ICE Expands Cybercrime Prevention for Youth Globally
ICE's Homeland Security Investigations is now a leadership member of InterCOP, a 44-country network focused on keeping young people out of cybercrime. On October 8, 2026, HSI joined Dutch police in a joint prevention campaign airing in nearly 20 countries. The initiative signals a shift in how U.S. immigration enforcement agencies are engaging with youth digital safety — not just prosecution.
What HSI and InterCOP Are Doing
ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), through the DHS Cyber Crimes Center (C3), is deepening its role in the International Cyber Offender Prevention network — known as InterCOP. HSI is currently the only U.S. agency on InterCOP's leadership committee. The network brings together law enforcement from 44 countries, plus academic, private-sector, and nonprofit partners, all focused on reducing cybercrime before it starts.
On October 8, 2026, HSI joined police in the Netherlands for a joint campaign targeting youth cybercrime. Two videos are now airing in nearly 20 countries. One explains the dangers and legal consequences of distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks — a type of cyberattack that floods a website with traffic to knock it offline. The other shows young people how their tech skills can be used to fight cybercrime instead of commit it.
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A Domestic Initiative Launched in April 2026
The DHS C3 expanded its prevention work inside the United States starting in April 2026, launching a program called Informed Cyber Choices. The initiative serves as a central resource for youth cybercrime prevention messaging across the country. It focuses on cyber safety awareness, responsible digital behavior, and legal ways to develop cybersecurity skills. DHS C3 Deputy Assistant Director Kimberly Long said the goal is straightforward: "Help young people understand the consequences of cybercrime and show them how their abilities can contribute to a safer digital environment."
For immigrant families in the U.S., this matters in a specific way. Young people with strong tech skills — including children of immigrants — are sometimes targeted by criminal groups who recruit them into illegal cyber activity. Involvement in cybercrime, even as a minor, can create serious immigration consequences for the whole family later in life. A criminal record can affect green card applications, naturalization, and visa renewals.
What to Do
- Talk to your children about the legal boundaries of online activity — using someone else's network without permission or participating in DDoS attacks can lead to federal criminal charges.
- If your child is interested in cybersecurity, look into legal programs and competitions (such as CyberPatriot or community college courses) that build skills without legal risk.
- If a family member has already been contacted by law enforcement about online activity, consult an immigration lawyer immediately — criminal charges can affect immigration status even before a conviction.
- Follow the DHS C3's Informed Cyber Choices initiative for free resources on online safety aimed at youth and parents.
What to do, step by step — see our guide “Your Rights During an ICE Encounter”.
Fishkin Law Firm, New York
From an immigration attorney's perspective, any criminal charge — including cybercrime charges against a juvenile — can surface during green card applications, naturalization interviews, or visa renewals and create grounds for denial or removal proceedings. Parents should understand that "moral character" requirements in immigration law are broadly interpreted, and even arrests without convictions may need to be disclosed. If your family has any connection to a cybercrime investigation, consult an immigration attorney before speaking with law enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child's cybercrime charge affect my green card or naturalization?
Yes. Immigration law requires applicants to demonstrate good moral character. A child's criminal record generally does not directly affect a parent's application, but if you yourself are charged or implicated, it can. Any criminal matter in your household should be reviewed by an immigration attorney.
What is a DDoS attack and why is it illegal?
A distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack floods a website or online service with fake traffic to knock it offline. It is a federal crime under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, even if the person doing it thinks it is harmless or a prank. Convictions can lead to prison time and immigration consequences.
What is InterCOP and does it share data with immigration authorities?
InterCOP is an international network of law enforcement agencies, academics, and nonprofits focused on preventing youth cybercrime. HSI — which is part of ICE — sits on its leadership committee. While InterCOP's stated mission is prevention and education, HSI is an enforcement agency, so any information shared in that context could potentially be used in investigations.
Where can I find legal cybersecurity programs for my child?
The DHS C3's Informed Cyber Choices initiative, launched in April 2026, is designed as a central resource for youth cybersecurity education in the U.S. Programs like CyberPatriot, community college courses, and nonprofit coding academies also offer legal, structured paths for young people with tech skills.