Which agency is tasked with freezing foreign assets?

The Department of the Treasury is responsible for freezing foreign assets, particularly through its Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). This agency administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions based on U.S. foreign policy and national security goals. When foreign individuals, entities, or countries pose a threat or violate U.S. laws or policies, the Treasury has the authority to impose sanctions and freeze their assets located within the United States. This action is an important tool in responding to international threats and ensuring compliance with U.S. laws regarding foreign relations.

The other agencies mentioned have different functions that do not primarily focus on freezing foreign assets. For instance, the FBI focuses on federal law enforcement and investigating crimes, the Department of State deals more with diplomatic relations and the overall foreign policy of the United States, while the Department of Justice handles legal issues and prosecutions. Thus, the Department of the Treasury is uniquely positioned to enforce asset freezes as part of its economic sanction powers.