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Joint Task Force Alpha

Announced in June 2021, Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA) marshals the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to enhance U.S. enforcement efforts against the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.  In 2024, its mission was expanded to combatting smuggling and trafficking in Colombia and Panama.

Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of Arizona, Southern District of California, District of New Mexico, and Southern and Western Districts of Texas are detailed to JTFA to pursue its mission, with critical support from the Executive Office for United States Attorneys. The Criminal Division provides dedicated personnel to JTFA, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and supported by the Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT); the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section (NDDS); the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS); the Office of Enforcement Operations (OEO); the Office of International Affairs (OIA); and the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS).

From its creation in June 2021 through December 2024, JTFA has achieved significant results, including:

  • more than 345 arrests, including of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators;
  • more than 295 convictions in U.S. courts;
  • more than 240 defendants sentenced in U.S. courts, including significant jail sentences imposed;
  • substantial seizures and forfeiture of assets and contraband including more than a million dollars in cash, real property, vehicles, firearms and ammunition, and drugs; and
  • multiple indictments and successful extradition requests against foreign defendants who are leaders of these operations located in Guatemala, Mexico, and Honduras.

JTFA is made possible by substantial law enforcement investment from Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, and Border Patrol, along with support from the FBI, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Transportation Security Administration, Federal Air Marshals, and U.S. Coast Guard.

Joint Task Force Alpha also complements the Department of Justice’s efforts to fight corruption.  The Justice Department has increased its focus on investigations, prosecutions, and asset recoveries relating to corruption in Northern Triangle countries through its Foreign Corrupt Practices Act enforcement program, counternarcotics prosecutions, and MLARS’ Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative. In addition, the department’s OPDAT and ICITAP personnel—including new Northern Triangle anti-corruption resident legal advisors as well as law enforcement advisors and forensic experts—work with Northern Triangle prosecutors and investigators to build capacity for domestic corruption cases and coordination with the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative.

JTFA 2024 Fact Sheet