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May 6, 2025Washington, DC, United StatesPartnership and Engagement

ICE, international law enforcement partners, conduct TRADEWINDS 2025 in Trinidad and Tobago

WASHINGTON D.C. – On April 29, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement joined more than 1,000 service members, law enforcement professionals, government officials, and participants from 26 allied and partner nations gathered in Trinidad and Tobago to officially launch TRADEWINDS 2025—a multinational, multi-domain exercise sponsored by U.S. Southern Command and led by U.S. Army South.

As part of the exercise, ICE Homeland Security Investigations, in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, conducted a technical exchange on firearms trafficking investigations and evidence recovery, further advancing joint capabilities to combat transnational crime. TTPS Deputy Commissioner of Police Suzette Martin formally opened the proceedings in Port of Spain, joined by senior leaders from both nations’ defense and law enforcement communities, including Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Lt. Col. Dwayne Edwards, U.S. Army Col. Christopher Johnes, and ICE HSI Caribbean Regional Attaché Rafael Quinquilla.

Throughout the weeklong, Caribbean-focused exercise, ICE HSI worked closely with Trinidad and Tobago law enforcement counterparts to build capacity and strengthen operational collaboration. Activities included intelligence briefings on emerging firearms trafficking trends, instruction in advanced investigative techniques, hands-on evidence recovery exercises—including DNA and fingerprint collection—and a counter-human trafficking briefing with a case study.

“Strategic partnerships with TTPS—including recent, high-impact operations with the Transnational Organized Crime Unit, Special Investigations Unit, and Special Evidence Recovery Unit—are essential to disrupting transnational criminal networks,” said ICE HSI Rafael Quinquilla. “ICE HSI deeply values the professionalism and partnership of our Trinidad and Tobago counterparts and looks forward to building on our shared successes as we continue the fight against firearms trafficking, transnational gangs, and organized crime.”

ICE HSI’s support to TRADEWINDS 2025 is part of the ICE HSI-led Operation Hammerhead, a broader sustained initiative to combat firearms trafficking across the Caribbean. Using a comprehensive three-pronged strategy — investigative support, criminal analysis, and capacity building—ICE HSI works to identify, disrupt, and dismantle transnational criminal organizations smuggling firearms from the United States into the region.

“TRADEWINDS 2025 represents the true essence of multinational cooperation,” said U.S. Army South Training and Exercise Director and TRADEWINDS 2025 Exercise Co-lead Col. Christopher Johnes. “By working hand-in-hand with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, our Caribbean partners, and allied nations, we are not only building readiness but also reinforcing the bonds of trust and shared commitment to regional security and stability.”

TRADEWINDS 2025 marked the 40th iteration of the exercise and united a diverse array of military, security, and law enforcement professionals from across the region. Conducted on the rugged terrain of the Chaguaramas Peninsula, the exercise provided a realistic and challenging training environment designed to enhance operational interoperability and strengthen enduring international partnerships.

ICE HSI’s expertise in firearms trafficking and transnational crime was a critical contribution to the overall law enforcement component to the exercise.

TRADEWINDS 2025 reaffirmed ICE HSI’s unwavering commitment to supporting law enforcement and government partners worldwide, advancing global security through integrated training, operational synergy, and whole-of-government cooperation.

Learn more about ICE HSI’s law enforcement partnership missions on X, @ICEgov.

Updated: 06/13/2025