Homeland News
Homeland
Maria Mendoza-Mendoza, the leader of a migrant smuggling operation, was indicted in 2018 and pled guilty to charges of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens for profit on January 24.
Homeland
Justice department expands efforts against human smugglers ahead of task force anniversary
Ahead of the third anniversary of the establishment of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Justice Department has announced additional efforts to dismantle human smuggling operations and increase accountability for those who violate immigration laws. Launched in June 2021 by Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas and Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, JTFA is a partnership between the Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) aimed at disrupting human smuggling and trafficking organizations operating in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador,...
Homeland
DHS provides CBRN detection support at Indianapolis 500
Indianapolis, IN – From May 23 to 26, Assistant Secretary Mary Ellen Callahan of the DHS Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD) visited Indianapolis Motor Speedway to review safety and security measures for the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500. The Indy 500 is the largest single-day sporting event globally, with an estimated daily attendance of up to 350,000 people. Indianapolis has been a critical and longstanding CWMD operational partner. The preparations and operations for the Indy 500 exemplify collaboration across federal, state, and local agencies to...
Homeland
Honduran leader sentenced for orchestrating migrant smuggling operation
The leader of a migrant smuggling organization was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for her role in smuggling over 100 migrants from Honduras to the United States for profit.
Homeland
FEMA prepares for upcoming Atlantic hurricane season alongside NOAA
FEMA Prepares for 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season, Joins NOAA for Annual Hurricane Outlook
Homeland
Secretary Mayorkas urges Congress on bipartisan border security agreement
WASHINGTON – Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas issued a statement regarding the Senate vote on the Bipartisan Border Security Agreement on May 23, 2024.
Homeland
Franco-American customs cooperation strengthened with new joint declaration
The Minister Delegate for Public Accounts of France, Mr. Thomas Cazanave, and the Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Ms. Kristie Canegallo, signed a Joint Declaration of Intent today to enhance Franco-American customs cooperation.
Homeland
DHS recognized as most improved agency by Partnership for Public Service
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas has issued a statement regarding the Partnership for Public Service's recognition of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as the most improved large agency in its 2023 Best Places to Work in the Federal Government.
Homeland
DHS and DOJ announce new process for efficient immigration hearings
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas and Attorney General Merrick B. Garland have announced a new Recent Arrivals (RA) Docket process to expedite the resolution of immigration cases involving certain noncitizen single adults who attempt irregular crossings between ports of entry at the Southwest border. This initiative will enable the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to swiftly impose consequences, including removal, on those without a legal basis to remain in the United States. It will also hasten the granting of...
Homeland
DHS adds 26 PRC-based textile companies to UFLPA Entity List
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the addition of 26 textile companies based in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Entity List. Effective from May 17, 2024, goods produced by these entities will be restricted from entering the United States. This move is intended to increase transparency and enable responsible companies to conduct due diligence on their supply chains, ensuring they do not include goods made with forced labor.
Homeland
U.S. departments issue alert on aviation sector's role in irregular migration
The Departments of State, Homeland Security, and the Treasury have jointly issued an alert to airlines, air charter operators, travel agents, and service providers. The alert is in response to migrant smuggling and human trafficking networks exploiting legitimate transportation services to facilitate irregular migration to the United States. This statement outlines the U.S. government’s efforts to promote responsible practices in the industry, prevent and disrupt illicit activity, and enhance compliance with lawful immigration and migration pathways.
Homeland
DHS proposes rule to enhance security and streamline asylum processing
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), under the Biden-Harris Administration, has announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that aims to enhance border security and streamline asylum processing. The proposed rule, published through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), will allow statutory bars to asylum to be applied earlier in the process, enabling quicker removal of those posing a risk to national security or public safety.
Homeland
Third Los Angeles Declaration Ministerial: Key Takeaways and Future Initiatives
On May 6-7, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Secretary Kristie Canegallo joined Secretary of State Antony Blinken, White House National Security Council’s Marcela Escobari, and USAID Acting Assistant Administrator for Latin America and the Caribbean Michael Camilleri in Guatemala City, Guatemala. They represented the United States Government at the third Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection Ministerial. Over the past two years, this declaration has served as a framework for its signatories throughout the Americas to take action on shared...
Homeland
DHS, CISA Announce Membership Changes to the Cyber Safety Review Board
Washington - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have announced changes to the Cyber Safety Review Board (CSRB) membership. Departing members include Katie Moussouris, Chris Novak, Tony Sager, and Wendi Whitmore. Joining the CSRB are Jamil Jaffer, David Luber, Katie Nickels, and Chris Krebs.CISA Director Jen Easterly expressed her gratitude to the departing members and welcomed the new additions, stating, "I am truly grateful for their service on the Board...I know their cybersecurity expertise and...
Homeland
Statement from Secretary Mayorkas on Microsoft's Announcement of Security Updates Following CSRB Recommendations
WASHINGTON - Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas commended Microsoft for its proactive approach towards security enhancements in response to recommendations from the Department of Homeland Security’s Cyber Security Review Board.In a statement released today, Secretary Mayorkas expressed his appreciation, saying, "We applaud Microsoft for its commitment to strengthen its security by embracing and acting upon the recommendations of the Cyber Safety Review Board and further advancing the company’s Secure Future Initiative."Highlighting the collaborative...
Homeland
DHS gets behind memorandum to enhance country’s infrastructure
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas has issued a statement following President Joe Biden's signing of the National Security Memorandum (NSM), an action aimed at safeguarding critical American infrastructure.
Homeland
Secretary Mayorkas Comments on New National Security Memorandum on Critical Infrastructure
WASHINGTON - In response to the National Security Memorandum (NSM) signed by President Biden today, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas emphasized the importance of securing and enhancing the resilience of U.S. critical infrastructure."Our nation’s critical infrastructure consists of the systems and services upon which Americans rely in their daily lives. From the banking system to the electric grid, from healthcare to our nation’s water systems and more, we depend on the safety and defense of our critical infrastructure as a matter of homeland and...
Homeland
DHS Receives 15 Consecutive “A” Grades on SBA Small Business Procurement Scorecard
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has once again proven its commitment to supporting small businesses by receiving a grade of “A+” on the Small Business Administration’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Small Business Procurement Scorecard. DHS was the largest federal agency to exceed all ten of the Scorecard’s small business prime and subcontracting goals."America’s small businesses are essential partners in equipping the Department’s workforce with the tools to fulfill our mission of protecting the homeland," said the Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Deputy...
Homeland
DHS Publishes Guidelines and Report to Secure Critical Infrastructure and Weapons of Mass Destruction from AI-Related Threats
WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has unveiled new guidelines and reports aimed at safeguarding critical infrastructure and weapons of mass destruction from threats related to artificial intelligence (AI). These initiatives come in response to President Biden's Executive Order focusing on the responsible development and use of AI.Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas emphasized the importance of addressing AI-related threats, stating, "AI can present transformative solutions for U.S. critical infrastructure, and it also carries the risk...
Homeland
Over 20 Experts Join New DHS Artificial Intelligence Safety and Security Board
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has established the Artificial Intelligence Safety and Security Board, aimed at advising on the responsible development and deployment of AI technology in critical infrastructure. The Board consists of 22 representatives from various sectors, including software and hardware companies, critical infrastructure operators, public officials, civil rights advocates, and academia.Secretary Mayorkas, who chairs the Board, highlighted the importance of mitigating risks associated with AI while harnessing its potential. He expressed...
Your news, delivered.
Subscribe and personalize your weekly Newswire round-up.