Joe Velasco

Detective Jose "Joe" Velasco is a former detective with the Special Victims Unit. He was assigned to the squad following the retirement of Katriona Tamin. In 2025, he left the Special Victims Unit and became an informant for the DEA due to his close connections with the local cartel. Velasco's past includes a troubled childhood in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, and involvement with gangs, which he uses to his advantage in his work with SVU. He was born in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, and his past is marked by a troubled childhood with an ąɓųṣīvẹ father. Whilst Velasco was doing paperwork, Benson noticed that he was still working and offered to buy him a drink. At the bar, Benson and the rest of the team told him that he was being promoted to Detective 2nd Grade. Later, after closing a case, Velasco received his promotion at a ceremony that honored his work. Character background • Origin: Born and raised in the dangerous cartel territory of Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, he joined the police to turn his life around.  • Skills: His past gives him unique insight into the criminal world, but he often clashes with protocol.  • Relationships: He formed a close bond with Sgt. Fin Tutuola, who acted as a mentor.  • Family: He has an unnamed mother, father (deceased), and sister.  • Ąɓųṣịvĕ Father: His father was an alcoholic who frequently beat him with a belt, which he later kept as a memento. • Troubled Youth: He was involved with a ğåŋĝ and even participated in luring a pęðọpĥįļë for the ĝªņģ, which led to him fleeing the life with his mother.  • Relocation: He and his mother fled to Nebraska and then Washington Heights, New York.  • Name: His birth name is Jose.  • Height: He is 6 feet (1.83m) tall. Other Notable Points: • Fan Favorite: He has become a fan favorite due to his dedication and passion. • Turned his Life Around: Despite his difficult past, Velasco has successfully turned his life around and dedicated himself to justice.