Last week Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas discussed the current threats facing the U.S. at the Council on Foreign Relations.
According to a release by Homeland Security on April 21, these threats include cyber attacks, domestic violent extremism and COVID-19. He also discussed how the department is addressing them. Mayorkas stressed that working with state and local partners is vital, as well as improving information sharing and investing in technology and infrastructure. He highlighted the need for a humane and fair immigration system, as well as speaking about the root cause of migration and also promoting diversity, equity and inclusion within the department.
"The profound evolution in the homeland security threat environment, changing at a pace faster than ever before, has required our Department of Homeland Security to evolve along with it," said Mayorkas.
The Department of Homeland Security also announced a task force that is dedicated to Artificial Intelligence. This is to use AI to advance Homeland Security missions. The task force will focus on integrating AI into efforts to enhance the integrity of supply chains while working to stop the fentanyl smuggling into the U.S. The task force will also work to apply AI to digital forensic tools in an effort to identify victims of online child sexual exploitation and abuse, while also assessing the impact of AI on infrastructure security.
“This is a collective effort: we must all come together in the service of our homeland security. We must call upon our collective imagination, our commitment to a better future, and our fundamental love of country that binds us together, to protect our homeland,” Mayorkas said.
Also released was the Third Quadrennial Homeland Security Review for April. This outlines strategic priorities and objectives for the next four years. The focus is on cybersecurity, counterterrorism, immigration enforcement, border security, disaster response and resilience. The report also emphasizes collaboration, communication and investing in new technology that would help with national security against these threats that are constantly evolving and emerging.
