In the shadowy world of transnational crime, where criminal organizations exploit borders, technology, and international loopholes, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami has an ace up its sleeve: Special Agent Anthony Salisbury. As the Special Agent in Charge, Salisbury combines a global vision, innovative strategies, and collaborative leadership to tackle some of the world’s most complex criminal networks.
From dismantling weapons trafficking rings to taking down international money laundering schemes, Salisbury’s leadership is reshaping the way modern law enforcement operates—and setting a new standard for tackling global threats.
About Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
HSI is the Department of Homeland Security’s main investigative unit with 10,000+ employees across 235 U.S. offices and 93 international locations in 56 countries. They investigate transnational crime and threats that exploit global trade, travel, and finance systems.
Breaking Down Borders: Salisbury’s Global Vision
Success for Anthony Salisbury stems from his ability to connect local challenges with global solutions. His leadership in operations targeting international weapons trafficking and organized criminal enterprises highlights his tactical expertise and diplomatic acumen.
Salisbury Takes Down International Weapons Traffickers
In November 2024, Salisbury announced the results of a groundbreaking international operation in collaboration with law enforcement agencies in Argentina and Brazil. The operation targeted a transnational criminal organization (TCO) that was using the U.S. Postal Service to illegally export weapon parts and ammunition.
“HSI and our partners will investigate and seek to prosecute any individuals involved in illegal arms trafficking,” said Salisbury. “Today we make it very clear that the United States, and in particular south Florida, is not open for business regarding the illegal trafficking of weapons.”
The Results:
- 25 arrests.
- 53 search warrants executed in three countries.
- 5,300 firearms and components seized.
- 167 explosives and 15 silencers recovered.
This operation’s success underscores Salisbury’s ability to coordinate across borders, bringing together agencies like the Argentina National Gendarmeria and the Brazil Federal Police to disrupt global supply chains.
Cracking Down on Caribbean Gun Runners
In August 2024, Salisbury’s HSI Miami launched a major crackdown on firearms and ammunition smuggling into Haiti and the Caribbean. These weapons, including .50 caliber sniper rifles and belt-fed machine guns, posed a significant threat to already vulnerable regions.
The Mission:
- Increase inspections of U.S. export shipments to ensure compliance with federal laws.
- Target high-caliber firearms capable of mass casualties.
- Collaborate with local and federal partners to disrupt smuggling routes.
Salisbury’s leadership in this operation not only curbed the flow of dangerous weapons but also prevented potential devastation in regions on the brink of crisis.
Disrupting Cartel Crypto Laundering
In November 2024, Salisbury oversaw an investigation that dismantled a cryptocurrency-based money laundering network tied to Mexican and Colombian drug cartels. This Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) case resulted in charges against nine individuals.
Through cutting-edge forensic technology and international collaboration, Salisbury’s team exposed the financial underpinnings of the cartels, weakening their ability to sustain illicit operations.
Stopping a 150-Kilo Cocaine Smuggling Ring
In October 2024, Salisbury’s team worked with the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to arrest five men conspiring to distribute over 150 kilograms of cocaine. This operation showcased Salisbury’s ability to combine maritime and air unit expertise to combat drug smuggling.
Busting Immigration Fraud
In addition to tackling international criminal networks, Salisbury’s leadership extends to uncovering immigration fraud and other-related schemes that exploit workers and undermine U.S. laws. In October 2024, an investigation led by Salisbury’s HSI Miami resulted in a guilty plea from Martinez Builders Supply, LLC, a Florida construction company operating as East Coast Truss.
The Case:
- The company, along with former employee Kelly Yanira Del Valle, was charged with conspiring to harbor unauthorized immigrants by employing them illegally.
- To avoid detection, Del Valle created shell companies such as Hollys Services and Quality Control, transferring employees off official payrolls during Form I-9 audits.
- These actions enabled the company to profit from unauthorized labor while bypassing compliance with federal laws.
The Outcome:
- Martinez Builders Supply agreed to a $450,000 forfeiture judgment for its role in the scheme.
- Kelly Yanira Del Valle also pleaded guilty to filing false tax returns and conspiring to file false tax returns. She agreed to pay $100,000 in forfeiture and $100,146 in restitution to the IRS.
This case demonstrates Salisbury’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and ensuring accountability at all levels—whether the target is a transnational criminal network or a local employer exploiting labor.
“Employers who exploit unauthorized labor not only undermine fair labor practices but also compromise the integrity of our immigration system,” Salisbury emphasized during the announcement of the case.
Recognition for Leadership: Law Enforcement Impact Award
In January 2024, Salisbury was honored with the Law Enforcement Impact Award at the ACAMS South Florida Chapter’s First Annual Awards Dinner. This prestigious recognition highlighted his office’s groundbreaking efforts in combating fentanyl trafficking and disrupting illicit financial activity tied to the deadly drug.
Under Salisbury’s leadership, HSI Miami has tackled fentanyl trafficking as both a public safety crisis and a financial crime, focusing on dismantling the supply chains and money laundering networks that fuel the epidemic. This award underscores Salisbury’s ability to address complex, high-stakes threats while safeguarding the Miami community.
Collaborations and Partnerships
Salisbury’s work extends far beyond operational leadership—he’s a master of building strategic partnerships. These collaborations are essential for managing multi-jurisdictional cases that span domestic and international borders.
Key Law Enforcement Partnerships
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): Together, Salisbury and CBP track and stop illegal shipments entering or leaving the country.
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF): Salisbury collaborates with ATF to target illegal firearms trafficking and gather critical intelligence.
- U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida: Legal partnerships ensure that offenders face justice with strong cases built on airtight evidence.
- Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD): Local law enforcement partnerships expand the reach and effectiveness of HSI’s operations.
International Cooperation
Salisbury understands that global threats require global solutions. His partnerships with international agencies are critical in combating transnational crime.
Key International Partnerships:
- Argentina National Gendarmeria: This collaboration helps track illegal weapon shipments and dismantle smuggling networks.
- Brazil Federal Police: Partnering with Brazilian authorities enables Salisbury’s team to disrupt criminal enterprises operating across Latin American borders.
By fostering these relationships, Salisbury ensures that crimes are stopped before they reach U.S. soil.
Public-Private Partnerships
Salisbury also builds bridges with the private sector to enhance HSI’s capabilities:
- Technology Firms: Advanced tools like email and mobile device analytics are used to investigate complex cases.
- Shipping Companies: These partnerships help monitor suspicious shipments and packages, a critical element in smuggling cases.
These alliances between law enforcement and the private sector allow HSI to streamline investigations and outpace sophisticated criminal networks.
Global Security Threats
Salisbury’s work addresses some of the most pressing threats to national and global security:
- Weapons Trafficking: Salisbury’s operations reduce the flow of deadly weapons, preventing mass casualties.
- Money Laundering: By exposing financial networks, Salisbury weakens criminal organizations’ power.
- Bribery: Disrupting bribery schemes ensures the integrity of law enforcement agencies worldwide.
Salisbury’s ability to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape makes him a critical figure in securing not just U.S. borders, but also global stability.
A Legacy of Leadership
Anthony Salisbury is more than a law enforcement leader—he’s a pioneer in modern-day crime-fighting. His innovative strategies, global collaborations, and dedication to justice make him Homeland Security’s not-so-secret weapon.
Whether disrupting smuggling networks, dismantling financial crime, or stopping weapons trafficking at its source, Salisbury’s work ensures that Miami remains a hub of security and enforcement excellence.