HSI Effectively Contributes to the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, But Partnering Agreements Could Be Improved (REDACTED)

ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is effectively contributing to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) counterterrorism efforts by leveraging its authorities, experience, skills, and staffing. However, existing agreements and guidance on HSI’s participation in the JTTF and its terrorism financing investigations are outdated. Additionally, we determined existing agreements and policy impose restrictions that delay and hinder sharing and access to information in the JTTF. We recommended DHS JTTF contributors evaluate and update agreements governing JTTF participation as needed. HSI should renegotiate and update the 2003 agreement on terrorism financing, as well as update its related guidance accordingly. We also recommended DHS coordinate with Department of Justice and Department of State, as well as within the DHS, to develop agreements to allow for the more direct sharing of critical investigative information. We made five recommendations that aim to improve counterterrorism efforts and information sharing. DHS concurred with two recommendations and non-concurred with three.