Intelligence Center helps Agents Collect and Disseminate Homeland Security Data

A multi-agency El Paso Intelligence Center is making it easier for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents to collect and disseminate information and intelligence to identify trafficking activities and organizations, according to a news release issued by ICE this week.

"The center's mission evolved after Sept. 11 when the center's multi-agency environment was called upon to support terrorism investigations," said Louie Garcia, the center's deputy director. "The mission evolved from its experience in supporting interdiction efforts and investigating drug trafficking, alien, weapon and bulk currency smuggling by adding anti-terrorism to its efforts."

Now, the intelligence center serves as an information hub for information and provides intelligence to law enforcement officers in the field after agents at the center analyze and identify information trends and gaps.

The center also boasts a Research and Analysis Section, which provides law enforcement personnel with statistical information to case-specific situations, ICE said.

"The center's mission, and the work conducted at the center, is vital to our national security," Garcia said.

The multi-agency center is hosted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and involves more than 26 federal, state, local, tribal and foreign enforcement agencies, including Mexico and Colombia.

07.03.2012 Correction: The original article stated that the Intelligence Center was run by ICE. The center is actually a multi-agency center hosted by DEA.