Executive Summary
- The FBI’s Birmingham Division and Homeland Security Investigations have launched a joint task force to combat violent and organized crime in Alabama.
- The mission targets cartels, transnational gangs, and organizations involved in drug trafficking, human trafficking, and other serious crimes.
- In its first 100 days, the initiative resulted in 52 arrests and 10 federal indictments in Northern Alabama.
- A recent operation dismantled an illegal cockfighting ring, leading to 60 arrests and the seizure of $100,000.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The FBI’s Birmingham Division has partnered with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to form a new national task force aimed at dismantling violent criminal networks operating across Alabama. The initiative, known as the Homeland Security Task Force, will target cartels, transnational gangs, and other organized groups involved in drug and human trafficking, extortion, and murder.
“Let me be clear to those out there committing violent crime or transnational organized crime, you cannot hide. We will find you. We will hunt you down,” stated David R. Fitzgibbons, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Birmingham. He emphasized that the collaboration is essential for disrupting criminal operations before they impact local communities.
In its first 100 days, the task force’s efforts in the Northern District of Alabama have led to 52 arrests and 10 federal indictments. The multi-agency partnership includes the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama.
Recent Enforcement Actions
A recent operation dismantled a large illegal cockfighting and gambling ring in North Alabama, resulting in 60 arrests. During the bust, authorities seized $100,000 in cash and two firearms. Investigators also discovered that a majority of those arrested were in the United States illegally.
Fitzgibbons also noted the task force’s focus on combating the distribution of fentanyl and other narcotics that contribute to violent crime. “We’re collaboratively coming together to dismantle these criminal cartels flooding our communities with fentanyl and violence,” he said.
Officials state the Homeland Security Task Force will serve as a national model for inter-agency cooperation to protect communities and enhance national security. It is important to note that individuals named in indictments or facing charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.