DOJ Expands Joint Task Force Alpha to Northern and Maritime Borders, Adding DEA, ATF, and FBI Resources

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced a significant expansion of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), extending its reach to cover the nation's northern and maritime borders. This strategic move aims to intensify efforts against cartels, human trafficking, and transnational criminal organizations. The expansion also integrates additional federal agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), alongside its existing partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi confirmed the expansion, stating, "We are now expanding Joint Task Force Alpha. It has 5 steps." Bondi emphasized the task force's broadened scope to include Canada's border and all maritime territories. This initiative builds upon JTFA's established success in combating human smuggling and trafficking networks.

The Attorney General highlighted the increased manpower and resources dedicated to JTFA. "Our incredible partner at DHS, Kristi Noem, and I are expanding this to include our DEA, ATF, and FBI agents on this task force to give us even more manpower," Bondi said. She added that the task force "will receive more resources to prosecute these cases and key figures in the cartel, human trafficking, and transnational criminals."

The expansion underscores a commitment to international collaboration. Attorney General Bondi affirmed, "We will strengthen our collaboration with foreign law enforcement throughout the world to protect not only their citizens, but ours, and return these criminals to American soil for prosecution." This enhanced cooperation is designed to dismantle sophisticated criminal enterprises operating across borders.

Joint Task Force Alpha, initially established in June 2021, has primarily focused on prolific human smuggling and trafficking groups in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries. Its successes include over 410 domestic and international arrests, more than 355 U.S. convictions, and over 305 significant prison sentences. The current expansion marks a new phase in the U.S. government's comprehensive strategy to combat organized crime.