice seeking increased penalties for severe offenses under U.S Sentencing Guideline 2L1.1.
The State Department announced three awards totaling up to $8 million under their Anti-Smuggling Rewards Initiative focusing on Clan del Golfo operations in Darién:
1) Up to $2 million for information leading to key leader arrests/convictions.
2) Up to $1 million for disrupting Clan del Golfo's financial mechanisms supporting smuggling.
3) Up to $5 million for arrest/conviction information related specifically inducing aliens into fatal situations violating specific U.S codes.
Information can be shared via HSI/U.S Customs Border Protection hotline or online platform with confidentiality assured globally through nearest U.S embassies/consulates contacts provided.