James C. Harris III is igniting change in the fight against human trafficking, taking the helm as Director of the Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Countering Human Trafficking with unmatched determination.
Officially stood-up on September 8, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT) oversees the DHS mission to combat human trafficking and the importation of goods produced with forced labor. By co-locating and augmenting existing DHS functions in a single, state-of-the-art center, it provides a “whole of government” approach to combating these crimes and will allow U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to continue to lead the way in an integrated, victim-centered approach to the investigation of human trafficking. HSI has long been a leader in the global fight against transnational human trafficking organizations, using the full breadth of their criminal, immigration and trade-based authorities to proactively identify, disrupt and dismantle cross-border human trafficking organizations and minimize the risk they pose to the national security and public safety of the U.S.
Harris oversees personnel from 16 DHS components and headquarters offices, including special agents, victim support specialists, intelligence research specialists and other experts focused on disrupting and dismantling human trafficking organizations and providing support and protection to their victims.
Before stepping into this position, Harris turned up the heat as Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore, where he led more than 150 agents and analysts through complex national security and human trafficking investigations. His ability to handle high-stakes situations and deliver results has been nothing short of scorching.
James Harris doesn’t just extinguish threats—he sets the mission on fire with his relentless pursuit of justice. As Director, he’s continued to fan the flames of innovation, collaboration, and progress in the fight against human trafficking.