Category: United States Director of National Intelligence

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas released the following statement regarding President Joe Biden:

“Every day, it is my honor to serve in President Biden’s Administration.  

“President Biden has devoted his life to public service; America and the world are all the better for his leadership.  When it comes to homeland security, he has taken and directed bold, innovative, and decisive actions to help safeguard our communities, secure our borders, harness the power of artificial intelligence, advance our cybersecurity, eradicate the scourge of fentanyl, and more – all while standing up for our nation’s values.  It is a privilege to advance his vision of and for a strong, secure, and prosperous America. 

“We at the Department of Homeland Security are protecting the American people, our homeland, and our values, in keeping with the President’s vision.  On water, in the skies, on land, and in cyberspace, here and around the world, we partner with the American people, industry, civil society, and others to keep our communities safe and secure.  We promote trade and travel, welcome new Americans, fight crimes of exploitation, rescue people in distress and help them rebuild their lives after natural disasters, and so much more.  We do so with honor and integrity – the standard President Biden has set for all of us.

“We will continue to do so as we devote ourselves, throughout the months remaining in this Administration, to meeting President Biden’s vision of what our country is and can be.”

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Source: US Department of Homeland Security

WASHINGTON – Following the events of July 13, 2024, President Joe Biden directed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct an independent security review of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas is naming a bipartisan panel with extensive law enforcement and security experience to conduct a 45-day independent review of the planning for and actions taken by the U.S. Secret Service and state and local authorities before, during, and after the rally, and the U.S. Secret Service governing policies and procedures.   

The independent review panel of experts from outside of government will be comprised of former DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano; Ms. Frances Townsend, former Homeland Security Advisor to President George W. Bush; the Hon. Mark Filip, a former federal judge and Deputy Attorney General to President George W. Bush; and Chief David Mitchell, the former superintendent of Maryland State Police and former Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Homeland Security for the State of Delaware. Secretary Mayorkas could invite additional experts to join the panel in the coming days. 

“We are committed to getting to the bottom of what happened on July 13, and I am grateful to the distinguished members of this independent review who will bring decades of expertise in law enforcement and security operations to this important investigation,” said Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “Ensuring the safety and security of current and former Presidents is critical and one of our Department’s top priorities. The men and women of the Secret Service make it the greatest protective service in the world, with one of the most solemn and difficult missions in government. This independent review will examine what happened and provide actionable recommendations to ensure they carry out their no-fail mission most effectively and to prevent something like this from ever happening again.” 

As the President announced on July 14, the Administration is committed to sharing the results of this review with the American people. Secretary Mayorkas has also encouraged the panel members to notify him of recommendations that require immediate attention in real time, so changes can be quickly implemented if needed. The independent review will be conducted in such a way as to not interfere with the FBI’s ongoing criminal investigation or any other criminal investigation. 

The bipartisan panel brings to the investigation expertise in law enforcement, protective security, and homeland security at the local, state, and federal level.  As Secretary of Homeland Security from 2009 to 2013, Janet Napolitano led the nation’s efforts to prevent terrorist attacks, secure its borders, respond to natural disasters, and build domestic resiliency. She oversaw the U.S. Secret Service and also led critical enhancements to aviation security, including initiatives like the creation of TSA Pre✓® that bolster security while improving the travel experience and the expansion of programs like Global Entry and pre-clearance. She was the first woman and is to date the longest-serving Secretary of Homeland Security. She previously served as the twentieth president of the University of California, from 2013 to 2020 and governor of Arizona from 2003-2009. She is currently the founder of the Center for Security in Politics and Professor of Public Policy at the Goldman School of Public Policy at UC Berkeley. 

Ms. Frances Townsend served as Assistant to President George W. Bush for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism from 2004 to 2008 and chaired the Homeland Security Council. She also served as Deputy National Security Advisor for Combatting Terrorism from May 2003 to May 2004. Ms. Townsend previously spent 13 years at the U.S. Department of Justice under the administrations of President George H. W. Bush, President Bill Clinton, and President George W. Bush. Ms. Townsend served on the Director of National Intelligence’s Senior Advisory Group, the Central Intelligence Agency’s External Advisory Board and the U.S. President’s Intelligence Advisory Board.  

The Hon. Mark Filip served as Deputy Attorney General from 2008-2009, overseeing the Department of Justice’s criminal and civil enforcement efforts. He previously served as a federal court judge in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois after unanimous, bipartisan confirmation by the U.S. Senate following his nomination by President George W. Bush in 2003.  In 2014, Mr. Filip served on the panel tasked with reviewing and recommending reforms to the United States Secret Service Protective Mission.  Mr. Filip is currently a partner at the law firm of Kirkland & Ellis LLP, where he is a member of the firm’s global management committee. 

Chief David B. Mitchell brings four decades of law enforcement experience to this review. From 1990 to 1995, he served as Chief of Police for Prince George’s County, Maryland, prior to being appointed Superintendent of the Maryland State Police, the seventh largest state police department in the nation. He led the force during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the D.C. sniper case in 2003. In 2004, he was appointed Secretary of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security for the State of Delaware. He currently serves as the Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police for the University of Maryland, College Park Campus. 

“All Americans share a concern about the safety of our public officials,” said the members of the independent review panel in a joint statement. “We formed this bipartisan group to quickly identify improvements the U.S. Secret Service can implement to enhance their work. We must all work together to ensure events like July 13 do not happen again.”  

In response to the ongoing heightened threat environment, the Secret Service enhanced former President Trump’s protection prior to the assassination attempt in July, and since July 16, the U.S. Secret Service made significant physical and technical enhancements related to securing the former President and other protectees. 

For up to date information about the independent review, please visit www.dhs.gov.  

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Source: US Department of Homeland Security

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Kristie Canegallo, and the leaders of the DHS agencies and offices with law enforcement responsibilities jointly released the following statement regarding recent comments questioning the presence of women in law enforcement.

“In the days following the attempted assassination of former President Trump, some people have made public statements questioning the presence of women in law enforcement, including in the United States Secret Service.

“These assertions are baseless and insulting.

“Every single day, in communities big and small across our great country, women are serving in federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, and campus law enforcement. They are highly trained and skilled professionals, who risk their lives on the front lines for the safety and security of others. They are brave and selfless patriots who deserve our gratitude and respect.

“We in the United States Department of Homeland Security — the largest law enforcement organization in the federal government — will, with great pride, focus, and devotion to mission, continue to recruit, retain, and elevate women in our law enforcement ranks. Our Department will be the better for it, and our country more secure.”

This statement is jointly attributable to:

Alejandro N. Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security

Kristie Canegallo, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security

Troy Miller, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner for U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Patrick J. Lechleitner, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Admiral Linda Fagan, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard

David Pekoske, Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration

Kimberly Cheatle, Director of the U.S. Secret Service

Deanne Criswell, Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency

Richard K. Cline, Director of the Federal Protective Service

Benjamine C. Huffman, Director of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers

Richard McComb, Chief Security Officer of the Department of Homeland Security

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Source: US Department of Homeland Security

Redesignation Allows Additional Newly Eligible Somali Nationals to Apply for TPS and Employment Authorization Documents 

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the extension and redesignation of Somalia for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months, from September 18, 2024, to March 17, 2026, due to conditions in Somalia that prevent individuals from safely returning.  

After consulting interagency partners, Secretary Mayorkas determined that an 18-month extension and redesignation of Somalia for TPS is warranted because conditions, which include ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions, that support Somalia’s designation are ongoing. Those conditions include widespread insecurity and violence that have exposed civilian populations to abuse and displacement. Additionally, Somalia has experienced intense flooding, continued food insecurity, disease outbreaks and significant barriers to humanitarian aid deliveries.  

“Armed conflict and widespread insecurity have harmed and displaced civilians in Somalia for years, exacerbated today by the ravages of famine, disease, and extreme weather,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “Granting protection through Temporary Protected Status ensures that Somalis already in the United States can reside and work here while these deteriorated conditions in Somalia continue.”   

The extension of the TPS designation for Somalia allows approximately 600 current beneficiaries to retain TPS through March 17, 2026, if they continue to meet TPS eligibility requirements. Current TPS beneficiaries who wish to extend their status through March 17, 2026, must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period from July 22, 2024, through September 20, 2024, to ensure they keep their TPS and employment authorization. 

The redesignation of Somalia for TPS allows an estimated 4,300 additional Somali nationals (or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Somalia) to file initial applications to obtain TPS, if they are otherwise eligible. They must have established residence in the United States on or before July 12, 2024, and have continued to reside in the United States since then (“continuous residence”).  

The corresponding Federal Register notice provides information about registering for TPS as a new or current beneficiary under Somalia’s extension and redesignation.  The Federal Register notice explains eligibility criteria, timelines, and procedures necessary for current beneficiaries to re-register and renew EADs, and for new applicants to submit an initial application under the redesignation and apply for an EAD. 

Accompanying this announcement is a Special Student Relief notice for F-1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Somalia, or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Somalia, so that eligible students may request employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while continuing to maintain F-1 status through the TPS designation period.  

The Department of Homeland Security recognizes that not all re-registrants may receive a new Employment Authorization Document before their current EAD expires and is automatically extending through Sept. 17, 2025, the validity of certain EADs previously issued under Somalia’s TPS designation. 

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will continue to process pending applications filed under previous TPS designations for Somalia. Individuals with a pending Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, or a related Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, as of July 19, 2024 do not need to file either application again. If USCIS approves a pending Form I-821 or Form I-765 filed under the previous designation of TPS for Somalia, USCIS will grant the individual TPS through March 17, 2026, and issue an EAD valid through the same date. 

Under the redesignation of Somalia, eligible individuals who do not have TPS may submit an initial Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, during the initial registration period that runs from July 19, 2024 through March 17, 2026. Applicants also may apply for TPS-related EADs and for travel authorization. Applicants can request an EAD by submitting a completed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with their Form I-821, or separately later. 

Since the Securing the Border Presidential Proclamation and Interim Final Rule was issued in early June, over 50,000 noncitizens have been removed or returned to more than 100 countries. All irregular migration journeys are extremely dangerous, unforgiving, and often result in loss of life. DHS will continue to enforce U.S. laws and will return noncitizens who do not establish a legal basis to remain in the United States. 

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is working with federal, state, local, and non-governmental partners in response activities related to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), including public health outreach among dairy/cattle farms and their workers.

In light of these circumstances, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) remind the public that testing and vaccination sites are considered protected areas. To the fullest extent possible, ICE and CBP do not conduct immigration enforcement activities at protected areas where such medical or public health outreach is being conducted.

At the request of local and state authorities, ICE and CBP may help with public safety missions. ICE and CBP provide assistance to individuals regardless of their immigration status. DHS officials do not and will not pose as individuals providing medical or public health assistance as part of any enforcement activities.

DHS is committed to ensuring that every individual who seeks medical or public health aid, testing, or other assistance as part of the HPAI investigation efforts is able to do so regardless of their immigration status. DHS carries out its mission without discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ethnicity, disability, or political associations, and in compliance with law and policy.

For information about filing a complaint with the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties about these matters, please visit the Make a Civil Rights Complaint page.

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

WASHINGTON – Today, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released a companion guide to the Infrastructure Resilience Planning Framework (IRPF), which provides guidance on how local governments and the private sector can work together to plan for the security and resilience of critical infrastructure services in the face of threats. Dubbed the IRPF Playbook, this supplemental manual will assist state, local, tribal, territorial (SLTT) and private sector stakeholders in planning for the security and resilience of infrastructure in their regions.

The IRPF Playbook lists inputs, processes, and fictional scenarios like a recipe to help users better understand how best to implement the IRPF guidance. By walking through the IRPF’s core resilience concepts, users can identify their objectives and develop an approach that incorporates the appropriate elements of the IRPF into their planning activities. The Playbook also includes a narrative hypothetical illustration of how a community might conduct resilience planning or incorporate infrastructure resilience into existing planning efforts using the IRPF.

“Reading through the Playbook process, not only are the IRPF steps articulated with clear inputs and outputs but the additional guidance on resilience concepts will help communities increase their readiness and bounce back quickly after a disaster,” said Dr. David Mussington, CISA Executive Assistant Director for Infrastructure Security. “We anticipate that the IRPF Playbook will address a crucial challenge by not only outlining the IRPF steps but also providing guidance on their practical implementation in disaster preparedness planning.”

The nation’s capacity to secure its infrastructure and sustain essential community services also depends on SLTT and private sector partners working together to assess and reduce risk to increasingly complex natural and human threats. CISA is releasing the IRPF Playbook to share its expertise with the public and with private sector entities, which have the primary responsibility for planning, investing in, and maintaining multiple water, transportation, health, education and other facilities and recovering essential community services.

The IRPF Playbook can be accessed alongside other resilience planning resources at the Resilience Planning Program webpage.

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) works tirelessly to uphold America’s promise as a nation of welcome and possibility and has made meaningful progress to improve accessibility to immigration benefits and services while working towards the Biden-Harris Administration’s vision for our nation’s immigration system, one that is based on trust, strength, inclusion, integrity, and accessibility. These announcements utilize existing authorities, but only Congress can fix our broken immigration system.  

Keeping Families Together  

On June 18, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced actions to promote family unity in the immigration process, consistent with the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to keeping families together.

Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced that beginning on August 19, 2024, eligible spouses and children will be able to apply for this process to obtain legal status while remaining with their families.    

Citizenship and Integration Grant Program  

USCIS is providing new competitive funding opportunities under the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program, which provides citizenship preparation resources, support, and information to immigrants and immigrant-serving organizations. Since 2009, the program has awarded $155 million through 644 grants to organizations providing citizenship preparation services to more than 350,000 eligible immigrants in 41 states and the District of Columbia. New funding opportunities include:  

Citizenship and Integration Training Academy (CITA)   

• On May 15, USCIS announced the opening of the application period for the CITA which provides funding and training to enable organizations to establish high-quality citizenship programs for noncitizens who qualify or will qualify based on eligibility criteria. This new funding opportunity is a technical assistance grant that will provide up to $2.6 million in Congressionally appropriated competitive funding to public or nonprofit organizations that have not received previous grant funding from USCIS.    

Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services (CINAS)   

• On April 24, USCIS began accepting applications for up to $10 million in competitive funding through CINAS, which will provide funding for organizations who offer legal and informational services to prepare eligible immigrants by offering both citizenship instruction and naturalization application services, training, and Board of Immigration Appeals accreditation.   

The total awards for these opportunities will be $12.6 million. USCIS is currently reviewing applications and the awardees will be announced in September, during Constitution Day and Citizenship Day/Constitution Week.  

USCIS to You   

On July 17, 2024, USCIS is launching “USCIS to You,” a new initiative to bring immigration-related assistance into local communities, including remote or underserved areas for eligible noncitizens. This initiative will help break down existing barriers to accessing immigration services, such as long distances and a lack of public transportation to field offices, and inadequate legal, community, and financial support.    

• Facilitating Remote Access   
  • USCIS is officially launching the Remote Access initiative as a continuation and expansion of USCIS’ effort to provide services to customers who live in remote and/or underserved areas. Some barriers limiting access USCIS services include long distances to field offices; lack of public transportation; and/or lack of adequate access to legal, community, and financial support and information.   
  • USCIS offers a combination of remote services based on the needs of different communities including benefit application interviews for legal permanent residents and other eligible individuals, video-facilitated N-400 interviews, appointments for in-person services, naturalization ceremonies, and outreach.  
  • USCIS is committed to planning both routine and as-needed remote services in a variety of geographically diverse locations throughout the United States. The agency’s goal is to reach out to a minimum of four communities every quarter with anticipated travel in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, including locations in California, Kansas, Alaska, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  
• Community Education and Partnerships  
  • USCIS will conduct three focused engagements per quarter at public libraries, law school clinics, or events hosted by nongovernmental organizations throughout the country.   
  • USCIS will partner with public libraries throughout the country, particularly in California and New York, located in areas that traditionally have larger immigrant populations, to offer engagements with the general public on immigration benefits and services and provide a general overview of the USCIS Contact Center and direct customer services to attendees.      
  • Many community organizations and social service providers offer citizenship classes and assistance with the naturalization process. Classes are often held in the evenings and on weekends. In many cases, these programs provide additional support and referral services as well. USCIS will provide support for these services when requested or identified.   
  • USCIS also works with the Law School Community of Practice (LSCOP) which was established to encourage law schools and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to engage in naturalization-focused assistance especially in rural, isolated, and/or vulnerable communities. At LSCOP clinics, law schools pre-screen for naturalization eligibility. The LSCOP comprises 28 law schools and eight NGOs. USCIS will work with law schools to provide information during engagements or at their clinics.   
  • For more resources, visit Find Help in Your Community | USCIS  

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

WASHINGTON – Today, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) announced the appointments of Jeff Greene as Executive Assistant Director for Cybersecurity and Trent Frazier as Assistant Director for Stakeholder Engagement. Both served in acting capacities prior to being formally appointed to their roles.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Jeff to Team CISA to lead our cybersecurity division and to elevate Trent as the leader of our stakeholder engagement efforts,” said CISADirector Jen Easterly. “Both Jeff and Trent bring a wealth of expertise and experience to these critical roles, and I’m grateful for their willingness to continue to serve our nation. As America’s Cyber Defense Agency and the National Coordinator for critical infrastructure security and resilience, CISA’s efforts to reduce risk to the nation have never been more important, and I’m proud of our ability to continue to attract top talent to lead our teams.”

Executive Assistant Director for Cybersecurity Jeff Greene previously served as Senior Director at the Aspen Institute, where he led the global cybersecurity policy program. Prior to Aspen, he was the Chief for Cyber Response & Policy in the National Security Council at the White House.

“CISA’s mission is more important than ever, and the Cybersecurity Division’s work to improve the cybersecurity of our nation – both what the public sees and what goes on behind the scenes – would not be possible without the dedicated and talented people who make up the Division. I’m honored to be part of this team,” said Executive Assistant Director Jeff Greene.

Assistant Director for Stakeholder Engagement Trent Frazier was previously Deputy Assistant Director for Stakeholder Engagement. Prior to joining CISA, he served in a variety of leadership roles throughout the Department of Homeland Security, focusing on protecting and building resiliency within the higher education community, developing cross-border transportation infrastructure workforce acquisition, and program management. 

“I am excited to assume the role of Assistant Director, and to continue the exceptional progress the Stakeholder Engagement Division has made in advancing CISA’s strategic collaboration across both government and industry over the past several years,” said Assistant Director Trent Frazier. “I look forward to our next evolution, further solidifying meaningful engagement as a cornerstone to CISA’s success.”

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas delivered the following remarks at the White House Press Briefing in Washington, DC. 

Thank you very much, Karine. Good afternoon. 

At the very outset, I want to echo what President Biden said last night: Our entire Administration is grateful that former President Trump is okay. Our hearts and prayers are with the family of Corey Comperatore. We pray for the full and swift recovery of those who were injured on Saturday. 

We are thankful for the heroic agents of the United States Secret Service who so quickly and bravely responded to the threat at Saturday’s campaign event. 

We unequivocally condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the violence our nation witnessed that day. Such acts are unacceptable in our country and in our democracy. 

Both President Biden and former President Trump are constantly the subject of threats. We are in a heightened and very dynamic threat environment. The United States Secret Service – we, including the FBI and our other partners across the federal government – take the threats very seriously and adjust security measures as warranted. Maintaining the safety and security of the President, the former President, and their campaign events is one of our most vital priorities. 

In light of this weekend’s events, the President has directed me to work with the Secret Service to provide protection to Robert Kennedy, Jr. 

Both prior to and after the events of this past weekend, the Secret Service enhanced former President Trump’s protection, based on the evolving nature of threats to the former President and his imminent shift from presumptive nominee to nominee. This includes enhancements related to securing the former President during the Republican National Convention this week.   

I cannot discuss specifics of the protection or the enhancements made, as they involve sensitive tactics and procedures. I can say, however, that personnel and other protective resources, technology, and capabilities have been added.   

At the RNC, we have steadily increased the implementation of significant physical and technical enhancements at every protective venue in support of protectees, including miles of anti-scale fencing, screening technology, and tactical support. We are also leveraging strong relationships across the law enforcement community, including agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Transportation Security Administration, and state and local law enforcement agencies, all of whom have been deployed at the convention.   

Since the attempted assassination of former President Trump, we across the government are focused with urgency to understand how it happened. At President Biden’s direction, an independent review of the incident will be conducted – one that will examine the Secret Service’s and other law enforcement actions before, during, and after the shooting, to identify the immediate and longer-term corrective actions required to ensure that the no-fail mission of protecting national leaders is most effectively met. 

The men and women of the Secret Service have one of the most solemn and difficult jobs in government. Their work involves tremendous sacrifice, risk, and bravery. We saw those qualities in action on the stage at this past Saturday’s event. 

With respect to the tragic event of Saturday, the FBI is leading the criminal investigation, which is ongoing. An independent review will be conducted to understand the facts regarding protection of the event and make findings and recommendations accordingly. I will therefore not be able to comment on the facts subject to investigation and review at this time. 

With that, I will take your questions. 

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas released the following statement regarding the shooting at former President Donald Trump’s campaign rally in Pennsylvania earlier today. 

“U.S. Secret Service Director Cheatle and I have briefed President Biden on today’s shooting in Pennsylvania. DHS and the Secret Service are working with law enforcement partners to respond to and investigate the shooting. We condemn this violence in the strongest possible terms and commend the Secret Service for their swift action today. We are engaged with President Biden, former President Trump, and their campaigns, and are taking every possible measure to ensure their safety and security. Maintaining the security of the Presidential candidates and their campaign events is one of our Department’s most vital priorities.” 

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