DHS Letter To CHS 1-30-24

presses, and $16 million in currency. We work closely with partners in other countries.
Homeland Security Investigations has established 16 Transnational Criminal Investigative Units

(TCIUs) that are successfully supporting investigations and prosecutions abroad. In Fiscal Year
2023, efforts by the Mexico TCIU resulted in more than 59 criminal arrests and the seizure of
64,138 pounds of precursor chemicals.
To better detect smuggling, we are dramatically expanding the use of NII technology at ports of
entry, through which more than 90% of fentanyl is smuggled into the United States. We are
adding new state-of-the-art NII systems to complement those currently in use across Southwest
Border ports of entry, with 72 construction projects underway at 15 ports.
Our strategy has evolved to target not just fentanyl, but also the tools and materials the
transnational criminal organizations use to make it. We are interdicting and seizing precursor
chemicals, pill press machines, die molds, and pill press parts used in the manufacturing process.
We are targeting Chinese pill press and precursor supply chains, Mexican pill press brokers, the
Mexican transnational criminal organizations and the domestic traffickers who are producing and
moving fentanyl, and the money launderers who help facilitate this illicit trade. Our efforts over
the past year have resulted in the seizure of nearly 1 million pounds of fentanyl and
methamphetamine precursor chemicals.
Our Department is helping partners in the Western Hemisphere and Asia build their own
capacity to combat the smuggling of illicit fentanyl. We recently established a working group
for ongoing communication and law enforcement coordination with the People's Republic of
China to increase cooperation and information sharing.
We are innovating with the responsible use of artificial intelligence at our ports of entry. This
year alone, machine learning models that help CBP Officers determine which suspicious vehicles
and passengers to refer to secondary screening have led to 240 seizures, which included
thousands of pounds of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. More details about our
efforts to combat fentanyl can be found in this recent DHS fact sheet
There is much more to do in the fight against fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. We must
reduce both supply and demand. To accomplish this, we must work together to tackle what we
all agree is a horrific problem that poses grave danger to our citizens, our communities, and our
nation.
The Chairman and Members of the Committee's majority have harshly criticized the
Department's responsiveness to oversight. The allegations are baseless and inaccurate.
I take very seriously my responsibility to cooperate in good faith with Congress's oversight
function. I have devoted significant Departmental resources and personal time to this effort. I
have testified publicly in 27 Congressional hearings since I became DHS Secretary. Twelve of
those hearings were in the House of Representatives, including seven before the House
Homeland Security Committee. I have testified more than any other member of the Cabinet.
4
Partial List of Recognition as Assistant United States Attornev and United States Attorney
Special Achievement Award

United States Department of Justice
September 1991
• Given by United States Attorney General William Barr for sustained superior
performance of duty as an Assistant United States Attorney
Special Commendation
U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency
• Recognition of outstanding prosecution work
Special Commendation
Federal Bureau of Investigation
February 1997
• Given by Director Louis J. Freeh for outstanding prosecution work in support of the FBI
Outstanding Service Award

Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Recognition of outstanding contribution and dedication in the prosecution of the cocaine
money laundering case United States v. Wanis Koyomejian et al.
Recognition for Outstanding Prosecution Work

United States Customs Service, U.S. Department of Treasury
April2001

United States Secret Service, U.S. Department of Treasury
April2001

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms
April2001
Chief Postal Inspector's Award

June 2001
• Highest award bestowed by the United States Postal Inspector. Given in recognition of
the prosecution of Buford 0. Furrow, Jr. (sentenced to life in prison without the
possibility of parole for the murder of a postal employee and the shooting rampage at a
Jewish community center).

DHS Letter To CHS 1-30-24

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presses, and $16 million in currency. We work closely with partners in other countries.

Homeland Security Investigations has established 16 Transnational Criminal Investigative Units

Special Achievement Award

Outstanding Service Award

Recognition for Outstanding Prosecution Work

Recognition for Outstanding Prosecution Work

Recognition for Outstanding Prosecution Work

Chief Postal Inspector's Award

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