Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, addressed the U.S. Conference of Mayors during the organization's winter meeting last month in Washington, D.C.
DHS released a transcript of Sec. Mayorkas's remarks delivered Jan. 20 at the meeting. In the remarks, Mayorkas thanked the gathered officials for their commitment to their communities and for their willingness to work with federal agencies to improve and protect their cities.
Mayors, Mayorkas said, "are some of the most powerful people in this entire country. You have under your charge the well-being of our communities. And your power is increased when you partner with others. And we in the Department of Homeland Security want to be a very valuable partner of yours."
The DHS Secretary listed four areas "where we are deeply involved and want to be deeply involved with you. We want to be your partner," the transcript reads. The areas of focus are cybersecurity, domestic violent extremism, immigration, and natural disasters, according to the transcript.
On the topic of cybersecurity, Mayorkas said it was easy for city leaders to become complacent, either because they believe their city too small to attract the attention of cyber criminals; or, they lead larger cities with cybersecurity systems believed to be impenetrable. "And I would respectfully submit that you would both be wrong," Mayorkas said.
He shared suggestions on simple steps cities can take to lessen the likelihood a cyber criminal can gain access to begin with, such as designating a point person to oversee cybersecurity and requiring staffers to change their passwords frequently. Mayorkas said the DHS was prepared to assist them improve their cyber security measures with funding, personnel and support technologies.
"This is the first year that we will have $1 billion dollars in grant funds to distribute around the country to different cities — small, medium and large — over a four-year period and, this year, it is our plan to distribute $200 million of those funds to cities," Mayorkas said. "And so we have a great deal of funding to equip and empower you to deal with this threat environment that is only growing."
The Secretary said domestic terrorism is the "greatest terrorism-related threat that we face on our homeland." He defined a "domestic terrorist" as someone who goes beyond making statements promoting ideologies of hate and false narratives and actually engages in acts of violence. That's when DHS becomes involved, he said, but said preventing an attack is a better strategy, and DHS is ready to assist cities in identifying possible threats before an attack occurs.
"And here too, we in the Department of Homeland Security can help you," Mayorkas said. "We can dispatch our experts to teach you about the indicia of violent extremism and when one is beginning to descend into those paths. We have grant funds, -- last year a minimum of $77 million but we have more this year -- to equip and empower you to build programs and to be able to deliver the social services capabilities that you might have.
On the topic of immigration, Mayorkas said DHS would, as "a matter of justice and fairness and equity," focus on apprehending illegal migrants who pose a threat to community safety, national security or border security.
"We will not dedicate our limited enforcement resources to apprehend individuals who have lived in the U.S. for many years and are contributing members of our communities," he said.
"We want to champion our identity as a nation of immigrants: realize and harness and advance their contributions," Mayorkas said. "That is who I think we are. And I, as an immigrant to this country, say that with tremendous pride and gratitude, not only to my parents, of course, but to the country that gave us this home and me the opportunity to join government service."
Mayorkas also addressed how climate change is exacerbating natural disasters and the devastation they cause. He reiterated that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is ready and prepared to assist with mitigation measures and rebuilding efforts. He again stressed the agency's desire to build a strong team with local community leaders.
"Let us help you map out evacuation routes in case a natural disaster hits," Mayorkas said. "We want to help plan: to prevent devastation to your populations from occurring, to be ready for the disasters should they strike, to be able to respond effectively, and to be resilient against them.
"We want to build with you, together with you in partnership, stronger and more prosperous communities. We want to prevent the threats from materializing. If they materialize, we want to be able to respond effectively. And when we respond effectively, we want to prove our resilience. That is what we want to do," Mayorkas told the community leaders at the meeting.
Mayorkas concluded his address by commending the Operation Allies Welcome program which resettled more than 70,000 Afghan refugees across the U.S.
The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official non-partisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more residents. The cities are represented at the organization's meetings by mayors or other elected officials.
