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Nov 13, 2018
On November 13, the United States House of Representatives voted unanimously to pass legislation creating the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The CISA Act (H.R. 3359), which passed the Senate in October and now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law, would reorganize DHS' National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) into a new agency and prioritize its mission as the Federal leader for cyber and physical infrastructure security.
"Today's vote is a significant step to stand up a federal government cybersecurity agency," said Secretary Kirstjen M. Nielsen. "The cyber threat landscape is constantly evolving, and we need to ensure we're properly positioned to defend America's infrastructure from threats digital and physical. It was time to reorganize and operationalize NPPD into the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. I thank Chairman Michael McCaul and Ranking Member Bennie Thompson for recognizing our critical role and both starting and completing this transformation in the House of Representatives. I also thank Chairman Ron Johnson and Ranking Member Claire McCaskill for their tireless support of the CISA Act in the Senate."
"I also want to thank all the hardworking men and women of NPPD for carrying out our important cybersecurity mission each day within DHS. CISA will help bring the recognition this team deserves and will empower the team to more effectively execute its vital mission."
"The CISA Act passing Congress represents real progress in the national effort to improve our collective efforts in cybersecurity," said NPPD Under Secretary Christopher Krebs. "Elevating the cybersecurity mission within the Department of Homeland Security, streamlining our operations, and giving NPPD a name that reflects what it actually does will help better secure the nation's critical infrastructure and cyber platforms. The changes w
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Nov 09, 2018
Our system is currently overwhelmed by unchecked mass immigration, particularly at our Southwest border
Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act states plainly: "Whenever the President finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, he may by proclamation, and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or nonimmigrants, or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate."Section 215(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act similarly states: "Unless otherwise ordered by the President, it shall be unlawful for any alien to depart from or enter or attempt to depart from or enter the United States except under such reasonable rules, regulations, and orders, and subject to such limitations and exceptions as the President may prescribe."Q. Who would this rule apply to?A.This rule would apply only prospectively to proclamations issued on or after the effective date of this rule. It would not apply to a proclamation that specifically includes an exception for aliens applying for asylum, nor would it apply to aliens subject to a waiver or exception provided by the proclamation. The rule does not impact the statutory provisions regarding the care and custody of unaccompanied alien children set forth in the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 279) and the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (8 U.S.C. 1232).
(This paragraph has been updated to provide additional clarity that Unaccompanied Alien Children are subject to the IFR/Presidential Proclamation.)
Q. How does this uphold o
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Nov 08, 2018
"Today, I join the American people in mourning the lives of those lost in the horrific shooting in Thousand Oaks, California. I offer my deepest condolences to the families of the victims, and all those affected by this tragedy. I would also like to acknowledge the heroic sacrifice of Ventura County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Ron Helus, who was killed while engaging the suspect, and thank the law enforcement officers and first responders who were on the scene.
"DHS continues to support our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to develop trainings and resources to improve response capabilities and better protect soft targets and crowded places."
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Keywords: Active Shooter
Topics: Secretary of Homeland Security
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Nov 08, 2018
Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen M. Nielsen and Acting Attorney General Matthew G. Whitaker released the following statement on the joint Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice asylum regulation:
"Consistent with our immigration laws, the President has the broad authority to suspend or restrict the entry of aliens into the United States if he determines it to be in the national interest to do so. Today's rule applies this important principle to aliens who violate such a suspension or restriction regarding the southern border imposed by the President by invoking an express authority provided by Congress to restrict eligibility for asylum. Our asylum system is overwhelmed with too many meritless asylum claims from aliens who place a tremendous burden on our resources, preventing us from being able to expeditiously grant asylum to those who truly deserve it. Today, we are using the authority granted to us by Congress to bar aliens who violate a Presidential suspension of entry or other restriction from asylum eligibility."
The interim final rule is available here.
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Keywords: immigration
Topics: Border Security,
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Nov 08, 2018
Each year, the Secretary's Awards provide an opportunity to recognize some of the outstanding DHS employees who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to our missions. It is a time for us to celebrate their accomplishments, and thank them for their service.
Today, I had the distinct honor of presenting these awards to the more than 660 employees who received individual or team awards. These employees and their stories—full of honor, courage, and ingenuity—represent the very best of our Department. It was a pleasure to be joined by other leaders throughout the Department, as well as the families of our honorees, to celebrate their accomplishments.
I would like to note, however, that these men and women represent only a fraction of our outstanding employees who, every day, commit themselves to the important work of our Department. I want to thank each of you, and your families, for the sacrifices you make in service to our Department.
Once again, congratulations to the 2018 Secretary's Award recipients. Thank you for your service to our country and our Department.
Best regards,
Kirstjen M. Nielsen
Secretary of Homeland Security
With honor and integrity, we will safeguard the American people, our homeland, and our values.
Keywords: employee awards, Secretary Nielsen
Topics: Secretary of Homeland Security
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Nov 07, 2018
Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen M. Nielsen released the following statement on President Trump's Proclamation of November as National Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month:
"Americans rely on secure and resilient infrastructure to provide access to safe food, reliable electricity and transportation, clean water, and instant communication. These physical and cyber systems—and others across all 16 critical infrastructure sectors—provide the essential services that support and underpin American society.
"As the Secretary of Homeland Security, I am committed to strengthening our efforts to protect and secure the infrastructure on which Americans rely, in close partnership with other federal agencies, state, local, territorial and tribal governments, and the private sector. Only by working together can we help ensure the nation's critical infrastructure is secure and resilient, and be ready to respond to any cyber or physical threats we might face.
"The threat to our critical systems is continuous and outpacing our defenses. We have already seen attempts by countries such as China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia to use their power in cyberspace to compromise and disrupt our infrastructure, and advance their own interests.
"I commend President Trump for recognizing the important work we do to ensure secure and resilient infrastructure, and for pushing his entire Administration to combat these threats head on.
"I also want to commend the countless employees of the Department of Homeland Security, and all our partners in government and the private sector who work day-in and day-out to make our infrastructure more secure. Our collective success depends on your continued dedication."
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Keywords: critical infrastructure,
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Nov 07, 2018
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen M. Nielsen released the following statement on President Trump's intent to nominate Dr. Joseph Cuffari as Inspector General at the Department of Homeland Security:
"I am pleased that President Trump intends to nominate Dr. Joseph Cuffari as Inspector General (IG) at the Department of Homeland Security. Dr. Cuffari's leadership will help to provide crucial oversight to ensure excellency, integrity and accountability throughout all programs and operations. The Department has a long-standing commitment to combating waste, fraud and abuse, and Dr. Cuffari has demonstrated his resolve to do so throughout a variety of roles. His decades of experience, including more than 40 years in the U.S. Air Force and more than 20 years at the Department of Justice (DOJ), will make him an invaluable member of the Department's leadership team. I thank Dr. Cuffari for his willingness to serve in government again and urge the Senate to swiftly confirm him to this important position."
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Keywords: Office of Inspector General
Topics: Homeland Security Jobs
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Nov 05, 2018
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)—in coordination with federal, state, local, and private sector partners nationwide—are continuing efforts to protect our elections. Today, DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, DNI Dan Coats, and FBI Director Christopher Wray released the following joint statement:
"Our agencies have been working in unprecedented ways to combat influence efforts and to support state and local officials in securing our elections, including efforts to harden election infrastructure against interference. Our goal is clear: ensure every vote is counted and counted correctly. At this time we have no indication of compromise of our nation's election infrastructure that would prevent voting, change vote counts, or disrupt the ability to tally votes."
"But Americans should be aware that foreign actors - and Russia in particular - continue to try to influence public sentiment and voter perceptions through actions intended to sow discord. They can do this by spreading false information about political processes and candidates, lying about their own interference activities, disseminating propaganda on social media, and through other tactics. The American public can mitigate these efforts by remaining informed, reporting suspicious activity, and being vigilant consumers of information, as discussed below."
"The United States will not tolerate foreign interference in our elections from Russia, China, Iran, or other nations. As noted in a joint statement on October 19, 2018, such actions are a threat to our democracy, and identifying and preventing this interference is one
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Nov 01, 2018
Below are the facts surrounding the "caravans" en route to the U.S. Southwest border.
Q: Do we know who is in the caravan?
A: We continue to be concerned about individuals along the caravan route. In fact, over 270 individuals along the caravan route have criminal histories, including known gang membership. Those include a number of violent criminals - examples include aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, armed robbery, sexual assault on a child, and assault on a female. Mexican officials have also publicly stated that criminal groups have infiltrated the caravan. We also continue to see individuals from over 20 countries in this flow from countries such as Somalia, India, Haiti, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. There is a large segment of this population that we know nothing about and we must be prepared to defend our border and enforce our laws to protect the citizens of our country.
Q: Are there criminals in the caravan?
A: Yes - so far, there are over 270 individuals along the caravan route that have criminal histories, including known gang membership.
On October 29, the Mexican ambassador to the U.S. described some of the caravan members as "very violent:" "Unfortunately, some of the people in the caravan have been very violent against authority, even though they have offered the possibility of entering in compliance with immigration law and refugee status."
On October 30, Mexico's Interior Minister Navarrete Prida speaking on Radio Enfoque (Focus) 100.1 FM, confirmed that some criminal groups have infiltrated the caravan: "I have videos from Guatemala that show men dressed in identical clothing, sporting the same haircuts, handing out money to women to pe
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Oct 26, 2018
"After receiving a request for assistance from the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Defense has approved providing mission-enhancing capabilities to Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) along the Southwest Border (SWB). This assistance is in addition to the previously authorized support to CBP's Operation Guardian Support mission.
The DoD will provide Defense Support of Civil Authorities with planning assistance, engineering support (temporary barriers, barricades, and fencing), fixed and rotary wing aviation support to move CBP personnel, medical teams to triage, treat and prepare for commercial transport of patients, command and control facilities, temporary housing for CBP personnel, and personal protective equipment for CBP personnel. USNORTHCOM will be in the lead for the duration of the operation and is in support of Custom and Border Protection."
Keywords: Border Protections, southwest border
Topics: Border Security
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Apr 24, 2018
Release Date: April 24, 2018226 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Chairman Grassley, Ranking Member Feinstein, and distinguished Members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear today to discuss the role of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in preventing the abduction of children by their parents from the United States.
As America's unified border security agency, CBP plays an important role in the nation's efforts to prevent children from being abducted and taken abroad by their parents. CBP works in close coordination with the Department of State (DOS) to leverage CBP targeting capabilities as part of our multi-layered, risk-based approach to enhance the security of our borders and America's children.
Preventing Departure in International Child Abduction Cases
As the nation's largest law enforcement agency, CBP remains committed to preventing the illegal abduction of children across our Nation's borders. CBP works every day to act on intelligence received from our partners across law enforcement, including intelligence warning of potential perpetrators of child abductions through our nation's 328 ports of entry and exit.
The Sean and David Goldman International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA) was signed into law on August 8, 2014. CBP's early commitment to close coordination with DOS resulted in the development and implementation of an early warning mechanism in which notification of travel is made to requesting agencies for minors considered at risk of international parental child abduction (IPCA).
I
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Apr 24, 2018
Release Date: April 24, 2018342 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Chairman Johnson, Ranking Member McCaskill, and members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify before you today. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) serves a critical role in safeguarding and securing cyberspace, a core homeland security mission. The National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) at DHS leads the Nation's efforts to ensure the security and resilience of our cyber and physical infrastructure. Last month, this Committee reported favorably on H.R. 2825, the Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act (as amended). This bill includes the language from H.R. 3359, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Act of 2017. If enacted, this language would mature and streamline NPPD and rename our organization to reflect clearly our essential mission and our role in securing cyberspace. The Administration strongly supports establishing the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency within DHS, and we will continue working with this Committee and the rest of the Senate to get the necessary legislation enacted.
NPPD is responsible for protecting civilian Federal government networks and collaborating with other Federal agencies, as well as State, local, tribal, and territorial governments, and the private sector to defend against cyber threats. We endeavor to enhance cyber threat information-sharing across the globe to stop cyber incidents before they start and help businesses and government agencies to protect their cyber systems and quickly recover
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Apr 23, 2018
Release Date: April 23, 2018On April 23, Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen M. Nielsen joined her foreign counterparts in Toronto, Canada for the G7 Security Ministerial. While in Toronto, Secretary Nielsen met with allies from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom as well as representatives from the European Union to discuss joint efforts to combat terrorism, bolster democratic institutions against outside interference, and hold Russia accountable.
Specifically, the group discussed efforts to identify and disrupt terrorist travel, as well as the importance of information sharing to protect our people from emerging threats. The G7 participants also outlined their strong opposition to foreign efforts to undermine democracy and discussed Russian malign activity overseas, online, and within G7 nations. Secretary Nielsen pressed G7 nations to continue calling out foreign adversaries for misbehavior—especially in cyberspace—and to deliver consequences to deter it.
Additionally, Secretary Nielsen held bilateral meetings with her counterparts from the EU, France, and Canada.
Later this evening, the group will meet regarding efforts to combat human trafficking worldwide.
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Apr 23, 2018
Release Date: April 23, 20182800 Victory Blvd., Staten Island, New York
Introduction
Chairman Donovan, Ranking Member Payne, distinguished members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify today - along with my colleagues from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The men and women of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) work diligently to produce timely, actionable intelligence and information to help keep the homeland safe, secure, and resilient, and I am proud to speak to you on their behalf.
In my testimony today, I will describe the current threat environment and how I&A shares intelligence with our state and local partners to support their important work of keeping local communities safe. Each year, I&A works with FEMA's Grant Programs Directorate to support the Department's annual Homeland Security Grant Programs (HSGP) counterterrorism grant programs to provide threat analysis and data to inform their Homeland counterterrorism risk assessments. I&A reviews shared intelligence reporting produced by the intelligence community (IC) along with state and local threat reporting and other sources to provide FEMA with a relative threat ranking for the top 100 Metropolitan Statistical Areas and states and territories in the Homeland. This threat ranking allows FEMA to ensure limited funds are allocated to the cities with the highest risk and informs the Secretary's decisions regarding funding allocations. The State Homeland Security Pro
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Apr 23, 2018
Release Date: April 23, 2018WASHINGTON -- Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen M. Nielsen released the following statement on the Central American 'Caravan':
"DHS continues to monitor the remnants of the ‘caravan' of individuals headed to our Southern border with the apparent intention of entering the United States illegally. A sovereign nation that cannot - or worse, chooses not - to defend its borders will soon cease to be a sovereign nation. The Trump Administration is committed to enforcing our immigration laws - whether persons are part of this ‘caravan' or not.
"If members of the ‘caravan' enter the country illegally, they will be referred for prosecution for illegal entry in accordance with existing law. For those seeking asylum, all individuals may be detained while their claims are adjudicated efficiently and expeditiously, and those found not to have a claim will be promptly removed from the United States.
"DHS, in partnership with DOJ, is taking a number of steps to ensure that all cases and claims are adjudicated promptly - including sending additional USCIS asylum officers, ICE attorneys, DOJ Immigration Judges, and DOJ prosecutors to the Southern border.
"Again, if you enter the United States illegally, let me be clear: you have broken the law. And we will enforce the law through prosecution of illegal border crossers.
"DHS encourages persons with asylum or other similar claims to seek protections in the first safe country they enter, including Mexico. While we are committed to doing everything we can on the border to secure our nation
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Apr 23, 2018
Release Date: April 23, 2018
Staten Island, New York
Chairman Donovan, Ranking Member Payne, distinguished members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify today - along with my colleagues from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The men and women of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) work diligently to produce timely, actionable intelligence and information to help keep the homeland safe, secure, and resilient, and I am proud to speak to you on their behalf.
In my testimony today, I will describe the current threat environment and how I&A shares intelligence with our state and local partners to support their important work of keeping local communities safe. Each year, I&A works with FEMA's Grant Programs Directorate to support the Department's annual Homeland Security Grant Programs (HSGP) counterterrorism grant programs to provide threat analysis and data to inform their Homeland counterterrorism risk assessments. I&A reviews shared intelligence reporting produced by the intelligence community (IC) along with state and local threat reporting and other sources to provide FEMA with a relative threat ranking for the top 100 Metropolitan Statistical Areas and states and territories in the Homeland. This threat ranking allows FEMA to ensure limited funds are allocated to the cities with the highest risk and informs the Secretary's decisions regarding funding allocations. The State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) and Urban Area Security
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Apr 23, 2018
Release Date: April 23, 2018Staten Island, New York
Good morning, Chairman Donovan, Ranking Member Payne, and Members of the Subcommittee. I am Thomas DiNanno, and I serve as the Assistant Administrator for Grant Programs at the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). On behalf of Secretary Nielsen and Administrator Long, thank you for the opportunity to discuss the critical role of the Department's homeland security grant programs in assisting the Nation, particularly the Nation's high-risk urban areas, in preventing, preparing for and responding to terrorist attacks.
Over the past 10 years, the American people have been called upon to respond to and recover from a number of devastating, if not catastrophic, natural disasters and terrorist attacks: Hurricane Sandy in 2012, which affected much of New Jersey, New York City, and Staten Island; the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing; the 2015 shooting in San Bernardino, California; and the 2016 pipe bomb attacks in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood and Seaside Park, New Jersey.
More recently, Americans have endured the natural devastation of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, and manmade acts of violence, including the October 2017 Las Vegas shooting; this year's recent school shootings in Parkland, Florida and St. Mary's County, Maryland; the October 2017 truck attack in New York City's Hudson River Greenway; and the December 2017 detonation of a pipe bomb in New York's Port Authority Bus Terminal. Out of deference and respect, we must also acknowledge that we are only a few miles fr
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Apr 20, 2018
Release Date: April 20, 2018WASHINGTON— Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen M. Nielsen will travel to Toronto, Canada to participate in the G7 Security Ministerial on Monday, April 23 and Tuesday, April 24. There, Secretary Nielsen will meet with her foreign counterparts to discuss joint efforts to combat terrorism, human trafficking, and cybersecurity threats. Secretary Nielsen will discuss the threats currently facing the United States and G7 partners and how a global approach is necessary to adequately address them.
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Keywords:
Canada,
Combatting Human Trafficking,
Cybersecurity
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Apr 19, 2018
Release Date: April 19, 2018On Thursday, April 19, Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen M. Nielsen joined President Donald J. Trump and senior U.S. officials at the Joint Interagency Task Force-South (JIATF-S) in Key West, Florida. The purpose of the visit was to review the Administration's ongoing efforts to combat transnational organized crime and stop illicit drugs from entering the United States. Secretary Nielsen reaffirmed the Department's commitment to JIATF-S as well as the Department's ongoing work with international partners to support the JIATF-S mission.
During their visit, President Trump and Secretary Nielsen received an operational briefing and toured the JIATF-S Joint Operations Center. They were joined by General Kelly, U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Zukunft, U.S. Southern Command Commander Admiral Tidd, U.S. Northern Command Commander General Robinson, JIATF-S Director Rear Admiral Tomney, and other senior officials.
JIATF-S is the frontline for interdicting the record amounts of cocaine produced in Colombia and shipped to the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia through the transit zones. The information obtained from JIATF-S produces leads and enhances investigations, prosecutions, and intelligence that are critical to U.S. government efforts to combat transnational criminal organizations.
Several DHS equities work with JIATF-S including the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Homeland Security Investigations. In addition to supporting JIATF-S with personnel, DHS is its principal source of surface and air
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Apr 17, 2018
Release Date: April 17, 2018Today, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Press Secretary Tyler Q. Houlton released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 to void certain aspects of the aggravated felony ground of deportability.
"Today's ruling significantly undermines DHS's efforts to remove aliens convicted of certain violent crimes, including sexual assault, kidnapping, and burglary, from the United States. By preventing the federal government from removing known criminal aliens, it allows our nation to be a safe haven for criminals and makes us more vulnerable as a result. The Secretary has met with hundreds of members of Congress over the last few months to implore them to take action on passing legislation to close public safety loopholes, such as these, that encourage illegal immigration and tie the hands of law enforcement."
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Keywords:
immigration
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Feb 27, 2018
Release Date: February 27, 2018210 House Capitol Visitor Center
Good afternoon Chairman Katko, Ranking Member Watson Coleman and distinguished Members of the Subcommittee. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you to discuss the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) approach to public engagement. TSA appreciates the Committee's interest in how we engage our most important stakeholders - the traveling public - and looks forward to sharing our various efforts to keep them informed on security procedures. Through TSA's Office of Civil Rights and Liberties, Ombudsman and Traveler Engagement, we work closely with a number of groups to ensure that various passenger constituencies are well represented in our policy deliberations. Similarly, our Office of Security Operations engrains within our Transportation Security Officer (TSO) workforce the importance of effectively communicating requirements and processes to travelers during the screening process.
TSA's daily interaction with the public far exceeds that of many other government agencies. For example, on an average day in 2017, TSA Transportation Security Officers came in contact with about 2.4 million travelers at one of more than 440 federalized airports nationwide. These travelers are all unique individuals of various backgrounds and ability, and many are stressed or unfamiliar with the airport screening process. Additionally, every day TSA screens 1.2 million checked bags and 4.4 million carry-on bags. TSA applies a range of screening processes to address a very real, persistent and adapting threat to ensure th
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Feb 23, 2018
Release Date: February 23, 2018WASHINGTON - Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen M. Nielsen released the following statement on the announcement that the Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Elaine C. Duke is retiring this spring:
"Today, Deputy Secretary Duke announced that she will retire from government service in April. Elaine has selflessly served the federal government for three decades, and this Department for more than 10 years spanning multiple Secretaries. Since taking office, she has been instrumental in helping the Department address emerging threats and in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from the 2017 hurricane season. The Department greatly benefited from her expert knowledge and understanding of DHS issues - particularly with respect to procurement, personnel and management. I wish Elaine and her family all the best in her retirement, and I look forward to her remaining an active supporter of you, the men and women of DHS."
Deputy Secretary Duke was confirmed by the Senate on April 4, 2017 and sworn in as the seventh Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security on April 8, 2017. She served as the Acting Secretary from July 31, 2017 to December 6, 2017.
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Topics:
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Feb 23, 2018
Release Date: February 23, 2018Discuss terrorism, cybersecurity, and emergency management
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen M. Nielsen today met with the Council of Governors. Secretary Nielsen was joined by officials from the White House and the Department of Defense, as well as Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Brock Long and U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Paul F. Zukunft. The group discussed protecting the American people from threats including terrorism and cyberattacks, and our collective response to natural disasters.
"DHS continues to work closely with state officials to combat the persistent and evolving threats facing our nation," said Secretary Nielsen. "First responders and state officials are often the first line of defense when it comes to keeping our communities safe. Whether it is a cyber intrusion, natural disaster, or a terrorist incident, we are fortunate to have strong state partners to help protect Americans from these dangers. I thank them for their leadership and commitment."
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Topics:
Cybersecurity,
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Feb 22, 2018
Release Date: February 22, 2018WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen M. Nielsen participated in a roundtable discussion on cybersecurity hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI). Secretary Nielsen was joined by Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and National Security Agency Director Admiral Mike Rogers, as well as representatives from the private sector.
The group discussed the strong U.S.-Australian partnership on cybersecurity issues, and the shared goal of improving deterrence and holding malicious cyber actors accountable. Secretary Nielsen discussed DHS's ongoing work to mitigate risks to our supply chain, which is being targeted by sophisticated adversaries with increasing regularity. Finally, the participants recommitted to their joint efforts to deter malicious cyber activity and strengthen the global cyber landscape.
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Topics:
Cybersecurity,
DHS Enterprise,
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Feb 20, 2018
Release Date: February 20, 2018For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
WASHINGTON - Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen M. Nielsen released the following statement on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) participation in a series of coordination meetings with state and local election officials, private sector companies, and federal partners to discuss cybersecurity for the nation's election infrastructure.
"The American public's confidence that their vote counts -- and is counted correctly -- relies on secure election infrastructure. The first primaries of the 2018 midterm election cycle are just around the corner, and DHS and our federal, state and local partners have been working together for more than a year to bolster the cybersecurity of the nation's election infrastructure. Last week, I had the opportunity to meet with the Executive Board of the National Association of Secretaries of States, who were in town along with representatives from all 50 states and a number of local jurisdictions for a series of meetings and briefings on this important issue. I thanked them for their partnership and pledged the Department will continue its support to state and local election officials, primarily through sharing timely and actionable threat information and offering cybersecurity services."
A readout of DHS meetings with state election officials and other election sector partners is available here.
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Feb 19, 2018
Release Date: February 19, 2018WASHINGTON - Last week, senior officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) participated in a series of coordination meetings with state and local election officials, private sector companies, and federal partners to discuss cybersecurity for the nation's election infrastructure.
Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018
DHS, the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), The National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS), the National Association of State Election Directors (NASED), and state and local election officials convened a meeting of the Government Coordinating Council (GCC) for the Election Infrastructure Subsector. The GCC was established in October and provides a well-tested mechanism for sharing threat information between the federal government and council partners, advancing risk management efforts, and prioritizing focus of services available to sector partners in a trusted environment.
DHS met with private sector election industry representatives in Arlington, Va., who had gathered to formally establish a Sector Coordinating Council (SCC) for the Election Infrastructure Subsector, the private sector counterpart to the GCC. This GCC-SCC structure is used by the 16 critical infrastructure sectors to facilitate joint engagement with government and private sector entities and to coordinate security and resilience efforts. The charter organizations of the SCC for the Election Infrastructure Subsector include 25 private sector and non-government organizations (listed below).
Friday, Feb. 16, 2018
On Friday, Secretar
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Feb 16, 2018
Release Date: February 16, 2018Discuss the Need for Border Security with DHS Frontline Personnel
WASHINGTON - Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen M. Nielsen joined Vice President Mike Pence along the southern border in McAllen, Texas. While in McAllen, Secretary Nielsen and Vice President Pence took an operational tour of the Hidalgo Port of Entry. They also participated in a roundtable discussion with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection, and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. During the roundtable, the group discussed the need to end dangerous loopholes and secure our borders to keep American communities safe.
"Today, we heard about the importance of the DHS mission firsthand from the people who protect our communities every day," said Secretary Nielsen. "It is clear that we must take action to secure our border on behalf of American families. I'm grateful for the men and women of DHS for sharing their stories today, and for their dedication to their often difficult and dangerous jobs."
(DHS Official Photo/Jetta Disco)
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Feb 16, 2018
Release Date: February 16, 2018Secretary Kirstjen M. Nielsen met this morning with Guatemalan Minister of Government, Enrique Degenhart, whom she congratulated on his appointment as Minister. During the meeting, she outlined her priorities on enhancing air, land, and maritime border security, combating transnational criminal organizations (TCO) and gangs, and deterring illegal immigration, specifically the rise in unaccompanied alien children flooding the Southern border. Secretary Nielsen and Minister Degenhart spoke about their shared commitment to securing the border to improve regional security, combating corruption and the rise of gangs, and improving information sharing and cyber collaboration.
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Topics:
Aviation Security,
Border Security,
Immigration Enforcement,
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Feb 15, 2018
Release Date: February 15, 2018Cross-posted from DNI.gov
On February 16 and February 18, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), together with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), will sponsor a classified briefing for election officials from all 50 states. This national-level classified dialogue with officials from the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS), the National Association of State Election Directors (NASED), and the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) is part of an ongoing effort to ensure the integrity and security of the nation's election infrastructure, particularly as the risk environment evolves. The briefings will focus on increasing awareness of foreign adversary intent and capabilities against the states' election infrastructure, as well as a discussion of threat mitigation efforts. The goal of this collaborative event is to build an enduring partnership to ensure the sharing of timely, substantive information on threats to our nation's critical infrastructure.
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Topics:
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Feb 15, 2018
Release Date: February 15, 2018Border security includes the ability to remove illegal aliens that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) apprehends, otherwise we are stuck with a system that sanctions catch and release. Due to legal loopholes and court backlogs, even apprehended illegal aliens are released and become part of the temporary, illegal population of people that we cannot remove. This must end now.
Legal loopholes are exploited by minors, family units, and human smugglers, and are a magnet for illegal immigration
In 1997, the former Immigration and Naturalization Service entered into the Flores Settlement Agreement relating to the detention and release of unaccompanied alien children (UACs) . The Flores settlement agreement has now been litigated for over twenty years, spawning multiple onerous court decisions that handicap the government's ability to detain and promptly remove UACs.
Under the Flores Agreement, DHS can only detain UACs for 20 days before releasing them to the Department of Health and Human Services which places the minors in foster or shelter situations until they locate a sponsor.
When these minors are released, they often fail to appear for court hearings or comply with removal orders.
These legal loopholes lead to "catch and release" policies that act as a "pull factor" for increased future illegal immigration.
This has incited smugglers to place children into the hands of adult strangers so they can pose as families an
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Jan 30, 2018
Release Date: January 30, 2018For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
WASHINGTON - Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen M. Nielsen released the following statement following President Donald J. Trump's State of the Union address:
"Tonight, President Trump delivered a strong and patriotic speech in which he laid out his security-focused agenda. The Department of Homeland Security fully supports this agenda, and the men and women of DHS remain wholeheartedly committed to securing our borders, keeping dangerous criminals off of our streets, and defeating terrorists in our country and around the world.
"Many of the items on the President's immigration and border security agenda are things that our frontline officers have asked for, so that they are able to more effectively do their jobs. I thank the President for his steadfast leadership on these issues, and look forward to continuing our mission of keeping the American people safe and secure."
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Keywords:
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state of the u
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Jan 30, 2018
Release Date: January 30, 2018210 House Capitol Visitor Center
Good morning Chairmen Katko and Donovan, Ranking Members Watson Coleman and Payne, and distinguished Members of the Subcommittees. We are grateful for the opportunity to appear before you to discuss the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) efforts regarding surface transportation security and technology initiatives. Today's hearing is timely, as technology deployment for both aviation and surface transportation systems will be critical to TSA's success in 2018 and beyond.
TSA appreciates the continued support of this Committee and its Members, as we carry out our vital security mission. We are grateful for the constructive relationship TSA enjoys with this Committee, and look forward to our continued work together to ensure the security of our nation's transportation systems.
The U.S. surface transportation system, which is comprised of roads, bridges, tunnels, mass transit systems, passenger and freight railroads, over-the-road bus operators, motor carrier operators, pipelines, and maritime facilities, is an extremely complex, interconnected, and largely open network. The various transportation modes within this system operate daily in close coordination with and proximity to one another. In fact, many of the modes use the same roads, bridges, and tunnels to function. Americans and our economy need and depend on the surface transportation system to operate securely and safely.
To illustrate the magnitude and importance of the system, which is moving people and commodities on an essentially con
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Jan 30, 2018
Release Date: January 30, 20182167 Rayburn House Office Building
El Faro Marine Casualty: Comprehensive Overview and Background
On behalf of the U.S. Coast Guard, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of the victims aboard the EL FARO. Not only do I want to express my sympathies for their loss, but I also want to convey that the U.S. Coast Guard will keep this tragedy in the forefront of our minds as we strive to make enhancements to our marine safety program to help the maritime industry avoid future preventable tragedies.
The loss of the U.S. flagged cargo vessel EL FARO, along with its 33-member crew, ranks as one of the worst maritime disasters in U.S. history, and resulted in the highest death toll from a U.S. commercial vessel casualty in almost 40 years. At the time of the sinking, the EL FARO was on a U.S. domestic voyage with a full load of containers and roll-on roll-off cargo bound from Jacksonville, Florida to San Juan, Puerto Rico. As EL FARO departed port on September 29, 2015, a tropical weather system formed east of the Bahamas Islands and rapidly intensified in strength. The storm system evolved into Hurricane Joaquin and defied weather forecasts and standard Atlantic Basin hurricane tracking by traveling southwest. As various weather updates were received onboard EL FARO, the Master directed the ship southward of the normal route to San Juan.
The Master's southern deviation ultimately steered EL FARO almost directly towards the strengthening hurricane. As EL FARO began to encounter heavy seas and winds associated
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Jan 30, 2018
Release Date: January 30, 2018210 House Capitol Visitor Center
Chairman Donovan, Chairman Katko, Ranking Member Payne, Ranking Member Watson Coleman, and distinguished members of the committees, thank you for inviting DHS to speak with you today. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate's (S&T) work in assisting surface transportation agencies, as well as how S&T works collaboratively with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in this mission area.
I have been the Surface Transportation Explosive Threat Detection (STETD) program manager since the program's inception in Fiscal Year 2011, and have been with the Department since 2006. Prior to my time at DHS, I was a research, development test and evaluation program manager for special programs within DoD focusing on Army aviation and missile systems, and have worked to develop technology addressing critical operational gaps from idea to fielding throughout my entire career.
S&T's Explosive Division enjoys a close working relationship with TSA's Intermodal Division to ensure the security of our nation's transportation systems. The Implementing Recommendations Section 1409 of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, Pub. L. 110-53, (codified at 6 U.S.C. 1138) requires the DHS Secretary to carry out an R&D program through the S&T Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency (HSARPA) and in consultation with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for the purpose of improving the security of public transportation system
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Jan 30, 2018
Release Date: January 30, 20182360 Rayburn House Office Building
Chairman Chabot, Ranking Member Velázquez, and members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to be here today. Safeguarding and securing cyberspace is a core mission at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). I am pleased to be here today discussing our efforts to reduce and mitigate cybersecurity risk to the Nation's small businesses.
The National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) is responsible for protecting civilian Federal Government networks; sharing information related to cybersecurity risks and incidents and providing technical assistance to federal agencies, as well as state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments, international partners and the private sector; and coordinating certain aspects of the Federal Government's incident response activities to defend against cyber threats. We endeavor to enhance cyber threat information-sharing across the globe to stop cyber incidents before they start and help businesses and government agencies to protect their networks and quickly recover should such a cyber incident occur. By bringing together all levels of government, the private sector, international partners, and the public, we are taking action to protect against cybersecurity risks, improve our whole-of-government incident response capabilities, enhance information sharing on best practices and cyber threats, and to strengthen resilience.
There are over 30 million small businesses in the U.S. employing over 47 percent of the Nation's population and comprising over 97
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Jan 29, 2018
Release Date: January 29, 2018For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
New risk-based measures will bolster public safety and national security
WASHINGTON - Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen M. Nielsen announced additional security enhancements and recommendations to strengthen the integrity of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. These new measures are part of the administration's ongoing efforts to intensify screening and vetting for all persons seeking to travel to the United States, and they are designed to keep nefarious and fraudulent actors from exploiting the refugee program to enter the United States.
The changes are the result of a 90-day review in which the Secretary was required to determine whether to modify or terminate any actions taken to address the security risks posed by refugee admissions. During those 90 days, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with other departments and agencies, conducted a review to determine what additional safeguards, if any, are necessary to ensure that the admission of nationals from 11 high-risk countries does not pose a threat to the security and welfare of the United States.
"It's critically important that we know who is entering the United States," said Secretary Nielsen. "These additional security measures will make it harder for bad actors to exploit our refugee program, and they will ensure we take a more risk-based approach to protecting the homeland. The United States must continue to fulfill its obligation to the glo
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