The Blog @ Homeland Security

The Wait is Over – E-Verify Self Check Is Now Available Nationwide

2012-02-09T12:26:00.000-05:00

If you’re hunting for a job, you’ll want to use every tool you can to ensure that you’re ready. Since we first launched Self Check less than a year ago, one of the most frequent questions we’ve heard is, "When can I use Self Check in my state?"

The wait is now over. Self Check is now available nationwide in both English and Spanish.

Starting today, job hunters in every state across the country, as well as Washington, D.C., Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, will be able to use Self Check to confirm their employment eligibility status.

More and more employers use E-Verify to confirm their new hires’ work eligibility. You can use Self Check to confirm your work eligibility, see if there are any discrepancies in your records, and learn how to fix them before searching for a job. For more information, please visit the Self Check website at http://www.uscis.gov/selfcheck.

ICE anuncia su primer defensor del pueblo

2012-02-07T14:04:00.000-05:00

Publicado por Andrew Lorenzen-Strait, defensor del pueblo y asesor principal, Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement o ICE)

Es un honor para mí haber sido nombrado hoy el primer defensor del pueblo del Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE). A medida que el ICE continúa implementando reformas respecto a detenciones y otros programas relacionados con la aplicación de la ley, mi equipo y yo nos desempeñaremos como punto de contacto para las personas, incluidos quienes son parte de procesos de inmigración, entidades no gubernamentales y otros grupos comunitarios y de propugnación que tienen inquietudes, preguntas, recomendaciones o asuntos importantes que deseen plantear.

Aunque este nuevo cargo será un desafío, considero que producirá beneficios significativos tanto para el ICE como las partes interesadas. Mientras nos esforzamos por producir significativos cambios de política en la asignación de recursos para el cumplimiento de las leyes de inmigración y destinarlos a prioridades sensatas, la implementación de procesos y medidas de política que le dan prioridad a la salud y seguridad de los detenidos bajo nuestra custodia y a la vez aumentar la supervisión federal, además de la mejora de las condiciones de confinamiento en nuestro sistema de detención, me esforzaré por aumentar y mejorar el diálogo con la comunidad interesada.

He dedicado la mayor parte de mi vida al servicio público. Comencé a trabajar para el ICE en el 2008, primero como asesor y analista de política relacionada a la aplicación de las leyes de inmigración, detención y menores de edad, y recientemente como asesor principal de la división de administración de detenciones de Operativos de Control y Deportación (Enforcement and Removal Operations o ERO). Previamente, ejercí como abogado y fui homenajeado como Abogado del Año de Maryland por servicios pro bono por mi trabajo con Community Legal Services del condado Prince George.

En mi nuevo cargo, tendré cuatro responsabilidades principales:

Ayudar a las personas y partes interesadas en la comunidad a presentar sus quejas e inquietudes de acuerdo a la política y forma de operar de la agencia, en particular, las inquietudes relacionadas con las medidas del ICE para velar por el cumplimiento de la ley que afectan a ciudadanos estadounidenses;
Informar a las partes interesadas sobre la política, programas y proyectos de ERO, además de propiciar un mejor entendimiento sobre la misión y valores fundamentales de ERO;
Fomentar la participación de las partes interesadas y encontrar socios para facilitar la comunicación, promover la colaboración y solicitar comentarios sobre proyectos y operativos para velar por el cumplimiento de las leyes de inmigración, y
Asesorar a los líderes del ICE sobre las conclusiones, inquietudes, recomendaciones y prioridades de las partes interesadas, con relación a mejoras a los esfuerzos y actividades para velar por el cumplimiento de las leyes de inmigración.

Asumo este nuevo cargo con gran entusiasmo y me siento orgulloso de esta agencia por valorar los comentarios de la comunidad y poner énfasis en la transparencia y la facilidad de acceso, a la vez que el ICE continúa concentrándose en medidas de aplicación de sentido común y reformas sensatas de política. Espero que me comuniquen sus preguntas, comentarios e inquietudes. Estoy aquí para ayudarlos.

ICE Announces First-Ever Public Advocate

2012-02-07T08:58:00.000-05:00

Posted by Andrew Lorenzen-Strait, Public Advocate & Senior Advisor, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

Today, I am honored to be named U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)’s first-ever public advocate. As ICE continues to implement detention reforms and other enforcement-related initiatives, my staff and I will serve as a point of contact for individuals, including those in immigration proceedings, NGOs, and other community and advocacy groups, who have concerns, questions, recommendations or important issues they would like to raise.

While this new role will be challenging, I believe it will reap significant rewards for ICE as well as for stakeholders. As we work to enact significant policy changes to focus the agency’s immigration enforcement resources on sensible priorities, implement policies and processes that prioritize the health and safety of detainees in our custody while increasing federal oversight, and improve the conditions of confinement within the detention system, I will strive to expand and enhance our dialogue with the stakeholder community.

I have committed the greater part of my life to public service. Since 2008, I have served with ICE, first as an advisor and analyst on policies related to immigration enforcement, detention and juveniles, and most recently as the senior advisor for Enforcement and Removal Operation’s (ERO) detention management division. Prior to that, I served as an attorney and was recognized as the Maryland Attorney of the Year for Pro Bono Service working with Community Legal Services of Prince George’s County.

In my new position, I will have four main duties:

Assist individuals and community stakeholders in addressing complaints and concerns in accordance with agency policies and operations, particularly concerns related to ICE enforcement actions that affect U.S. citizens;
Inform stakeholders on ERO policies, programs and initiatives, and enhance understanding of ERO’s mission and core values;
Engage stakeholders and build partnerships to facilitate communication, foster collaboration and solicit input on immigration enforcement initiatives and operations; and
Advise ICE leadership on stakeholder findings, concerns, recommendations and priorities as they relate to improving immigration enforcement efforts and activities.

I am thrilled to assume this new role and proud of this agency for valuing community input and emphasizing transparency and accessibility as ICE continues to pursue common sense enforcement priorities and sound policy reforms. I hope you’ll reach out to me with your questions, comments and concerns. I am here to assist you.

Secret Service Investigates Sophisticated $250 Million Cell Phone Cloning Scheme

2012-02-06T14:07:00.000-05:00

Posted by Public Affairs

On February 1, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York announced charges against 12 defendants for participating in a $250 million cell phone cloning scheme. U.S. Secret Service’s New York Field Office recently investigated a sophisticated operation in which information from the cell phone accounts of tens of thousands of people is stolen to support a black market in international calling.

“These charges show our commitment to protecting the privacy of consumers and safeguarding the integrity of international telecommunications networks,” said Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara.

The Secret Service is recognized worldwide for its investigative expertise and for its aggressive and innovative approach to the detection, investigation and prevention of financial crimes. While payment methods have changed over the years – from coin and paper currency, to checks, credit cards, and now, online transactions – the Secret Service remains committed to safeguarding the payment and financial systems of the United States.

“Through the use of strong investigative techniques and practices, the Secret Service and its law enforcement partners in multiple jurisdictions successfully thwarted further criminal activity and brought these perpetrators to justice,” said Brian Parr, Special Agent in Charge of the Secret Service’s New York Field Office.

Each of the 12 defendants is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of two years in prison.

ICE Seizes Fake Merchandise and Websites Ahead of Super Bowl XLVI

2012-02-03T15:17:00.001-05:00

Posted by John Morton, Director, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

On the eve of Super Bowl XLVI, ICE has already scored a victory. Through Operation Fake Sweep, a nationwide enforcement operation targeting stores, flea markets and street vendors selling counterfeit game-related sportswear, we seized more than 42,692 NFL trademarked items with a record-breaking value of $4.86 million – up from $3.72 million last year.

In addition we seized the domain names of 291 illegal Internet websites selling counterfeit NFL merchandise largely made overseas and 16 websites engaged in illegal streaming of live sporting events and pay-per-view events over the Internet, including the Super Bowl. This is the largest number of websites we have ever seized in a single operation.

Intellectual property (IP) thieves undermine the U.S. economy and jeopardize public safety. American jobs are being lost, American innovation is being diluted and organized criminal enterprises are profiting from their increasing involvement in IP theft.

Discerning consumers should know that counterfeiters are more pervasive and more sophisticated than ever before. The fake merchandise and the bogus websites look authentic. The prices are discounted, yet not ridiculously low. So even a savvy consumer might not realize he or she is being duped. These are new tricks of the counterfeiting trade.

In sports, players must abide by rules of the game, and in life, individuals must follow the laws of the land. Our message is simple: abiding by intellectual property rights laws is not optional; it's the law

Super Bowl XLVI: "If You See Something, Say Something™"

2012-02-02T11:32:00.000-05:00

Posted by Secretary Napolitano

The Department of Homeland Security is proud to help secure Super Bowl XLVI. This week, I joined officials from the National Football League (NFL) in Indianapolis to announce DHS’s continued partnership with the NFL on our “If You See Something, Say Something™” public awareness campaign.

As part of this partnership, we work with law enforcement partners, the NFL, event staff and volunteers, and the public to help ensure the safety and security of everyone who is in town for the big game.

Our message is simple: if you see something that doesn’t look right—an unattended bag or package, a person behaving in a suspicious manner, a vehicle that seems out of place—report it to the authorities.

Time and again, we see the value of this kind of public vigilance in thwarting terrorism and crime, including foiled plots against the Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade in Spokane, Washington and more recently at the Fort Hood military base in Killeen, Texas.

At the Super Bowl, “If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign graphics will appear on the videoboard and televisions throughout Lucas Oil Stadium on game day. Safety messaging will be printed in game programs and fan guides for staff, players, and volunteers. The “If You See Something, Say Something ™” advertisements are also featured throughout Indianapolis at the airport, hotels, restaurants, bars, and on buses, magazines and visitor guides.

We’re also supporting Super Bowl security in other ways, helping Lucas Oil Stadium and other entertainment and hospitality venues throughout the Indianapolis identify address potential risks; providing “First Observer” anti-terrorism and security awareness training to more than 8,000 stadium staff and volunteers; helping secure transit to and from the stadium with our Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) teams; and scanning all of the cargo entering the stadium for contraband such as narcotics, weapons, and explosives.

Security is a shared responsibility and each citizen has a role to play in identifying and reporting suspicious activities and threats. Through efforts like “If You See Something, Say Something™”, we can engage everyone, including Super Bowl fans, in our homeland security efforts.

So while you’re watching the game this weekend, remember—if you see something, say something.

VIDEO: Secretary Napolitano's 2nd Annual Address on the State of America's Homeland Security

2012-01-31T09:13:00.000-05:00

Posted by Public Affairs

Yesterday at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., Secretary Napolitano delivered the 2nd annual address on the State of America's Homeland Security.

Read the remarks

USCIS Combats Human Trafficking

2012-01-26T17:43:00.000-05:00

Posted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Alejandro N. Mayorkas

Every year, thousands of innocent men, women, and children are exploited in human trafficking schemes around the world and right here in the United States. Victims are often lured from their homes with false promises of well-paying jobs and a better life. They are instead forced or coerced into prostitution, domestic servitude, farm or factory work, or other types of forced labor.

At U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), we support the DHS Blue Campaign’s efforts to combat human trafficking by helping to protect victims of these horrible crimes. USCIS provides immigration relief in the form of T visas and U visas, which allow victims to remain in the United States and assist in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. These visas also provide a pathway to lawful permanent residence and permit certain family members to join them in the United States.

Earlier this month, Secretary Napolitano met Shiyma Hall, a brave young woman who was forced into domestic servitude when she was 9 years old. Today, Shiyma is free, and through the immigration benefits provided by USCIS, she is now a United States citizen. USCIS recently unveiled new resources and produced a video to highlight the immigration benefits available to victims of crime. In addition, we provide regular Web-based trainings for law enforcement officials, and have provided more than 30 in-person trainings on combating human trafficking and the immigration benefits available for victims to Federal, State, and local law enforcement officials nationwide. We also contributed to the DHS U Visa Law Enforcement Certification Resource Guide, a new tool available to law enforcement officials to support investigations and prosecutions.

Given the sensitive nature of cases surrounding victims’ protection, USCIS implemented confidentiality safeguards for individuals with applications associated with Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitions or T or U nonimmigrant petitions.

For more information on the Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking, visit www.dhs.gov/humantrafficking or www.uscis.gov/humantrafficking. In an emergency, call 911. To report human trafficking call the ICE tip line at 1-866-347-2423, and for related questions or to speak to a non-governmental representative, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-373-7888.

VIDEO: The Federal Air Marshal Service Celebrates 50 Years

2012-01-20T11:53:00.000-05:00

Posted by the Office of Public Affairs

Today, as Secretary Napolitano speaks to a class of graduating Federal Air Marshals we take a quick look back at the FAMS half century history of service to the traveling public.

This year the Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS) celebrates 50 years of service to the traveling public. After the first hijacking of a U.S. aircraft in 1961, President John F. Kennedy signed legislation to enhance the penalties for crimes committed aboard aircrafts in flight. To help enforce this act, FAA safety inspectors received additional training for duty aboard airlines. The first training class of inspectors were appointed and sworn-in by Attorney General Robert Kennedy in March of 1962.

After September 11, 2001 and the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, the service was rapidly expanded and became the law enforcement arm of the TSA.

Today, the FAMS continues to promote confidence in the nation’s civil aviation system through the effective deployment of Federal Air Marshals to detect, deter, and defeat hostile acts targeting U.S. air carriers, airports, passengers, and crews.

Watch this short video about the FAMS and their proud history of service:

White House Honors Champions of Change in Emergency Preparedness

2012-01-19T18:08:00.000-05:00

Posted by Richard Serino, Deputy Administrator, FEMA

Today, along with Secretary Janet Napolitano and Special Assistant to the President on Homeland Security Richard Reed, I had the pleasure of participating in the White House Champions of Change Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. We honored 17 exceptional leaders in local communities across the nation who have excelled in helping to build a more resilient nation by preparing their communities for disasters. These men and women have demonstrated significant innovation and creativity in getting their communities ready for unexpected emergencies.

I had the opportunity to hear from the honorees about their experiences, ideas, and solutions, as well as their advice on how other citizens and organizations can emulate their success. I was truly inspired by their innovative ideas on how to make their community stronger and more prepared for disasters.

For example, one of these remarkable honorees is Venus Majeski, the Director of Development & Community Relations for the New Jersey Institute for Disabilities. She spearheaded the Alianza Emergency Preparedness Project Plus, a project designed to address the disaster readiness of people with access and functional needs, and who also live in underserved areas. She works to ensure that all individuals are integrated into their community’s overall disaster readiness preparations. Others took an innovative approach, such as Michael Smith, the fire chief for the San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians. Chief Smith helped San Manuel develop a "Send Word Now" system which provides text messages, email and voice alerts to tribal members during emergencies.

Several of this year's honorees also distinguished themselves by involving their entire community in emergency preparedness. Herman Schaeffer, the Director of Community Outreach for the New York City Office of Emergency Management, helps oversee the New York City Citizen Corps program, which collaborated with more than 60 community organizations, government agencies, private sector organizations, and volunteer programs to promote emergency preparedness. And Jodi Simpson, a Homeland Security Planner for the St. Clair County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, who created a robust new public preparedness campaign called, “Be Ready St. Clair County.” They played public service announcements at local movie theaters, hosted video contests, and launched a Facebook page where residents ended up sharing information with one another during and after storms.

These are just a few outstanding examples of how any person or organization can make a different in their community’s emergency preparedness and response. And there are many more like them. Check out the full list of awardees. The initiative and involvement of these honorees represents the role that each one of us plays in making sure that together, as a nation, we are better prepared for disasters. And this serves as a reminder to all of us that we can make a difference in our community, whether we are in a faith-based, tribal, non-profit, private sector, or community-based organization – or even just one individual.

I hope these awardees have inspired you to take action within your own community. Here are some easy ways to get started and get involved:

Contact your local emergency management agency or Citizen Corps Council to get involved in your community’s planning process.
Join a local Community Emergency Response Team to train you in basic disaster response skills so that you can help your neighbors immediately after an emergency.
Start a preparedness project. Identify a need, build a team, set goals, and serve your community.
Know your risk, develop a disaster communications plan, and build a kit.

For more information and ideas, visit Ready.gov. And maybe you will be the next Champion of Change.

Increasing Travel and Tourism in the United States

2012-01-19T16:01:00.000-05:00

-Posted by Secretary Napolitano

Today, President Obama signed an Executive Order announcing new initiatives to increase travel and tourism in the United States while encouraging job creation.

One of these initiatives makes Global Entry, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) pilot that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk international travelers arriving at our airports, a permanent initiative.

This final rule will allow the Global Entry program to initially expand to four more international airports – Minneapolis, Charlotte, Denver and Phoenix – making expedited clearance through the Global Entry program available at airports serving 97 percent of international travelers arriving in the United States.

Over the last three years, we have deployed Global Entry to 20 airports and enrolled more than 246,000 trusted travelers who have used this expedited processing 1.7 million times.

Travelers who participate in the Global Entry program experience reduced average wait times of 70 percent over travelers going through traditional passport inspection, and more than 75 percent of Global Entry members are processed in under five minutes.

The Global Entry program is another way DHS and U.S. Customs and Border Protection are helping to promote travel and tourism and stimulate our economy, while maintaining the highest standards of security. I am proud of this good work, and I look forward to the expansion of Global Entry and our other trusted traveler program in the coming months.

For more information, visit the Global Entry website.

ICE Works to Combat Trafficking and Protect Victims

2012-01-18T10:38:00.000-05:00

Posted by Director John Morton, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

This blog post is part of a series of posts related to National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

Human trafficking victims are often hidden in plain sight. That was the case in northern Virginia in 2009 when Jose Ciro Juarez-Santamaria, an El Salvadoran national and MS-13 gang member, forced a 12-year-old girl – a runaway – into a life of prostitution. This past October, thanks in large part to the work of our Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents, Juarez-Santamaria was sentenced to life in prison for child sex trafficking.

Sadly, scenarios like this one play out across the country every day. Through the work of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) HSI agents, DHS works hard to prevent and combat human trafficking. Last fiscal year, ICE initiated more than human trafficking investigations, which resulted in more than 900 arrests, 400 indictments and 270 convictions.
You can help us combat human trafficking and continue to put traffickers like Juarez-Santamaria behind bars. I urge you to keep your eyes and ears open to report suspicious activity and help us crack down on these horrific crimes.
At ICE, we not only investigate cases of human trafficking, but we also provide services and support to trafficking victims. ICE has full-time victim assistance coordinators at nearly 70 percent of its HSI field offices. We also have 350 collateral-duty coordinators who provide counseling and crisis intervention services when necessary.

President Obama declared January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Please join ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the fight against this heinous crime. If you suspect human trafficking, I encourage you to call 866-DHS-2-ICE or complete our online tip form. We can’t combat human trafficking without your assistance.

DHS Wishes Admiral Brown Fair Winds and Following Seas

2012-01-13T16:08:00.000-05:00

Posted by Deputy Secretary Jane Holl Lute

Today the Department of Homeland Security bids farewell to a true American patriot, professional, and valued member of the DHS leadership team – Rear Admiral Mike Brown, who this afternoon retires from the U.S. Navy after a remarkable, highly-decorated, 36 year career.

Admiral Brown began his service in the Navy in 1976 as a cadet at the U.S. Naval Academy. He graduated in 1980 and embarked on a military career that spanned three decades and included numerous fleet, joint, and national positions. He specialized in intelligence and information operations, and was instrumental in expanding the Navy’s operational role in cyberspace.

He joined the Department in 2008 as deputy assistant secretary, Cybersecurity and Communications, where he helped lead and strengthen many of the Department’s key cybersecurity programs and initiatives – from efforts to develop the nation’s first cyber incident response plan, to the deployment of new technologies to protect federal systems from cyber attacks, to major exercises such as Cyberstorm, to test our nation’s cyber-readiness and response.

As director, Cybersecurity Coordination, Admiral Brown also led the Department’s efforts to better integrate and coordinate our work with the Department of Defense to ensure joint capabilities, and he served as our senior representative to U.S. Cyber Command.

For his service to DHS and the United States, Admiral Brown receives from Secretary Napolitano the DHS Distinguished Service Medal, one of the Department’s highest honors. It is certainly well deserved.

Mike was singularly wise, thoughtful, and hard working. He has been an inspiration to all of us, and we will miss his presence, counsel, and sense of humor. All of us wish Mike fair winds and following seas in his life beyond his military and government service and we wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

DHS Announces John Streufert as the New Director of its National Cybersecurity Division

2012-01-13T15:02:00.002-05:00

Posted By Mark Weatherford, Deputy Under Secretary for Cybersecurity

The DHS Office of Cybersecurity and Communications (CS&C) today announced the appointment of John Streufert as the new Director of its National Cybersecurity Division. Streufert comes from the Department of State where he served as the Chief Information Security Officer and Deputy Chief Information Officer for Information Assurance.

In his new role, John will continue to build and maintain an effective national cyberspace response system and implement a cyber-risk management program for the protection of critical infrastructure, such as dams and transportation. He will also work to maintain and strengthen our collaborations with public, private and international entities to secure the nation’s critical cyber infrastructure.

John comes to DHS with a broad range of experience in cybersecurity and innovation. At the Department of State, he helped oversee its work to become the first agency to implement the Trusted Internet Connection Initiative and the EINSTEIN Program – a cyber intrusion detection system.

We welcome John as part of DHS’ cybersecurity team.

Secretary Napolitano Congratulates ThinkEfficiency Campaign Winners

2012-01-12T16:35:00.000-05:00

Posted by Secretary Janet Napolitano

Today, I spoke with 25 DHS employees from across the country who were selected as the winners of the ThinkEfficiency Campaign. I’m happy I had the chance to thank them for their commitment and dedication to helping the Department find smart, creative ways to save money and better accomplish our mission. I enjoyed answering their questions and hearing about new ways to improve efficiency throughout DHS.

Their ideas were selected out of the 1,600 ideas submitted by DHS employees nation-wide and from every Component. They proposed common-sense ideas that will improve day-to-day operations. For example, their ideas ranged from changing the way we purchase intelligence services, aviation maintenance services, and vehicle repair services by leveraging the purchasing power of the department to sharing unused software licenses and identifying DHS-wide solutions to improve the utilization of firearms training facilities.
Based on these ideas, we will implement initiatives across the Department this month which will result in tens of millions of dollars in savings.

Through the Efficiency Review, other Department-wide efforts, and component initiatives, DHS has identified more than $1 billion in cost avoidances and implemented 36 efficiency initiatives across the agency. Behind each of these initiatives are the employees like the ThinkEfficiency Campaign winners from across DHS who propose efficiency ideas, implement them, and fundamentally change the way the Department operates.

Get more information about the Department’s Efficiency Review

Our Fight Against Human Trafficking

2012-01-12T15:48:00.003-05:00

Posted by Secretary Janet Napolitano

Today, I was honored to host a roundtable discussion at the White House to discuss efforts to combat human trafficking. Every year thousands of men, women and children become trafficked into the international sex trade and forced labor throughout the world – including right here in the United States.

January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and today’s meeting brought together representatives from across government, NGOs, law enforcement, first responders, private business and a brave young woman named Shyima Hall to continue to shed light on what is often described as a hidden crime.

When Shyima was just 9 years old, she was forced into domestic servitude in Egypt for a family and later brought with them to California. If it wasn’t for a neighbor suspecting something was wrong and reporting it to the Orange County Child Protective Services, who then worked with the Irvine Police Department to rescue her and contact ICE, Shyima might have remained captive much longer.

Today, Shyima is free, and she recently became an American citizen. Her captors went to jail. This story is a powerful reminder of how vital individuals and communities are in the effort to protect America.

Human trafficking is a horrendous crime, and at DHS, we are committed to doing all we can to prevent it. To that end, two years ago, I launched the DHS Blue Campaign to coordinate and enhance the Department’s anti-human trafficking efforts. And while we pay close attention today and this month, we must continue this fight every day.

I encourage you, as I encouraged all of the representatives at today’s meeting, to take a few minutes to review some of the indicators of human trafficking and to report human trafficking to authorities if suspected.

Learn more about the DHS Blue Campaign.

Blue Campaign Announces New Human Trafficking Trainings

2012-01-11T16:16:00.001-05:00

Posted by Alice Hill, Senior Counselor to the Secretary

Today, I’m proud to announce several new human trafficking awareness and training materials for the general public, federal workforce, first responders and airline employees. These new materials aim to help increase awareness and provide education on the indicators of human trafficking and the importance of reporting it to officials. We can’t end the horrendous crime of human trafficking on our own- we need individuals and communities to spot the signs of human trafficking and report it to authorities.

The new trainings were unveiled earlier today at a meeting with DHS officials, other federal agencies along with representatives from NGOs, the private sector, and the international community at a human trafficking event. At the meeting, Acting Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) David Aguilar, Deputy Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Kumar Kibble, Deputy Director of Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Lori Scialabba, and Office of Health Affairs (OHA) Assistant Secretary Dr. Alexander Garza joined officials from the Departments of Justice, Labor, Health and Human Services and Transportation to discuss the U.S. government’s efforts to prevent and combat human trafficking and recognize National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.

Subject matter experts from across the government also engaged in a dialogue with stakeholders on methods and services to support victims, ways to engage local communities, and new initiatives taking place in the NGO, private sector and international communities. The session gave participants the opportunity to provide ideas to federal experts leading an array of anti-human trafficking programs and services. I’m very excited for the ideas that were expressed, and am hopeful that they will lead to new ways to prevent the terrible crime of human trafficking.

To learn more and take our general awareness training, please visit www.dhs.gov/humantrafficking

Make Cybersecurity Part of Your 2012 Resolutions

2012-01-10T08:54:00.000-05:00

Posted by Stop. Think. Connect.

If you’re still looking for a New Year’s resolution, it’s not too late to join the Stop.Think.Connect.™ Campaign in setting online safety resolutions for 2012.

Follow these simple steps from the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) to enhance increase your devices’ cybersecurity:

Adjust your privacy and security settings to make sure that sites are not collecting personal information about you without your knowledge.
Once you have installed an anti-virus package, manually scan files you receive from an outside source on a daily basis before opening them directly from the source.
Limit the amount of personal information you post online, especially in public forums.
Beware of grand promises—they are most likely spam, hoaxes, or phishing schemes. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Update and create strong passwords on a monthly basis.

Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility and each of us has a role to play. For more basic tips to stay cyber fit, visit www.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect.

Successful Exercise Demonstrates DNDO Implementation of Nuclear Detection Architecture

2012-01-06T15:28:00.000-05:00

Posted by Warren Stern, Director of the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office

Last month, DHS’ Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) coordinated a full-scale exercise in Suffolk County, New York, to test the ability of state and local law enforcement personnel to locate hypothetical illicit radiological and nuclear weapons or materials that could be used by terrorist groups.

As part of the exercise, the FBI provided information about illicit materials believed to be in Suffolk County to Securing the Cities (STC) partners. The FBI, in coordination with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD), initiated radiological and nuclear search operations. Simulating real-life conditions, a Multi-Agency Coordination Center was assembled, and operational search teams were deployed to conduct search operations. SCPD conducted searches, including establishing checkpoints, using mobile, handheld, and backpack radiological and nuclear detection equipment.

During the scenario, DNDO deployed its Mobile Detection Deployment Unit (MDDU) to Suffolk County. Located in regions throughout the United States, MDDU trailers are equipped with radiological and nuclear detection systems that can support state and local operators during search operations and at special events. The MDDU deployments also include onsite technical support and training from subject matter experts.

Coordination between federal, state, and local agencies was critical to the success of the operation, demonstrating the continued collaboration between DNDO, industry stakeholders, and federal, state and local operators to create a safe, secure and resilient homeland.

USCIS Proposes Regulatory Change to Decrease the Time U.S. Citizens are Separated from Family Members who are Legally Immigrating to the U.S.

2012-01-06T13:14:00.000-05:00

Posted by Alejandro Mayorkas, Director, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (en español/Spanish version)

Underscoring the Obama Administration’s commitment to family unity and administrative efficiency, this morning U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services posted a Notice of Intent in the Federal Register to begin a regulatory change that would reduce the amount of time that U.S. citizens are separated from their families while their family members go through the process of becoming legal residents of the United States.

Currently, children and spouses of U.S. citizens who have accrued a certain period of unlawful presence in the U.S., and have to leave the country in order to become a legal permanent resident of the U.S., are barred from returning to their families for as long as 3 or 10 years. They can receive a waiver to allow them to return to their families before that period by showing that their U.S. citizen family member would face extreme hardship as a result of the separation. But under current procedures, in order to obtain the waiver, these individuals must apply from outside the United States after they have been found inadmissible by a Department of State consular officer. This process can be lengthy and discourages individuals who are currently eligible for this waiver from applying. To address this problem, the USCIS proposal would allow eligible immediate relatives of U.S. citizens to apply for and receive "provisional waivers" of unlawful presence before they leave the United States for consular processing of their immigrant visa applications, significantly reducing the time U.S. citizens are separated from their spouses, or children.

Not only will this proposal further the Administration’s commitment to family unity, but the change would improve government efficiency by increasing the predictability and consistency of the application process.

More details regarding the proposed process change will be outlined in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, tentatively scheduled to be published this spring and, which will be open for public comment. While we’re still in the beginning stages of the rulemaking process, we’ve posted some initial questions and answers on USCIS.gov to provide additional information. USCIS has also scheduled a teleconference listening session on January 10th at 2PM. To RSVP for the teleconference, please visit www.uscis.gov/outreach.

To learn more about the federal rulemaking process, visit the Department of Homeland Security’s Rulemaking 101. For more information on our website, see our fact sheet.

Announcing a New “If You See Something, Say Something™” Partnership with the National Hockey League (NHL)

2011-12-29T10:39:00.000-05:00

Posted by Secretary Napolitano

Today, the Department joined the National Hockey League (NHL) to unveil a new partnership that expands the “If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign.

On Monday, the Philadelphia Flyers will face off against the New York Rangers in the NHL Winter Classic in one of the most-watched games of the season. Fans at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia will see “If You See Something, Say Something™” messages and graphics before and during the game. Safety messaging will be printed on the back of NHL Winter Classic credentials for staff, players, and volunteers. There will also be “If You See Something, Say Something™” advertisements throughout Philadelphia at airports and gas stations, and on buses, trains and billboards.

Our message is simple: if you see something that doesn’t look right—an unattended bag or package, a person behaving in a suspicious manner, a vehicle that seems out of place—report it to the authorities. This partnership is another example of how DHS and our nation’s sports leagues are working together to protect our country.

Hometown security is the key to homeland security. Time and again, we have seen the value of public vigilance in thwarting terrorism and crime, including foiled plots against Times Square in May 2010, a Martin Luther King Day parade route in Washington state last year, and more recently, at the Ft. Hood Army Base in Texas. Each of these plots could have ended differently—and tragically—had someone not reported suspicious activity to authorities.

Security is a shared responsibility and each citizen has a role to play in identifying and reporting suspicious activities and threats. Through efforts like “If You See Something, Say Something™”, we can engage everyone, including hockey fans, in our homeland security efforts.

Learn more about the “If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign.

DHS U Visa Law Enforcement Certification Resource Guide

2011-12-28T14:21:00.002-05:00

Posted by Louis F. Quijas, Assistant Secretary for the Office for State and Local Law Enforcement and January Contreras, Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman

Last week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the U Visa Law Enforcement Certification Resource Guide. This guide is a new tool being made available to law enforcement officials to support investigations and prosecutions involving qualified immigrant victims of crime. Included in the guide is information about U visa requirements, the law enforcement certification process, and answers to frequently asked questions from law enforcement agencies. In a department-wide effort, DHS is providing this guide in response to requests for more guidance from law enforcement officials and domestic violence advocates alike.

In our roles, we hear about the challenges in ensuring that all victims of crime, regardless of immigration status, can step forward to report a crime. Congress created the U nonimmigrant visa specifically to address this with the passage of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (including the Battered Immigrant Women's Protection Act) in October 2000 (TVPA). This legislation strengthened the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and other crimes, while also protecting qualified victims of crimes. In the TVPA, Congress noted one of the reasons for creating the U visa: All women and children who are victims of these crimes committed against them in the United States must be able to report these crimes to law enforcement and fully participate in the investigation of the crimes committed against them and the prosecution of the perpetrators of such crimes.

Along with unprecedented efforts by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to make training and related resources more accessible to state and local law enforcement officials, and field guidance issued by Immigration Customs and Enforcement, this Guide is one more part of DHS efforts to support victims and law enforcement through the protections established in the TVPA.

A Day in the Life of DHS, with CNN’s Erin Burnett

2011-12-22T10:11:00.000-05:00

Posted by Secretary Janet Napolitano

As we approach the end of the year, I’d like to highlight some of the significant steps we have taken in 2011 to guard against terrorism, secure the nation's borders, engage in smart enforcement of our immigration laws, safeguard and secure cyberspace, prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters, and mature and strengthen the homeland security enterprise.

On Monday, I visited DHS components in the National Capital Region with CNN’s Erin Burnett to highlight our operations, and meet with our employees on the frontlines. We had the opportunity to see firsthand the work that DHS employees are doing every day to keep our nation safe and secure.

Secretary Napolitano speaks with CNN's Erin Burnett at Washington Dulles International Airport

At Washington Dulles International Airport, we saw how the Transportation Security Administration’s new risk-based security measures strengthen security while expediting the checkpoint process for travelers, and also saw the kinds of prohibited items our officers find every day, from firearms to concealed weapons.

Secretary Napolitano is shown a prohibited item at a TSA checkpoint

Following this, we moved to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) checkpoint at Dulles, where CBP officers demonstrated the Global Entry program, designed to expedite customs processing for low-risk travelers through rigorous background checks, and also saw contraband and fraudulent documents seized at the airport.

Secretary Napolitano meets with members of Virginia Task Force 1 (VA-TF1), who deploy to support the response needs of state and local officials at disaster sites around the country

Later, at a FEMA facility in Virginia, we met with members of FEMA’s Incident Management Assistance Team and Fairfax Urban Search and Rescue Team, who have deployed to support the needs of state and local officials in response to disasters throughout the country, including Hurricane Irene and the severe storms that struck Alabama this past spring. And at Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Cyber Crimes Center, we saw how our agents are working to identify cyber crime activity, and protect victims.

Secretary Napolitano visits the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Cyber Crimes Center

We concluded the tour at the Secret Service’s James J. Rowley Training Center, where our agents participated in a training exercise involving a simulated live attack on a motorcade, and briefed us on the Secret Service’s efforts to detect counterfeit currency and remove it from circulation.

These operations represent some of the many ways the men and women of DHS are working every day to protect our country and the American people. To read more about the progress made in 2011, visit our website. As we move into the new year, I want to thank all DHS employees, and our many partners across the country and around the world, for their tireless efforts every day to strengthen the safety, security, and resilience of our nation.

Understanding the Making of a Terrorist: DHS Funds Vital Research by MD University Center of Excellence

2011-12-21T17:26:00.000-05:00

Posted by Matthew Clark, Director, Office of University Programs, DHS Science & Technology Directorate

Last week, the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) awarded $3.6 million to the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START), as part of our Centers of Excellence (COE) Program. START’s work is critical to our efforts of to expand scientific understanding of the human causes and consequences of terrorism.

This funding allows START researchers to build upon its existing knowledge to address crucial issues related to terrorist behavior, violent extremism, and counterterrorism. Maintaining financial support for the COEs such as START and the others will ensure an enduring and useful capability in homeland security research for the nation today, and for generations to come.

START began in 2005 and was the first DHS S&T COE to focus on behavioral and social science. Based at the University of Maryland, START researchers from more than 40 institutions worldwide will use the new grant to explore the social, behavioral and cultural factors that influence violent extremism, including political, financial and religious causes while examining the emergence and operations of domestic terrorists and how they interact with law enforcement strategies, community initiatives and government policies. In addition, START also collects and codes terrorist data so that it can be incorporated into behavioral models that can be used to inform homeland security decision making.

Leveraging the expertise of academia is key to S&T’s strategy to support the Department’s mission. Through the COE Program, universities and private sector partners pursue a mixed portfolio of basic and applied research addressing both short- and long-term homeland security needs.

Traveling this Holiday Season? Beware of Identity Theft.

2011-12-21T09:46:00.000-05:00

Posted by the Stop.Think.Connect. ™ Campaign

With the holiday season in full swing, the Department of Homeland Security’s Stop.Think.Connect.™ Campaign reminds travelers to be vigilant with their electronic devices. While many rely on these devices for travel arrangements, directions, and communication, identity thieves may try to take advantage of unsuspecting victims on the go.

Follow these simple steps from the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team to protect yourself and your personal information while traveling:

Password protect your devices - This year, travelers lost 11,000 mobile devices at the busiest U.S. airports.
Be aware of your surroundings - Make sure that no one can see you type your passwords or see any sensitive information on your screen
Turn Bluetooth off if you’re not using it - Cyber criminals have the know-how to pair their Bluetooth device with yours to steal personal information.
Be wary of Wi-Fi networks - Only connect over secure networks.
Back up your files - To avoid losing valuable information, make backups of important files and store the backups in a separate location.

Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility and each of us has a role to play. For more basic tips to stay safe this holiday season, visit www.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect.