Jose Cruz started his CBP career as an Immigration Inspector at the Port of JFK/New York in June 2002, where he performed a full spectrum of frontline border protection duties. In 2005, Jose served as team leader of the Anti-Terrorist Contraband Enforcement Team (ATCET)- Outbound, focusing on enforcing Title 31 Currency and Foreign Transaction Reporting Requirements. He participated as an Instructor for CBP’s National Outbound Currency Interdiction Training Course. In 2010, he joined as a team member of Criminal Enforcement Unit, investigating violations of criminal and civil law pertaining to smuggling of instruments of terror, people, and other contraband. He also reviewed cases of noncitizens in which CBP determined to commence removal proceedings.
Supporting CBP’s international engagements, in 2009 and 2010, Jose assisted and served as an instructor to foreign officials in two international bulk cash smuggling training held in Guatemala City, Guatemala. In 2012, he served on Temporary Duty Assignments as a CBP Advisor in Guatemala City, assisted law enforcement to disrupt the movement of criminal activities and contraband within the Central American nations. Provided Targeting and Risk Management (TRM) training to Central American government Officials with a focus in incorporating targeting techniques of arriving and departing commercial freight.
Since March 2019, Jose has participated as a member of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New York Dark Web & Cryptocurrency Task Force. He assisted the Port of JFK in establishing a dark web group and provides training to frontline Officers. He also focuses on the opportunity to expand CBP’s partnerships and engages with other law enforcement partners to strengthen border cooperation and enhance operational relationships. Prior to joining Federal Service, Jose worked in the private sector as a Financial Analyst for a multinational media network.
