FBI spotlights joint terrorism task force, border partnerships in El Paso roundtable
At a roundtable marking 45 years of its Joint Terrorism Task Force, the FBI and partner agencies highlighted border-related threats, southern New Mexico coordination, and oversight mechanisms to protect civil liberties.
During the 45th anniversary of its JTTF, FBI El Paso emphasized interagency coordination, southern New Mexico ties and constitutional safeguards
Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News
EL PASO - Marking the 45th anniversary of its Joint Terrorism Task Force, the FBI held a roundtable discussion Friday spotlighting interagency partnerships and border-related threats, while reaffirming its commitment to transparency and constitutional safeguards.
The briefing, hosted by FBI El Paso Special Agent in Charge John Morales, included representatives from Homeland Security, Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Secret Service, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The group described the task force as a collaborative web of intelligence-sharing relationships that extends beyond the Texas border and into southern New Mexico, with daily coordination and long-standing partnerships across federal, state and local agencies.
While the roundtable offered few new revelations, officials used the anniversary to highlight past operations, including the task force’s coordinated response to the 2019 mass shooting at an El Paso Walmart that left 23 people dead and emphasize public vigilance in identifying potential threats. Morales noted that while national security remains paramount, the FBI cannot open investigations based solely on ideology or protected speech.
“Our focus is on individuals who take—or are preparing to take—violent actions that violate federal law or threaten national security,” he said.
In response to a question from Organ Mountain News, Morales said the task force’s jurisdiction does extend into southern New Mexico, and that daily intelligence sharing helps ensure coordination across state lines.
“Every investigation we initiate is done so in collaboration with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, who add another level of oversight in ensuring the investigation is in line with our authorities while safeguarding the rights of the communities we serve,” Morales added.
In a separate written response provided to Organ Mountain News following the event, Morales addressed the balance between operational secrecy and public accountability:
“First and foremost by ensuring that every investigation we initiate collect and act upon the intelligence and information available to us. Additionally ensuring that the intelligence we are basing our decisions are accurate and complete. Lastly every investigation we initiate is done so in collaboration with the U.S. Attorney’s Office who add another level of oversight in ensuring the investigation is being in line with our authorities while safeguarding the rights of the communities we serve.”
Officials also addressed the JTTF’s growing role in school safety, special event planning and efforts to vet individuals with potential ties to foreign terrorist organizations. Partnerships with local law enforcement and school districts were repeatedly emphasized.
Damien Willis is founder and editor of Organ Mountain News.
Keep reading: