Joe Velasco left the Special Victims Unit (SVU) to accept a new undercover assignment with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in San Diego, where he would continue targeting a dangerous drug lord he had been pursuing. His decision followed a successful prior undercover operation for the DEA, during which he leveraged his past experiences with cartels, and the agency specifically requested his reassignment.
Reason for Departure
Velasco’s exit was driven by a compelling career opportunity rather than personal conflict or dissatisfaction. The DEA reached out to Manhattan Chief of Detectives Kathryn Tynan to formally request Velasco for an ongoing undercover mission focused on dismantling major drug operations. Although Velasco was hesitant to leave Captain Olivia Benson’s squad—especially with Sergeant Fin Tutuola recovering from an attack—he ultimately decided to pursue the role after Benson encouraged him to go where he could do the most good.
Character and Emotional Closure
Before leaving, Velasco shared a heartfelt farewell with Benson and visited Fin at home. He reflected on how deeply fulfilling the undercover work was, admitting he had been so energized during his last assignment that he hadn’t slept for four nights. His final conversation with Fin emphasized personal growth, as Velasco revealed that being immersed in meaningful police work allowed him to move beyond past regrets.
Production Context
While the in-universe reason for Velasco’s departure was his DEA reassignment, the real-world decision stemmed from NBC’s announcement in May 2025 that Octavio Pisano would not return as a series regular for Season 27, alongside Juliana Aidén Martinez. Though initial reports suggested a permanent exit, Pisano returned for a guest appearance in Season 27 to provide narrative closure. The exact reasons for the casting change—whether creative, financial, or personal—have not been officially confirmed by the actor or network [web