Mike Prado, Deputy Assistant Director of the DHS Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Cyber Crimes Center, is retiring from federal law enforcement after 24 years of service.
Prado announced his retirement, effective April 3, in a LinkedIn post reflecting on a career that spanned a wide range of investigative and leadership roles across HSI. He most recently led the DHS Cyber Crimes Center (C3), where he oversaw efforts targeting cyber-enabled crime, online exploitation, and transnational threats.
Over the course of his career, Prado held multiple senior positions within HSI, including Deputy Special Agent in Charge in Charlotte, Assistant Special Agent in Charge in Washington, D.C., and Division Chief of the Cyber Division. He also served as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the Director and as an IACP Visiting Fellow, supporting coordination with state and local law enforcement.
Prado began his federal career in 2002 as a special agent in California and later advanced through supervisory and leadership roles, including Resident Agent in Charge in Fresno and Domestic Operations Chief within HSI’s Transnational Crime and Public Safety Division. His work focused on a range of mission areas, including cybercrime, online child exploitation, transnational gangs, narcotics and arms trafficking, and intellectual property violations.
In his retirement announcement, Prado said, “During my time, I have had the honor of serving in a variety of roles and had a front row seat as transnational crime and the illicit use of technology dramatically evolved, as has law enforcement’s collective response to effectively combat these changes to protect the public safety and national security of the U.S.”
Prado was also recognized as a 2025 Homeland Security Today Trailblazer for his contributions to the field.
There has been no announcement on what comes next for Prado.
