James C. Harris
Assistant Director
DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking
![Headshot of James Harris, HSI Assistant Director, Center for Countering Human Trafficking](/https/www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/2024-05/24_0304_hsi_leadership-harris-official-portrait.jpg.webp?itok=RVUq6oM6)
James C. Harris is at the forefront of the U.S. Government’s fight against human trafficking and leads the Center for Countering Human Trafficking's efforts in bringing traffickers to justice and facilitating the identification and recovery of victims nationwide.
Prior to this assignment, Mr. Harris was the Special Agent in Charge for HSI Baltimore. He held other key leadership positions to include the acting Special Agent in Charge and Deputy Special Agent in Charge for HSI Detroit where he was responsible for all criminal investigations, operations, and personnel within Michigan and Ohio. Additionally, Mr. Harris was the Assistant Special Agent in Charge for HSI Washington, D.C. where he oversaw the national security portfolio for the National Capital Region.
At headquarters, Mr. Harris served as the Division Chief of the Counterproliferation Unit and the Deputy Director of the Export Enforcement Coordination Center. In these roles, he sought to prevent illicit procurement networks, terrorist groups, and hostile nations from illegally obtaining U.S. military products. He was also the Chief of Staff for the Deputy Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Deputy Chief of Staff for the Director where he was a senior advisor providing daily strategic input on investigations, enforcement activity, budget, and human capital. Mr. Harris also oversaw vital investigative services in other roles, such as undercover operations, asset forfeiture, victim assistance, and the forensic laboratory.
Mr. Harris began his law enforcement career as an intern with the U.S. Customs Service before becoming a special agent in Seattle, Washington. He has a passion for learning, with an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati, a Master of Business Administration from George Mason University, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania, and an Executive Certificate in Public Leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School.