This week, the House Committee on Homeland Security held its annual Worldwide Threats hearing to discuss current security challenges facing the United States. The hearing comes as the country prepares to host major international events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics.
Testimony was provided by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) Director Joseph Kent, and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Security Branch Operations Director Michael Glasheen. Witnesses addressed how recent border issues and the withdrawal from Afghanistan continue to affect today’s threat landscape. They also described steps being taken to address threats from terrorist groups, transnational criminal organizations, and individuals acting alone.
Committee members and witnesses noted achievements in border security under the Trump administration and ongoing efforts against drug and human smuggling. They also discussed new challenges driven by technology, online radicalization, and a resurgence of terrorist activity worldwide.
Chairman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY) emphasized collaboration between federal agencies and Congress: “The work your agencies do each day furthers that mission and this Committee will always be a strong partner in those efforts. I want to commend all three of you – the border is secure, the flow of drugs is slowing, and violent criminals are being taken off the streets. America is once again a symbol of global strength.”
He continued: “However, as I am sure you will all agree, it is not time to take a break, it is time for action. We cannot succeed in our collective homeland security mission without working together, collaborating, and striving for better. The threats we face are persistent and ever-changing.”
“In 2025, we fight our adversaries in cyberspace, we counter radicalization on the internet and in chatrooms, we resist Communist China propaganda, we prepare for newfound biological threats, and we combat the flow of transnational criminals across our borders.”
“All of this is on the backdrop of the upcoming 25th anniversary of the horrific terrorist attacks of September 11th that took the lives of thousands across New York, D.C., and Pennsylvania. It’s why I sought this Chairmanship and what guides me every day in this work. We all share the same goal – keeping Americans safe regardless of the threat.”
Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement Chairman Michael Guest (R-MS) questioned Secretary Noem about anti-law enforcement rhetoric:
“I think the words that these elected officials have used to describe our law enforcement officers are horrific, shocking, and unacceptable. Every single American citizen should find the words that they have used to describe these men and women that took an oath to keep us safe unacceptable… We are seeing the consequences of those words every single day by the violent attacks.”
When asked about current threats tracked by DHS amid heightened domestic risks by Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence Chairman August Pfluger (R-TX), NCTC Director Kent said:
“There’s 18,000 known and suspected terrorists in the country right now that came in under Joe Biden’s watch.”
Secretary Noem added: “We face the terrorists that we faced for years in ISIS and al-Qaeda, Hamas, individuals that are here that are radicalized, but also we face the cartels as they’ve infiltrated our country under the last administration… We encounter them, arrest them, deport them, and bring them to justice each and every day.
“Beyond that, sir, you even have gangs in cities that are localized that are terrorist organizations… We work every day to make sure that we’re protecting those communities. So I could not prioritize one over another because they’re all killers – they’re all killers and they all are destroying families each and every day.”
Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology Chairman Dale Strong (R-AL) raised questions about strengthening counter-drone measures ahead of major events; NCTC Director Kent responded:
“The NDAA for the authorities, that’d be the first step to give us the ability to lawfully use counter-UAS authorities… The counter-UAS technology’s going to change so having appropriate funding and support to stay up with that technology so we can mitigate threats our nation faces.”
On cyber threats from China raised by Subcommittee on Cybersecurity Chairman Andy Ogles (R-TN), NCTC Director Kent stated:
“The CCP is one of more aggressive actors in cyberspace right now. NCTC is mostly focused on terrorism realm how terrorist actors using proliferation encrypted devices just internet spread propaganda.”
FBI National Security Branch Operations Director Glasheen added: “I would say that Chinese government CCP is our greatest cyber threat. It is a full-time job. And resources they throw at this it is unbelievable. And a major concern.”
Rep. Brad Knott (R-NC) asked about vetting individuals from countries lacking reliable documentation linked with foreign terrorist organizations; NCTC Director Kent replied:
“You simply can’t. That’s why prior to Biden administration these individuals even ones who wanted claim asylum had go first safe third country...it would take 18 months two years properly vet them...Biden threw all out window.”
Rep. Gabe Evans (R-CO) asked about changes in drug smuggling methods following stronger border enforcement; NCTC Director Kent explained:
“President Trump Secretary Noem decisively secured border...fentanyl smuggling drug smuggling moving Maritime environment both coasts...we’re going need good deal more ISR Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Platforms cover big broad space so can pick up these drug boats take them off battlefield.”
Rep. Matt Van Epps (R-TN), participating in his first hearing as committee member asked about public-private cooperation against AI-enabled cyberattacks; FBI National Security Branch Operations Director Glasheen answered:
“AI is continued challenge right now… CISA 2015 authorization gives us authorities that's critical future success...key piece here relationship with private sector private industry.”
