This opinion piece by FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Mark Remily was published in the San Diego Union-Tribune on October 14, 2026.
Shortly after I arrived in San Diego in April, our community faced the tragic mass shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, which claimed three innocent lives. This horrific act of violence was a stark reminder of the threats we continue to face. Since then, the FBI, working closely with our law enforcement partners, has pursued the investigation with unwavering determination. The recent arrest of a juvenile co‑conspirator located in North Carolina underscores our commitment to holding every responsible individual accountable and preventing further violence.
San Diego is defined not only by its beauty but by its unity and collaboration. I am honored to serve in a region where federal, state, and local law enforcement work seamlessly together to protect the public. Having served across the country, I can say the partnership culture in San Diego is truly exceptional in how its agencies work to safeguard communities.
Over the past year, FBI San Diego has delivered meaningful results across violent crime, national security, cyber investigations, and international fraud. Nationwide, public safety has strengthened significantly. New FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data shows violent crime fell 9.3% from 2024 to 2025, the largest decline since national tracking began in 1936. Murder and robbery each dropped more than 18%, and property crime fell 12.4%. These reductions reflect strengthened partnerships and focused enforcement.
Locally, FBI San Diego and our law enforcement partners played a central role in these gains. We led significant operations targeting violent gangs, including Operation Encripted, which resulted in 33 narcotics‑related arrests and disrupted networks contributing to local violence.
Public safety also includes securing major events. FBI San Diego worked closely with military partners, local agencies, and federal entities to protect the NASCAR event on Coronado, an unprecedented undertaking requiring sophisticated coordination. We served as a base camp for the FIFA World Cup and have begun preparations for the LA28 Olympics, helping ensure major gatherings are safe and supported by the full strength of our region’s capabilities.
Another priority is combating international fraud networks. San Diego has become a national leader in dismantling overseas scam compounds—large‑scale criminal enterprises running cryptocurrency investment schemes. Earlier this year, an international operation resulted in 276 arrests and dismantled nine scam centers across Southeast Asia.
Through close partnerships with private industry and the Scam Center Strike Force, FBI San Diego helped seize malicious domains, recover tens of millions in cryptocurrency, and support a State Department reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the recovery of stolen funds. These efforts make clear that even when fraud networks operate abroad, their reach into our communities will be met with the full strength of U.S. law enforcement.
San Diego is also leading the nation in protecting older Americans. Our office is home to the only Elder Justice Task Force in the country, focused on preventing fraud before victims lose their savings. Working with law enforcement, financial institutions, and victim services organizations, the task force intervenes in real time—halting transfers, recovering funds, and returning money to victims. These efforts have prevented millions of dollars in harm and set a national standard for safeguarding seniors.
Our national security mission remains equally critical. FBI San Diego supported important terrorism investigations involving individuals alleged to have provided material support to foreign terrorist organizations. These arrests underscore the strength of Joint Terrorism Task Force partnerships and our commitment to protecting U.S. service members and citizens.
We have also played a central role in major cyber operations targeting state‑sponsored threats. Working with the Department of Justice and the FBI’s Cyber Division, our teams helped disrupt platforms used by a People’s Republic of China sponsored cyber group targeting U.S. critical infrastructure, dismantling malware designed to conceal foreign cyberattacks.
After 17 years with the FBI and over 25 years in law enforcement, I have never seen stronger momentum or partnerships. San Diego’s collaborative culture, combined with recent Bureau reforms, continues to drive results that keep our community safe.
San Diego is extraordinary, and its residents deserve the very best from their public safety partners. Every day, I am humbled and honored to lead the men and women of FBI San Diego who work to deliver exactly that.