FBI Director Highlights Work of Los Angeles, San Diego Divisions

Kash Patel praises the 'incredible work' of the FBI's California field offices in major operations and investigations.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 9:25pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a stack of $100 bills against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the financial crimes and illicit funds targeted by the FBI's operations.The FBI's crackdown on major healthcare fraud and drug trafficking operations in California exposes the gritty realities of organized crime.San Diego Today

FBI Director Kash Patel has praised the 'incredible work' of the agency's Los Angeles and San Diego field offices, highlighting their recent successes in major operations and investigations. Patel noted the L.A. office's $50 million healthcare fraud takedown and a major cocaine seizure, as well as their preparations for upcoming major events. He also touted the San Diego office's 700% increase in narcotics seizures and counter-espionage operations.

Why it matters

The FBI's regional field offices play a crucial role in carrying out high-profile investigations and operations across the country. Patel's public praise of the L.A. and San Diego divisions underscores the important work these offices are doing to combat crime, secure major events, and protect national security.

The details

In his weekly update, Patel said he had the opportunity to visit the L.A. and San Diego Field Offices and was impressed by their recent successes. He noted that the L.A. office had just completed a $50 million healthcare fraud takedown as part of 'Operation Never Say Die,' and in the same week seized 255 kilograms of cocaine in a major drug trafficking organization (DTO) bust. Patel also highlighted the office's preparations for securing the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics in the city. For the San Diego division, Patel touted a 700% increase in narcotics seizures over the previous year, as well as major counter-espionage operations and Violent Crimes Against Children takedowns.

  • In his weekly update on April 19, 2026, Patel discussed his recent visits to the FBI's L.A. and San Diego field offices.

The players

Kash Patel

The current Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

FBI Los Angeles Field Office

The FBI's field office serving the Los Angeles metropolitan area, which has conducted major operations and investigations.

FBI San Diego Field Office

The FBI's field office serving the San Diego metropolitan area, which has seen a significant increase in narcotics seizures and other high-profile cases.

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What they’re saying

“FBI L.A. recently carried out Operation Never Say Die, $50-million-dollar healthcare fraud takedown — AND in the same week, they seized 255 kilograms of cocaine during a major DTO takedown.”

— Kash Patel, FBI Director

“FBI San Diego has also been doing tremendous work, including a massive 700-percent increase in narcotics seizures last year compared to 2024, as well as major counter espionage operations, Violent Crimes Against Children takedowns, and more.”

— Kash Patel, FBI Director

The takeaway

Patel's praise of the FBI's regional field offices in Los Angeles and San Diego underscores the critical role these divisions play in carrying out high-impact investigations and operations across the country. Their recent successes in areas like healthcare fraud, drug trafficking, and counter-espionage demonstrate the FBI's ongoing efforts to combat a wide range of criminal and national security threats.