News and reports from the Department of Homeland Security.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is observing #SeeSayDay, the annual national awareness day for the “If You See Something, Say Something®” campaign. This year's theme, "Spot the Signs. Report the Activity," emphasizes public vigilance in national security and counter-terrorism efforts within the current threat environment. The initiative encourages individuals to report suspicious activity to help prevent terrorism-related crime not only on September 25 but throughout the year.

Heriberto Mendez-Lozano, 26, received a 38-year sentence for committing hostage-taking and human smuggling, among other charges, on September 17, according to a September 18 news release from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) unit.

Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas, in consultation with Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, announced the designation of Qatar into the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This collaboration aims to enhance U.S. security interests while promoting legitimate travel and commerce between the two nations.

A Florida man has pleaded guilty to attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. The plea follows an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Orlando.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the availability of $279.9 million in grant funding for the Fiscal Year 2024 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP). Now in its third year, this program aims to help state, local, and territorial governments reduce cyber risk and build resilience against evolving cybersecurity threats.

An Orlando man has pleaded guilty to charges of enticement of a minor for sexual activity and production of child sexual abuse material. The plea follows an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded 35 grants totaling $18 million under the Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2024. The program aims to develop sustainable, multidisciplinary prevention capabilities in local communities, pilot innovative approaches, and identify best practices that can be replicated nationwide.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), particularly U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is at the forefront of new executive actions announced by the Biden-Harris Administration aimed at protecting American consumers, workers, retailers, importers, and manufacturers. These actions address the surge in small packages claiming the de minimis exemption.

On September 12, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) held an awards ceremony hosted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in New York City, where 158 employees received a Secretary’s Award in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the Department’s mission.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has seized over 350 internet domains allegedly used for the illegal importation of switches and silencers from China. These items violate the National Firearms Act, and the unauthorized use of the “Glock” trademark breaches federal laws against trafficking in counterfeit goods.

This week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the United Kingdom's Department for Business and Trade, and Australia's Department of Industry, Science, and Resources established the United States-United Kingdom-Australia Supply Chain Resilience Cooperation Group to address threats to critical supply chains.

During emergency events, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) collaborates with federal, state, local, and non-governmental partners to support those in impacted areas.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Government of Japan conducted a tabletop exercise from August 21-22 to enhance maritime cybersecurity and incident response capabilities. The exercise simulated a significant cyber incident at a Japanese port, testing response policies and fostering discussions on improving mutual preparedness for threats to interconnected critical infrastructure.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the allocation of over $380 million through the Shelter and Services Program (SSP). This funding, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), aims to support communities providing essential services such as food, shelter, clothing, acute medical care, and transportation to noncitizens recently released from DHS custody awaiting immigration court proceedings.

Cartagena de Indias, August 26, 2024