Mark Zito named special agent in charge of ICE Homeland Security Investigations Carolinas

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - ICE Homeland Security Investigations announced Oct. 22 that Mark Zito has been named special agent in charge of HSI Carolinas. Based in Charlotte, Zito will oversee HSI operations across North Carolina and South Carolina.

Zito brings more than 31 years of federal law enforcement experience to the role. As special agent in charge, he will lead more than 475 special agents, criminal analysts, task force officers and professional staff investigating transnational criminal organizations and terrorist networks that threaten U.S. customs and immigration laws. Zito also serves as co-director of the Homeland Security Task Force for CORE 23, covering the Carolinas.

"Having previously served the people of North Carolina, I am honored by the opportunity to return to this region and lead the exceptional men and women of HSI Carolinas," Zito said. "The Carolinas are home to strong communities, a growing economy and dedicated law enforcement partners. I look forward to working alongside our federal, state, local and international partners to protect the people who live, work and visit here while making this remarkable area home once again."

Before his current assignment, Zito served as special agent in charge of HSI Kansas City. He has also held leadership and operational roles at HSI headquarters and field offices nationwide, with experience in national security, counterproliferation, narcotics, human trafficking and financial investigations.

Zito began his federal career as a U.S. Army military police lieutenant and previously served with the North Carolina Department of Correction, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Customs Service. He is a graduate of The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, and a member of the Senior Executive Service.

HSI is the principal investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security, responsible for investigating, disrupting and dismantling transnational criminal organizations and other threats that exploit global trade, travel and financial systems.