Homeland News
Homeland
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced the selection of 656 projects for $1 billion in climate resilience funding under the Investing in America agenda. The funding aims to help state, Tribal, local, and territorial governments address risks from natural disasters such as extreme heat, wildfires, droughts, hurricanes, earthquakes, and increased flooding.

Homeland
DHS conducts first large removal flight to China since 2018
This weekend, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), conducted a removal flight to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) for Chinese nationals. This was the first large charter flight since 2018 and was conducted in close coordination with the National Immigration Administration of the PRC. DHS continues to work with the PRC’s Ministry of Public Security and National Immigration Administration on additional removal flights.

Homeland
United States signs arrangement with Panama for removal flight program
The United States and Panama have announced a new U.S. Department of State-funded foreign assistance program aimed at addressing irregular migration in the region. This initiative will assist the Panamanian government in removing foreign nationals who lack legal grounds to remain in Panama, with an objective to reduce the unprecedented levels of irregular migration through the Darien region, which saw over 520,000 migrants in 2023.

Homeland
EU-U.S. ministerial meeting reaffirms commitments on justice cooperation
On June 20-21, 2024, the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union hosted the EU-U.S. Ministerial Meeting on Justice and Home Affairs in Brussels. The United States was represented by Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco and Under Secretary for Homeland Security Robert Silvers. The European Union was represented by Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson, Belgian Minister for Justice Paul Van Tigchelt, Minister for the Interior Annelies Verlinden, and State Secretary for Asylum and Migration Nicole de Moor.

Homeland
Mayorkas announces extension of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced today the extension and redesignation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from August 4, 2024, to February 3, 2026. This decision was made due to extraordinary and temporary conditions in Haiti. The corresponding Federal Register Notice provides information about registering for TPS as a new or current beneficiary under Haiti’s extension and redesignation.

Homeland
DHS recruits first 10 members for inaugural "AI Corps" initiative
New Hires Will Help DHS Responsibly Leverage New Technology and Mitigate Risks Across the Homeland Security Enterprise

Homeland
DHS outlines safety measures during New Mexico wildfires
During emergency events, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) collaborates with federal, state, local, and non-governmental partners to support the needs of affected communities.

Homeland
High-ranking leader of MS-13 arrested on terrorism charges
Cesar Humberto Lopez-Larios has been arrested following an investigation involving Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York office, HSI International Operations, the National Gang Unit, and other law enforcement partners. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the arrest in a June 18 press release.

Homeland
DHS announces first tranche of additional NSGP funds totaling $160 Million
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today the distribution of $160 million in Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) funds. This allocation represents the first tranche of additional funding secured by the Biden-Harris Administration to protect faith-based institutions and nonprofit organizations against targeted attacks. The announcement is accompanied by an amended Notice of Funding Opportunity, enabling qualifying institutions and organizations to apply for these additional NSGP funds.

Homeland
Mayorkas outlines priorities for critical infrastructure security over next two years
On June 20, 2024, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas outlined strategic guidance to enhance critical infrastructure security and resilience efforts over the next two years. This initiative involves federal agencies, critical infrastructure owners and operators, as well as other government and private sector stakeholders. The guidance builds on President Biden’s National Security Memorandum (NSM-22) on Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience.

Homeland
Secretary Mayorkas releases statement on World Refugee Day
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas released the following statement on World Refugee Day:

Homeland
Manhattan man sentenced for fentanyl distribution following HSI Newark investigation
A 65-year-old Manhattan man has been sentenced to 25 months for distribution and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl. The defendant was convicted following a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark investigation.

Homeland
Mayorkas outlines new measures to support family unity and streamline visa pathways
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas issued a statement on the Biden-Harris Administration’s actions to keep American families together and streamline a pathway for Dreamers to access waivers related to high-skilled labor visas.

Homeland
U.S., Indonesia bolster Indo-Pacific cybersecurity via joint exercises
From June 10-13, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) partnered with the Government of Indonesia under U.S. Department of State International Narcotics and Law Enforcement and U.S. Department of Defense Threat Reduction Agency programs to enhance the security and resilience of the international maritime transportation system. This reflects a joint commitment by both nations to strengthen cybersecurity collaboration and protect maritime critical infrastructure from malicious cyber intrusions and cyber-attacks under an upgraded Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Homeland
Mayorkas calls on Congress for permanent protection of Dreamers
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas released a statement on June 15, 2024, marking the 12th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy.

Homeland
Executives arrested for $100M Adderall distribution scheme
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced today the arrest of Ruthia He, founder and CEO of Done Global Inc., and David Brody, clinical president of Done Health P.C., in connection with a scheme to distribute Adderall over the internet and commit health care fraud. The arrests took place in Los Angeles and San Rafael, California, respectively.

Homeland
DHS adds PRC-based companies to list enforcing Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the addition of three People’s Republic of China (PRC)-based companies to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Entity List. This action targets seafood, aluminum, and footwear sectors integral to Xinjiang's economy and aims to prevent goods made with forced labor from entering the U.S. market.

Homeland
Joint Task Force Alpha expands efforts against human smuggling into Colombia and Panama
Senior officials from the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice convened today to mark the third anniversary of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), a national effort aimed at investigating and prosecuting human smuggling at the southern border. The meeting, attended by senior leaders from various departments, highlighted JTFA's expansion into Colombia and Panama to address human smuggling in the Darién region.

Homeland
DHS Advisory Council releases strategies for tackling rising child sexual exploitation cases
WASHINGTON - The DHS Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) released recommendations yesterday to inform the Department’s efforts to combat rapidly increasing crimes of child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA). The HSAC’s final report of the Combatting Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Subcommittee presented six recommendations on how the consolidation of efforts at the Department and continued engagement with both federal and private sector stakeholders can complement existing DHS initiatives. The recommendations are:

Homeland
Mayorkas calls for legislative action following new executive measures on border security
WASHINGTON – Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas issued a statement on President Biden’s Proclamation to suspend and limit entry of individuals at the southern border, alongside a joint regulation from the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice.

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