Category: Homeland Security

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas released the following statement on the 12th anniversary of the creation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy:

“For 12 years, DACA has enabled hundreds of thousands of Dreamers to live without fear in the United States – for many, the only nation and only home they have ever known. Dreamers and their contributions have enriched our communities and strengthened our economy.  The Department of Homeland Security continues to fortify DACA and protect Dreamers to the fullest extent possible.  Only Congress, though, can permanently protect Dreamers and provide them the path to citizenship they deserve.

“An enduring legislative solution is long overdue.  Congress needs to act.  Until they do, we will continue to advocate for, defend, and work with Dreamers to ensure they have the support and security they need to thrive.  We will continue the work we started 12 years ago today.”

###

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) conducted the federal government’s inaugural tabletop exercise with the private sector focused on effective and coordinated responses to artificial intelligence (AI) security incidents. This exercise brought together more than 50 AI experts from government agencies and industry partners at the Microsoft Corp. facility in Reston, Virginia.

The four-hour exercise was led by the Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative (JCDC), a public-private partnership model established by CISA to undertake joint planning efforts and drive operational collaboration. This exercise simulated a cybersecurity incident involving an AI-enabled system and participants worked through operational collaboration and information sharing protocols for incident response across the represented organizations. CISA Director Jen Easterly and FBI Cyber Division Deputy Assistant Director Brett Leatherman delivered opening and closing remarks, respectively, emphasizing the need for advancing robust operational structures to address existing and potential security threats, while prioritizing secure-by-design AI development and deployment.

This tabletop exercise is supporting the development of an AI Security Incident Collaboration Playbook spearheaded by JCDC.AI, a dedicated planning effort within JCDC focused on building an operational community of AI providers, AI security vendors, and other critical infrastructure owners/operators to address risks, threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations concerning AI-enabled systems in national critical infrastructure. The playbook, slated for publication by year-end, will facilitate AI security incident response coordination efforts between government, industry, and global partners.

“This exercise marks another step in our collective commitment to reducing the risks posed by AI. It also highlights the importance of developing and delivering AI products that are designed with security as the top priority,” said CISA Director Jen Easterly. “As the national coordinator for critical infrastructure security and resilience, we’re excited to work with our partners to build on this effort to help organizations secure their AI systems.”

“This exercise demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to leveraging its partnerships to ensure that we are all better prepared to handle threats in this space,” said AssistantDirectorBryanVorndranoftheFBI’sCyberDivision. “We are stronger when we come together to share information and determine best practices in the evolving AI landscape. We will continue to work extensively with our interagency and private sector partners to combat bad actors and safeguard infrastructure.”

“Today’s gathering shows the value of preparation and collaboration for cyber incident response. As we enter a new AI Landscape, security is critical, and collaboration with industry and government partners is crucial to developing an effective and coordinated response to security incidents. Practicing response scenarios and simulations like today’s AI-focused tabletop exercise drive learning and sharing that will help strengthen cyber resilience across the board. Security is a top priority at Microsoft, and we appreciate CISA’s leadership, as well as the opportunity to host and participate in this exercise,” said BretArsenault, CVP, ChiefCybersecurityAdvisor, Microsoft.

“Palo Alto Networks is proud to partner with the JCDC.AI and other industry partners on this critical exercise. The opportunity to work with other industry-leading AI experts and simulate the compromise of a critical AI system will give us all the ability to enhance response strategies and improve AI security systems to better protect digital ecosystems that rely on AI capabilities. As the adoption of AI has expanded, we’ve seen a similar growth in complexity in the cyber threat environment. Public-private collaborations on critical exercises like this will better protect our digital way of life,” said Sandy Reback, Vice President, Public Policy & Government Affairs, Palo Alto Networks.

“The insights we will gain from this exercise will be vital for developing immediate response strategies and shaping the future of AI security. The upcoming AI Security Incident Collaboration Playbook will serve as a critical resource for all stakeholders, ensuring that we will be prepared and resilient in the face of AI-related threats,” said Jonathan Dambrot, CEO of Cranium.

“AI applications are increasingly becoming high-value targets for threat actors, and the current speed at which vulnerabilities are being discovered puts them at an advantage. Coordinated AI threat intelligence sharing and response is critical to helping organizations securely adopt AI and safeguard their systems, and we’re pleased to participate in the JCDC tabletop exercise,” said Hyrum Anderson, Chief Technology Officer, Robust Intelligence.

“At OpenAI, we firmly believe that security is a team sport. It thrives on collaboration and benefits immensely from transparency. We are proud to have taken part in the tabletop exercise with JCDC.AI and other security leaders—these collaborations benefit our efforts of safely developing and deploying AI technology. This initiative not only strengthens our defenses but also fosters a community dedicated to collective security advancements, which includes realizing the benefits of using AI tools for cyber defense,” said Matt Knight, Head of Security at OpenAI.

“Simulating adversarial threats against AI systems in a controlled setting is an invaluable training ground to equip security teams with an understanding of the vulnerabilities and threats that exist today. HiddenLayer is honored to join this initiative, which underscores our shared dedication to empowering organizations to adopt AI securely while protecting our national infrastructure from emerging threats,” said Chris Sestito, CEO & Co-Founder of HiddenLayer.

“With critical infrastructure facing increasingly severe attacks and the rise of AI threats, early preparedness and routine testing is more important than ever to reduce any collateral damage,” said Troy Bettencourt, Global Partner, Head of IBM X-Force. “We are proud to join CISA JCDC and participate in this foundational exercise uncovering the insights and actions needed to help protect these vital organizations from AI-based attacks.”

“At Protect AI we are committed to building a safer AI powered world. This exercise is an important one to ensure that organizations are securing AI commensurate to the value it delivers. We are honored to be a part of it, and will continue to support the ongoing efforts of CISA to ensure that AI is being built and used securely,” said IanSwanson, ProtectAICEOandCo-Founder.

“Scale AI is proud to participate in the JCDC’s inaugural AI security tabletop exercise, reinforcing our commitment to secure-by-design principles in AI development. Our collaboration highlights the essential role of public-private partnerships in enhancing the resilience of national critical infrastructure against AI-related threats,” said Alex Levinson, Head of Security, Scale AI.

“I applaud CISA’s effort on the development of the AI Security Incident Collaboration Playbook, a well-needed initiative spearheaded by JCDC. This tabletop exercise marks a significant step forward in enhancing an operational community of fellow AI providers, AI security vendors, and critical infrastructure owners and operators. This playbook will serve as a great resource for coordinating AI security incidents among industry peers and global partners, ensuring a resilient and secure technological future,” said OmarSantos, Security and Trust, Cisco.

Participants included the Amazon Web Services, Cisco, Cranium, HiddenLayer, IBM, Microsoft, NVIDIA, OpenAI, Palantir, Palo Alto Networks, Protect AI, Robust Intelligence, Scale AI, Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Security Agency, Office of the Director for National Intelligence, Department of Defense, and Department of Justice, and other leading technology firms. A second exercise later this year will incorporate AI integrators in U.S. critical infrastructure.

These efforts align with CISA Roadmap for AI and the 2024 JCDC Priorities, focusing on establishing incident response capabilities and decreasing AI-related threats to national critical infrastructure through robust public-private collaboration.

For more information on CISA’s work, visit Artificial Intelligence.

###

About CISA 

As the nation’s cyber defense agency and national coordinator for critical infrastructure security, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency leads the national effort to understand, manage, and reduce risk to the digital and physical infrastructure Americans rely on every hour of every day.

Visit CISA.gov for more information and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram. 

Disclaimer:CISA does not endorse any commercial entity, product, company, or service, including any entities, products, or services linked or referenced within this press release. Any reference to specific commercial entities, products, processes, or services by service mark, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by CISA. 

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

UFLPA Entity List Currently Restricts Goods from 68 PRC-Based Companies from Entering the United States

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the addition of three People’s Republic of China (PRC)-based seafood, aluminum, and footwear companies to the Uygur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Entity List. Through these actions, DHS is increasing its focus on seafood, aluminum, and shoes—sectors that play an important role in Xinjiang’s economy – and ensuring goods made with forced labor are kept out of the U.S. market.

Effective June 12, 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will apply a rebuttable presumption that goods produced by these entities will be prohibited from entering the United States. By identifying entities found to utilize and/or facilitate the forced labor of Uyghurs and other persecuted groups from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), the UFLPA Entity List provides companies with more information about the potential involvement of forced labor in their supply chains.

The entities being added to the UFLPA Entity List today include Dongguan Oasis Shoes Co., Ltd. (also known as Dongguan Oasis Shoe Industry Co., Ltd.; Dongguan Luzhou Shoes Co., Ltd.; and Dongguan Lvzhou Shoes Co., Ltd.), Shandong Meijia Group Co., Ltd. (also known as Rizhao Meijia Group), and Xinjiang Shenhuo Coal and Electricity Co., Ltd.

“The Department of Homeland Security will not tolerate forced labor in U.S. supply chains and will enforce our laws across all industries and sectors,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “We will continue to investigate companies that use or facilitate forced labor and will hold those entities responsible. We urge stakeholders across industry, civil society and our international partners to work with us to eliminate the scourge of forced labor.”

The Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force (FLETF), chaired by DHS, is taking these steps as part of the United States’ commitment to eradicating forced labor, and promoting accountability for the ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity against Uyghurs and other religious and ethnic minority groups in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

Including the three entities identified today, the FLETF—whose member agencies include the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Departments of Commerce, Justice, Labor, State, and the Treasury—has added 68 entities to the UFLPA Entity List since the UFLPA was signed into law in December 2021. In the last 12 months alone, the Entities List has grown by 240 percent, reflecting our strong commitment to increase enforcement. These entities are active in a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, apparel, batteries, chemicals, electronics, food additives, household appliances, nonferrous metals, polysilicon, and plastics. Identifying these entities also increases transparency on the presence of forced labor in supply chains.

“Today’s action, which includes entities from within and outside Xinjiang, and from three different industry sectors—footwear, seafood, and aluminum—reaffirms our commitment to robust enforcement of the UFLPA,” said DHS Under Secretary for Policy Robert Silvers, who serves as Chair of the FLETF. “We have shown again through today’s enforcement actions that the United States is taking concrete steps to keep goods made with forced labor out of U.S. supply chains. It is imperative for companies to conduct due diligence and know where their products are coming from. The Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force will continue to designate entities that meet the UFLPA’s criteria for inclusion on the Entity List, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection will continue its vigilant enforcement at our ports.”

The FLETF has reasonable cause to believe, based on specific and articulable information, that each of the three entities works with the government of the XUAR to recruit, transport, transfer, harbor or receive forced labor or Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, or members of other persecuted group out of the XUAR. The FLETF therefore determined that the three entities satisfy the criteria for addition to the UFLPA Entity List described in Section 2(d)(2)(B)(ii).

Shandong Meijia Group Co., Ltd. (also known as Rizhao Meijia Group), is a company based in Shandong Province, China, that processes, sells, and exports frozen seafood products, vegetables, quick-frozen convenience food, and other aquatic foods. Information reviewed by the FLETF, including publicly available information, indicates that Shandong Meijia Group Co., Ltd. participated in XUAR government-sponsored labor transfer programs to transfer and receive individuals from persecuted groups, including Uyghurs, out of the XUAR for labor at its factory in Shandong.

“Shrimp supply chains have a disturbing pattern of profiting off of the globe’s most vulnerable populations. Argentinian red shrimp packed by Uyghurs in Chinese seafood processing plants should not be competing with wholesome products in American grocery stores,” said John Williams, executive director of the Southern Shrimp Alliance. “The Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force’s initiative to counter forced labor in seafood supply chains sends a strong message to U.S. seafood importers that chasing lower costs and higher margins cannot replace ethical and legal obligations.”

Dongguan Oasis Shoes Co., Ltd. (also known as Dongguan Oasis Shoe Industry Co., Ltd.; Dongguan Luzhou Shoes Co., Ltd.; and Dongguan Lvzhou Shoes Co., Ltd.) is an entity headquartered in Guangdong Province, China, that produces and manufactures shoes and shoe material products. Information reviewed by the FLETF, including publicly available information, indicates that Dongguan Oasis Shoes Co., Ltd. cooperated with the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC) to recruit, transfer, and receive individuals from persecuted groups, including Uyghurs, out of the XUAR for labor at its factory in Guangdong.

Xinjiang Shenhuo Coal and Electricity Co., Ltd. is a company located in the XUAR that produces electrolytic aluminum, graphite carbon, and prebaked anodes. Information reviewed by the FLETF, including publicly available information, indicates that Xinjiang Shenhuo Coal and Electricity Co., Ltd. participated in a XUAR government-sponsored labor transfer program and worked with XUAR government entities to cooperate with the XUAR government to recruit, transfer, and receive individuals from persecuted groups, including Uyghurs, out of the XUAR.

The bipartisan Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, signed into law by President Biden in December 2021, mandates that CBP apply a rebuttable presumption that goods that are mined, produced, or manufactured in the XUAR or produced by entities identified on the UFLPA Entity List are prohibited from importation into the United States unless the Commissioner of CBP determines, by clear and convincing evidence, that the goods were not produced with forced labor. CBP began enforcing the UFLPA in June 2022. Since then, CBP has reviewed almost 8,500 shipments valued at more than $3.3 billion under the UFLPA Additionally, Homeland Security Investigations, through the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking, supports investigations and outreach to secure international cooperation in investigating human rights abuses and forced labor.

Today’s announcement supports the memorandum President Biden signed in November 2023 on advancing worker empowerment, rights, and high labor standards globally. The memorandum represents the first whole-of-government approach to advance workers’ rights by directing federal agencies engaged abroad to advance international recognized labor rights, which includes DHS’ work implementing the UFLPA.

This expansion of the UFLPA Entity List reflects DHS’ prioritization of efforts to combat the introduction of forced labor into U.S. supply chains. This commitment is outlined in the Department’s Quadrennial Homeland Security Review, which added combating crimes of exploitation, including labor exploitation, as the newest and sixth DHS mission.

You can read more about the FLETF by visiting the UFLPA page.

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

WASHINGTON – The DHS Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) released recommendations yesterday to inform the Department’s efforts to combat rapidly increasing crimes of child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA). The HSAC’s final report of the Combatting Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Subcommittee presented six recommendations on how the consolidation of efforts at the Department and continued engagement with both federal and private sector stakeholders can complement the work DHS is already doing every day. The recommendations are:

• Establish and empower an office at DHS to lead DHS-wide efforts to combat online CSEA and create a unified body, similar to a Fusion Center, to coordinate the whole-of-government approach to respond to this crime.
• Implement solutions that go beyond solely law enforcement activity to bring together public and private sector partners to address these crimes.
• Coordinate with law enforcement and platform vendors to create a unified system to review CSEA investigations and relevant information.
• Ensure law enforcement and frontline personnel who engage with CSEA in their duties have access to well-being and mental health support resources.
• Continue to build Know2Protect, the Department’s public awareness campaign to combat online child sexual exploitation and abuse.
• Position DHS to play a pivotal role in coordinating and enlisting other U.S. agencies and departments in combatting CSEA.

“A crime as heinous as child sexual exploitation and abuse demands the full weight of the Department of Homeland Security’s law enforcement and prevention capabilities,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “The insight, expertise, and recommendations provided by the Department’s advisory councils, including our Homeland Security Advisory Council and Homeland Security Academic Partnership Council, are critical to guiding our relentless, unified work across the homeland security mission. The reports put forward this week will help us fulfill one of our most fundamental responsibilities: keeping kids safe.”

Online child exploitation and abuse is reaching epidemic proportions and threatens the safety of children globally. In 2023, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received more than 36 million CyberTipline^® reports of suspected online child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA), a 360% increase over the number of reports received 10 years ago.

This report follows recommendations to combat CSEA in educational spaces presented by the Homeland Security Academic Partnership Council (HSAPC) earlier this week. The HSAPC’s Combatting Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Subcommittee report will help inform the development of DHS’s strategy to engage educators on how best to protect young people from this horrific crime by providing standards for the development of CSEA-related educational content and how to best reach the appropriate audiences.

The HSAPC also presented a report on how to reduce and counter foreign malign influence (FMI) in higher education. The Foreign Malign Influence in Higher Education Subcommittee examined FMI threats to research and campus climates. They further looked at how transnational repression, a particular kind of FMI, may exacerbate these threats, and prepared recommendations to address these emerging issues.

Earlier this year, Secretary Mayorkas tasked three of the Department’s advisory bodies, the Homeland Security Advisory Council, the Homeland Security Academic Partnership Council, and the Faith Based Security Advisory Council, to examine the Department’s efforts to combat these crimes and provide recommendations on how to advance this important work to keep kids safe.

The FBSAC is set to present recommendations later this month about how DHS can engage with faith-based leaders to raise awareness of online CSEA.

This first-ever multi-Council tasking demonstrates the priority given to combating crimes of exploitation across the entire Department, spearheaded by the Secretary. In April, DHS launched the Know2Protect public awareness campaign with 16 outside organizations to combat online child sexual exploitation and abuse by meeting people where they are and sharing tips parents and kids should know to stay safe online. Partners include Snap, Meta, Roblox, Google, NASCAR, the National Fusion Center Association, National Police Athletic/Activities League, NFL, NHL, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, the Small & Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association, and more. To learn more about this crime and access free resources, visit dhs.gov/know2protect.

To learn more about the HSAC, including its taskings, reports, and recommendations, visit DHS.gov/Homeland-Security-Advisory-Council.

To learn more about the HSAPC, including its taskings, reports, and recommendations, visit DHS.gov/hsapc.

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

WEST POINT, N.Y. – Today, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) held its second quarter 2024 Cybersecurity Advisory Committee (CSAC) meeting. During the meeting, members provided updates and voted on recommendations based on CISA Director Jen Easterly’s tasking on Optimizing CISA’s Cyber Operational Collaboration Platform. The recommendations support and enhance CISA’s Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative (JCDC) continued maturation and investment, focusing on optimal operational cyber defense collaboration. CISA’s cyber defense mission is dependent upon effective collaboration between government and the private sector, which is enabled in significant part through JCDC.

“I am excited about the recommendations discussed today and look forward to reviewing them,” said CISA Director Jen Easterly. “I know they are thoughtful and innovative ideas that align with CISA’s priorities and mission as the previous recommendations have been.”

In addition to the recommendations put forth by the Optimizing CISA’s Cyber Operational Collaboration Platform subcommittee, the other subcommittee updates included:

(1) the Strategic Communications subcommittee has resumed work to help CISA advance communications efforts to the American people;  

(2) the Building Resilience for Critical Infrastructure subcommittee explored opportunities to promote cybersecurity and resilience efforts across critical infrastructure partners and in relation to the People’s Republic of China’s goals and targets;  

(3) the Technical Advisory Council subcommittee is researching how CISA can encourage migration toward open-source software security; and

(4) the Secure by Design subcommittee explored opportunities to ensure secure by design best practices are affordable and accessible for all users.

In March, Director Easterly formally responded to the 108 recommendations the Committee approved during the September 2023 quarterly meeting. CISA accepted or partially accepted nearly all the recommendations. The recommendations and responses can be found here. In May, Director Easterly formally responded to the 29 recommendations the Committee approved during the December 2023 quarterly meeting, and CISA accepted nearly all the recommendations. The recommendations and responses can be found here.  

Established in 2021, the Committee was created to provide recommendations to the CISA Director to advance the cybersecurity mission of the agency as well as to strengthen cybersecurity measures across the nation.      

The next CSAC meeting will be held, virtually, in September.

The agenda from today’s meeting is available here. More information on CSAC is available here.   

###

About CISA 

As the nation’s cyber defense agency and national coordinator for critical infrastructure security, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency leads the national effort to understand, manage, and reduce risk to the digital and physical infrastructure Americans rely on every hour of every day.

Visit CISA.gov for more information and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram.

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

WASHINGTON – Today, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) announced it will host the first annual Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) Task Force Conference, Innovations in ICT Supply Chain Risk Management. The Conference will be a one-day event, taking place on June 12, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. ET at the MITRE Corporation in McLean, Virginia.   

Established by CISA in December 2018, the ICT SCRM Task Force is the nation’s premier convening body for engagement between government and industry and is charged with identifying and developing consensus risk management strategies to enhance global ICT supply chain security. The Task Force works collaboratively to develop products, resources, and tools that help mitigate ICT supply chain risks. Some of the materials produced by the ICT SCRM Task Force include a Hardware Bill of Materials (HBOM) Framework, a Threat Scenarios Report, a Vendor SCRM Template, and Qualified Bidder and Manufacturer Lists.   

Speakers and panelists will include CISA Director Jen Easterly and other senior officials from CISA, as well as leaders from the national security and cyber community, Task Force members, C-suite executives, and SCRM experts. The Conference promises to be a dynamic platform for exploring the latest trends, challenges, and breakthroughs shaping the future of ICT supply chain.  

Key highlights of the Conference include: 

• Expert Keynote Address: Hear from CISA Director Jen Easterly as she shares her perspectives on enhancing cybersecurity and critical infrastructure resilience.
• Interactive Panel Discussions: Engage in thought-provoking discussions with industry leaders, policymakers, and experts as they discuss topics ranging from the role of AI in supply chains to enhancing supply chain transparency.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers, exchange ideas, and explore new partnerships with fellow attendees from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. 

“Supply chain security is one of CISA’s top priorities—a priority that is greatly enhanced by the collective effort of the ICT SCRM Task Force. Given the critical role that the IT and Communications sectors serve as the connective tissue to all of the various critical infrastructure sectors, we could not be more thrilled to be hosting the first annual ICT SCRM Task Force conference,” said Assistant Director for the National Risk Management Center and ICT SCRM Task Force Co-Chair Mona Harrington.    

“We have lined up a stellar group of speakers and panelists who will share their wisdom and expertise on how best to think about and respond to the myriad of issues facing organizations to enhance their supply chain resilience. When our supply chains are more secure, our nation is more secure. This conference will be an important step to increasing that security,” said Harrington. 

To register for the Innovations in ICT Supply Chain Risk Management Conference, please email cisamedia@cisa.dhs.gov by noon on Friday, June 7. 

For more information about the ICT SCRM Task Force, please visit: ICT Supply Chain Risk Management Task Force. 

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas issued the following statement on President Biden’s Proclamation to suspend and limit entry of individuals at the southern border and the accompanying joint regulation of the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice: 

“Two weeks ago, I joined others in urging Congress to do what only it can do: fix our broken immigration system and provide our personnel with the resources they need and deserve to do their jobs and advance the safety and security of the American people. For the second time this year, Congress had before it, bipartisan border security legislation that would do just that: deliver the strongest border enforcement tools in thirty years. The legislation was the result of months of hard work by both Republican and Democratic Senators and members of the Biden-Harris Administration. 

“Congress failed to pass the tough and much-needed border security legislation. Today, this Administration has taken another executive action to do what it can to strengthen border security in the wake of Congressional inaction. The joint Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice regulation – an Interim Final Rule – will, during times when high levels of migrant encounters at the southern border exceed our ability to deliver timely consequences, deem certain individuals ineligible for asylum, including those who cross illegally between ports of entry; raise the standard used to adjudicate protection claims; and, speed our ability to deliver consequences.   

“This executive action is yet another step the Administration has taken within its existing authorities to deter irregular migration. Throughout the last three fiscal years, a majority of all southwest border encounters resulted in a removal, return, or expulsion. Over the past year alone, we have removed or returned more than 750,000 people, more than in any fiscal year since 2010. 

“The tough measures we announced today are no substitute for much-needed reforms that are only possible through legislation. We continue to call on Congress to act. Only Congress can provide our Department with additional statutory authorities that would actually create a functioning immigration system, and only Congress can provide our personnel – in U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services – with the resources they need to ensure our border is secure and the system works.” 

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

From May 31 – June 1, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas traveled to San Salvador, El Salvador as the Head of the United States Presidential Delegation to the inauguration of President of El Salvador Nayib Bukele.  Secretary Mayorkas was joined by United States Ambassador to the Republic of El Salvador William H. Duncan; Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, U.S. Department of Commerce, Marisa Lago; Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, U.S. Department of State, Brian A. Nichols; Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration, U.S. Department of State, Julieta Valls Noyes; and Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for the Western Hemisphere, National Security Council, Daniel P. Erikson.

During the visit, Secretary Mayorkas met with President Bukele to discuss the many cultural, and economic ties our two countries share and reaffirmed the mutual commitment to address our common challenges. The discussions focused on enhancing the rule-of-law to ensure sustainable security for Salvadorans, strengthening enforcement actions against narcotics trafficking, and advancing effective migration management. The Secretary also expressed gratitude for El Salvador’s contributions to the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti. The Secretary and the President committed to working together to foster continued economic growth and development in El Salvador, including increasing the utilization of H-2 temporary work visas for Salvadoran nationals.  They also highlighted the continued strong partnership between our countries in reducing irregular migration flows through increased enforcement and strengthened visa regimes. 

Secretary Mayorkas congratulated President Bukele on his inauguration and the two leaders committed to ensuring robust bilateral cooperation on a range of issues that will benefit the citizens of the United States and El Salvador.   

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

Indianapolis, IN – On May 23 – 26, Assistant Secretary Mary Ellen Callahan, DHS Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD), visited Indianapolis Motor Speedway to learn about the safety and security measures in preparation for the 108^th running of the Indianapolis 500.  The Indy 500 is the largest single-day sporting event in the world, with an estimated daily attendance of up to 350,000 people. Indianapolis is a critical and long standing CWMD operational partner. The Indy 500 preparations and operations are a quintessential showcase of collaboration across federal, state, and local agencies to meet the mission of safeguarding the Nation from foreign and domestic threats.

CWMD’s Mobile Detection Deployment Program (MDDP) provided surge support to supplement the existing capabilities of Indiana law enforcement and public safety agencies. MDDP has extensive equipment designed to detect the release of harmful Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) agents before or during special events. The MDDP team worked with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department to integrate CBRN detection equipment into their enhanced steady-state surge operations for the Indianapolis 500 race events. The CWMD leadership team met with state, local, and federal agencies to hear about the CBRN and other protective measures in place for the race.

CWMD serves as the Department of Homeland Security’s focal point for countering weapons of mass destruction efforts. By supporting operational partners across federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial levels, CWMD coordinates DHS efforts to safeguard the United States against CBRN threats.

###

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

WASHINGTON – 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.

“Today’s sentencing again highlights the extraordinary work being done by our Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel who, day in and day out, are relentless in their mission to disrupt and dismantle dangerous smuggling operations and to secure our border,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “This sentencing is a testament to the partnership and collaboration this Administration has strengthened across the federal enterprise, and with our allies in countries such as Honduras and Mexico, to crack down on criminal organizations. We will continue our work alongside our federal, state, and local partners to attack the ruthless smuggling operations that prey on the vulnerable and cause so much death and trauma.”

“Today’s sentencing is the latest example of the great work of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), which we launched nearly three years ago to hold accountable the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling groups, and which has obtained more than 240 convictions to date,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This defendant exploited vulnerable migrants for her own profit, risking their lives and our national security in the process. Together with our partners across the federal government, the Justice Department will continue our efforts to dismantle and disrupt human smuggling networks like those the defendant operated.”

“Cooperation and collaboration are key tools in protecting America from the reach of international human smuggling organizations,” said U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino for the District of Arizona. “We thank Honduras for its willingness to extradite, the various local agencies who interdicted migrants and helped us make the connection to a larger organization, and all of the JTFA partners for dismantling a smuggling network.”

According to court documents, Maria Mendoza-Mendoza, also known as La Guera, 52, of Honduras, coordinated the movement of migrants from Honduras to the U.S.-Mexico border and to stash houses operated in Phoenix, Arizona, where the migrants would be detained until their smuggling fees were paid. The smuggling organization utilized funnel accounts to collect millions of dollars in smuggling fees. Mendoza-Mendoza exercised her authority within the organization to assess punitive sanctions—she threatened to “bleed out” a guide as punishment and demanded that a migrant whose family did not pay his smuggling fee be thrown “back in the desert.”

“Human smuggling is an insidious crime and one that this defendant participated in over 100 times—all for profit,” said Special Agent in Charge Fransisco B. Burrola of HSI Arizona. “Human smugglers do nothing but prey on vulnerable people who at times pay with their lives while crossing the border. Smugglers endanger and exploit people by using dangerous networks that threaten the safety of our communities and our national security; HSI is committed to combatting this type of cross border crime along with our partner law enforcement agencies. Let this sentencing serve as a warning to other smugglers contemplating their continued participation—prison awaits you.”

Mendoza-Mendoza was indicted in January 2018 and extradited from Honduras to the United States in June 2023. Mendoza-Mendoza pleaded guilty on Jan. 24 to conspiracy to transport illegal aliens for profit.

This prosecution resulted from the coordinated efforts of JTFA, which was established by Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas and Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Justice Department, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to enhance U.S. enforcement efforts against the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. The task force focuses on disrupting and dismantling smuggling and trafficking networks that abuse, exploit, or endanger migrants, pose national security threats, and are involved in organized crime. Since its creation in June 2021, JTFA has achieved significant results, including 305 arrests, including against leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators; 242 U.S. convictions; 175 U.S. defendants sentenced, including significant jail sentences imposed; substantial seizures and forfeiture of assets and contraband, including hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, real property, vehicles, firearms and ammunition, and drugs; multiple indictments and successful extradition requests against foreign leadership targets.

HSI Sells Office investigated the case, with significant assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol’s Tucson Sector and numerous state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the country. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Honduras to secure the arrest and extradition of Mendoza-Mendoza. The U.S. Marshals Service assisted with the extradition efforts.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for District of Arizona prosecuted the case.

###