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Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP)

About

The Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) protects the American public and U.S. interests by investigating and prosecuting complex international immigration and violent crimes cases over which the U.S. has jurisdiction, specifically against: (1) leaders and members of criminal networks responsible for prolific and dangerous international alien smuggling and related immigration fraud crimes; (2) persons who have committed genocide, torture, war crimes and other atrocities outside the United States, including those who then flee to the United States seeking safe harbor or commit immigration fraud by concealing their past crimes; and (3) persons who committed violent crime abroad where a U.S. citizen is a victim or perpetrator. 

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Leadership

Michael Sheckels
Acting Chief

Rami Badawy
Deputy Chief (Human Smuggling)

Jay Bauer
Director, Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA) 

Christina Giffin
Acting Principal Deputy and Deputy Chief (Policy & Litigation)

Frank Rangoussis
Acting Deputy Chief, International Violent Crime

Courtney Spivey Urschel
Deputy Chief (Human Rights)

 


Contact

HRSP Direct Line
202-616-2492

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Our Mission

HRSP's responsibilities include enforcing federal criminal laws relating to:

  • Criminal networks responsible for prolific and dangerous international alien smuggling and related immigration fraud crimes;
  • Persons who have committed genocide, torture, war crimes and other atrocities outside the United States, including those who then flee to the United States seeking safe harbor or commit immigration fraud by concealing their past crimes; and
  • persons who committed violent crime abroad where a U.S. citizen is a victim or perpetrator.
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