DHS Blog Feed

Holocaust Remembrance Day – Vigilance, Values, Action

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 13:24:16 -0500

Holocaust Remembrance Day is a moment to reflect on the unmatched atrocities and horrific truths of one of the darkest chapters of history. A time to recount the stories of the six million Jews and millions of others slaughtered because of their faith, race, or identity. An opportunity to take inspiration once again from the incredible individuals who survived.

This solemn anniversary is also a reminder: that “never again” is not a slogan, but a promise. Remembrance is not an idle activity, but a daily commitment. Our role, as public servants, as Americans, and as human beings, is to do more than mark a single day on the calendar, but to do the necessary work to counter anti-Semitism, root out hate, and strengthen the causes of tolerance and human rights.

At DHS, we pursue this mission each day, with policies and programs that do not always capture headlines, yet speak to the very best of our country’s character.

DHS leads the fight against domestic violent extremism and crimes fueled by anti-Semitism and ideologies of hate by:

Sharing actionable and timely intelligence and information to the broadest audience possible regarding the evolving threat landscape.

Providing communities with the tools to prevent, respond to, and be resilient against acts of violence, including through our newly established Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3), which increases access to the resources communities need to help prevent individuals from radicalizing to violence as our first line of defense.
Ramping up investments in our grant programs, including by designating combating domestic violent extremism as a “National Priority Area” for two key homeland security grant programs for the first time.
Calling for a substantial funding boost in the Non-Profit Security Grant Program, so synagogues and other houses of worship can enhance their security and remain havens of prayer and peace.

DHS ensures that our country does not give refuge to perpetrators of genocide, human rights violators, and war criminals. ICE’s Human Rights Violations and War Crimes Center identifies, investigates, and holds accountable anyone responsible for abuses or mass atrocities. In recent years, ICE has investigated and removed:

DHS defends the rights of Jewish Americans and people of all faiths to pray, practice, gather, and worship in safety. Combating domestic violent extremism, targeted violence, and hate crimes is a civil rights issue, and the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties:

Convenes national calls in response to incidents of anti-Semitic violence to help communities access federal resources.
Brings federal government officials, faith-based groups, non-governmental organizations, and law enforcement together to take action to prevent violence.
Collaborates with the FBI, other government partners, and local communities to address threats directed toward people of faith or communities of color based on their perceived race, ethnicity, or religion.

These examples only scratch the surface. Much more happens year-round, including through the DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and the DHS resources that are leveraged by our partners across the country via FEMA and CISA.

Each of us has a role to play in keeping our communities safe. Our nearly eight-decade separation from the liberation of Auschwitz does not mean we are free from the forces of evil that gave rise to the Nazis’ power and their campaign of extermination. The rise of anti-Semitic incidents – and the growth of violence connected to hatred, ideological grievances, and false narratives often spread online – are constant reminders of the dangers posed by allowing bigotry to fester unanswered.

We must remember that an attack borne of hate against one minority is an assault on all of society. We must take action, together, to combat and defeat anti-Semitism, domestic violent extremism, and targeted violence. At DHS, on Holocaust Remembrance Day and every day, we are doing just that.

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Topics: Secretary of Homeland Security
Keywords: Domestic Violent Extremism (DVE), Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas

Message from Secretary Mayorkas on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

Sun, 09 Jan 2022 12:20:22 -0500

Colleagues,

Today is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. On this day, we take time to express our gratitude, respect, and admiration for those who selflessly and bravely risk their lives to protect and serve our communities and every one of us.

Our Department is home to the greatest number of law enforcement officers in the federal government. Please join me in thanking our law enforcement colleagues for the noble work they perform in service to our nation. The families and loved ones of our law enforcement colleagues deserve our deep appreciation and respect as well. No one serves alone.

All of you who wear the badge – who give so much of yourselves to keep our communities safe – thank you. You bring honor to our Department and to our country.

Alejandro N. Mayorkas
Secretary of Homeland Security

With honor and integrity, we will safeguard the American people, our homeland, and our values.

Topics: Homeland Security Enterprise, Law Enforcement Partnerships
Keywords: Law Enforcement

Update from Deputy Secretary John Tien on Vaccination EO Compliance

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 09:15:22 -0500

Today, the Department of Homeland Security is providing an update on our response to President Biden’s September 9, 2021 Executive Order (EO) on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees.

As of November 30, 96% of DHS employees are in compliance with the executive order. More than 89% of our employees have received at least one vaccine dose, and 88% are fully vaccinated. Achieving this level of compliance in a department as large and dispersed as DHS is no small feat.

Data about our component’s compliance and vaccination rates is now available here:

DHS Component	Compliance Percentage	Vaccination Percentage	Reasonable Accommodation Requests
CBP	98%	87%	11%
CISA	98%	95%	3%
FEMA	91%	87%	5%
FLETC	96%	87%	9%
ICE	97%	89%	8%
TSA	93%	86%	7%
USCG	96%	93%	3%
USCIS	98%	93%	5%
USSS	99%	94%	5%
HQ	99%	95%	4%
DHS TOTAL	96%	89%	7%

*Note: Due to rounding, some numbers may not total.

In the days and weeks ahead, DHS is continuing to provide our employees with resources and counseling about vaccination. DHS employees can continue to provide their vaccination status and documentation, as well as request exemptions. We will adjudicate each exemption request on a case-by-case basis.

The health and safety of our workforce – and the American people that we serve – is of the utmost importance. Importantly, we have achieved this level of compliance without any interruption to the critical missions and services we provide the American people: from border and aviation security, to maritime search and rescue, to cybersecurity and the protection of critical infrastructure, just to name a few. I am so grateful to our dedicated workforce, who have stepped up and done their part to get us there.

President Biden’s Executive Order requires COVID-19 vaccination for Federal employees and was issued in order to ensure the health and safety of the Federal workforce and the efficiency of the civil service. As of November 22, 2021, Federal employees are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, except for limited circumstances where an employee has an approved or pending exception or extension.

For more information about the implementation of COVID-19 vaccination requirements for Federal Employees, visit the November 24 blog post for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Topics: Homeland Security Enterprise
Keywords: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Message from Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas on the Observance of Veterans Day

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 10:18:00 -0500

Colleagues,

Tomorrow is Veterans Day. It is a day of reflection and a time set aside across our entire country, and wherever around the world our military personnel are stationed, to express our profound gratitude for the noble service, the exceptional courage, and the extraordinary sacrifice of those who have worn our Nation’s uniform. It is also a day when we recognize and thank the veteran families who have shared in the noble service and great sacrifice.

Members of our military reflect the very best of our country and its enduring commitment to democracy, freedom, safety, and security. We are immensely proud that more than 56,000 veterans carry on their devotion to country as members of our Department of Homeland Security. We are the better and stronger for it. Our military personnel embody American leadership. The Deputy Secretary, John Tien, is a retired U.S. Army Colonel with a military career that spans 24 years, including three combat tours in Iraq. Veterans across our country and around the world help lead our Department and keep our homeland secure.

To all of you who have worn our Nation’s uniform, I express for our entire Department our enduring debt of gratitude for everything you have done, and continue to do, on behalf of the American people. It is an honor and a privilege to serve alongside you and all who give of themselves for our Department and its noble mission.

In recognition of Veterans Day, in tribute to the heroic men and women who have worn our Nation’s uniform and their families, and in thanks for everything you do in service of our country, I am pleased to extend to you an early day today. In coordination with your supervisor, you are granted three (3) hours off at the end of your scheduled workday today. The time should be coded as “66 – Admin/Excused Absence” with a remark of “S1 3 hours.” For those unable to take these three hours today due to overarching mission requirements, please work with your supervisor to schedule the three hours on the next operationally feasible workday.

Thank you again for your selfless dedication to our Nation.

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Topics:
Keywords: Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Veterans Day

DHS Honors Fallen Law Enforcement During National Police Week 2021

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 16:56:20 -0400

During National Police Week, the Department of Homeland Security pays special tribute to the heroic law enforcement officers who lost their lives protecting us all. We honor them this week, yet we remember them always. We are forever indebted to those who serve and protect – those we have lost and those who continue to serve.

Police Week is a special occasion each year when our law enforcement family gathers across the country to grieve our fallen colleagues and move forward together, strengthened by the bonds of service to the noble mission of law enforcement. During this week of remembrance and mourning, DHS is reflecting on their sacrifices through a series of memorial events. Below, we share moments from this week’s commemorative events.

Due to COVID-19, in-person events for the 2021 National Police Week were rescheduled to October 13-17.

National Treasury Union Employees Union Wreath-Laying Ceremony

WASHINGTON (October 12, 2021) Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas participates in wreath laying ceremony at the National Law Enforcement Memorial. (DHS Photo by Zachary Hupp/Released)

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WASHINGTON (October 12, 2021) Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas participates in wreath laying ceremony at the National Law Enforcement Memorial. (DHS Photo by Zachary Hupp/Released)

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ICE Honors HSI Special Agent Louis H. Aguirre

In a special Police Week ceremony, ICE honored Special Agent Louis H. Aguirre, who died on November 27, 2020, as a result of the cancer he developed after his assignment investigating those who were responsible for the attacks on September 11, 2001. (DHS Graphic by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement/Released)

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Learn more about the 59 ICE officers who hold a place on the ICE Wall of Honor or learn more about ICE’s Police Week commemorations.

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Holds Annual Candlelight Vigil

Tens of thousands gathered on the National Mall in Washington, DC to join the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial’s annual Candlelight Vigil. Secretary Mayorkas, Attorney General Garland, Deputy Secretary Tien, U.S. Secret Service Director Murray, Acting CBP Commissioner Miller, and other DHS and Administration leadership joined the ceremony along with families of the fallen and law enforcement from across the country to honor officers who have died in the line of duty. (DHS Photo by Zachary Hupp/Released)

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FLETC Honors Fallen Law Enforcement

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The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Training Centers held a Peace Officers Memorial Day Ceremony in Glynco, Georgia.

CBP Holds Valor Memorial and Wreath Laying Ceremony

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas attends the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Valor Memorial and Wreath Laying Ceremony, honoring the CBP law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. (DHS Photo by Benjamin Applebaum/Released)

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Secretary Mayorkas, Deputy Secretary Tien, and CBP Acting Commissioner Troy Miller joined CBP leadership and family of fallen agents and officers to mark Police Week with a wreath-laying ceremony. (DHS Photo by Benjamin Applebaum/Released)

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FPS Shares Commemorative Police Week Video

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The Federal Protective Service shared a commemorative Police Week video, featuring messages from Department leadership and a special wreath-laying ceremony. The ceremony honored Lowery Ware, Sr. – the first FPS officer lost in two decades – who died of COVID-19.

Fraternal Order of Police National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, alongside leaders from across the Federal Government, including President Joe Biden, attends the Annual National Police Officers' Memorial Service at the U.S. Capitol. (DHS Photo by Benjamin Applebaum/Released)View Original

(Left to right) FOP National Secretary Det. Jimmy Holderfield, President Biden, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Secretary Mayorkas, FBI Director Wray, and U.S. Secret Service Director Murray, DEA Administrator Anne Milgram honor our Nation’s fallen law enforcement officers at the annual Fraternal Order of Police National Police Officers’ Memorial Service at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC. (DHS Photo by Benjamin Applebaum/Released)View Original

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Topics: Law Enforcement Partnerships
Keywords: Law Enforcement, Police Week

Join DHS for #SeeSayDay on September 25 and Protect Your Community

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 14:42:23 -0400

An informed public plays a critical role in keeping our communities safe. September 25 is “If You See Something, Say Something®” Awareness Day, also known as #SeeSayDay. “If You See Something, Say Something” is more than just a slogan; it’s how we protect our communities.

On September 25, we encourage you to participate in #SeeSayDay on social media. #SeeSay Day will help to raise awareness about the importance of recognizing and reporting suspicious activity.

Anyone can participate in SeeSay Day by using #SeeSayDay and #WhyISeeSay on social media on or before September 25 to raise awareness about the importance of recognizing and reporting suspicious activity.

Secretary Mayorkas is participating in #SeeSay Day. Here’s what he had to say about #WhyISeeSay:

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Here’s how you can participate in #SeeSay Day this Saturday, September 25th:

Share why YOU “See Say” on or before Saturday, September 25: Share why you “See Say” on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram using #WhyISeeSay and #SeeSayDay.
Learn the indicators of suspicious activity and how to report it in your state. Share with your friends, family, and others in your network.
Organize a group photo: Group photos don’t have to be in person. Download this bubble sign, write down why you SeeSay, and take a photo with your friends, colleagues, or other members of your community while hosting your virtual event. Don’t forget to share on social media using #WhyISeeSay and #SeeSayDay.
- Follow CDC and jurisdictional COVID-19 guidance before coordinating in-person activities
Test your awareness by watching the “The Challenge” PSA series. Find the videos at www.dhs.gov/TheChallenge. Share the videos on social media and challenge your network to test their awareness, too.

To empower and educate Americans about suspicious activity and how the report it, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s "If You See Something, Say Something®” campaign works with state, local, tribal and territorial partners across the country year-round to raise awareness and share resources. This year, DHS expanded its public awareness campaign offerings to ensure equitable access to campaign messages and materials.

The new materials are available in Arabic, Chinese (Simplified), French, Haitian, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Thai, and Vietnamese and can be downloaded by the public from the translated outreach materials webpage. Each package of translated resources includes three sets of posters, two graphics for website or advertising use, and three social media graphics.

“If You See Something, Say Something®” is a national campaign that raises public awareness about the indicators of terrorism, terrorism-related crime, and domestic violent extremism, as well as the importance of reporting suspicious activity to state and local law enforcement.

To learn more about the “If You See Something, Say Something®” campaign, including how to become a partner, visit: www.dhs.gov/SeeSay.

#SeeSayDay social media graphic sample.

Topics: Human Trafficking
Keywords: Human Trafficking, If You See Something Say Something, Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas

Message from Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas on Citizenship Day

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 10:59:10 -0400

In naturalization ceremonies throughout America today, the “call of countries" will be read. That is when the many countries of origin of the soon-to-be American citizens are announced in alphabetical order. The candidates for citizenship come from all over the world. They come to America because there is no other country like ours. We are the greatest democracy in the world, the land of opportunity, and a place of refuge.

Today is Citizenship Day. Today we host special naturalization ceremonies in communities everywhere. This day, and each day that we grant citizenship to new Americans, is a day of national renewal and new beginnings. The lives of individuals and families are given new hope and the life of our country is newly enriched.

Fifty years ago, this country gave my parents, sister, and me a new life when we were naturalized and became United States citizens. I feel deeply the profound gratitude that the millions of new Americans before and since then have for those who made it possible.

Those who make it possible are all of you. Thank you for everything you do in service of our great country.

Alejandro N. Mayorkas
Secretary of Homeland Security

With honor and integrity, we will safeguard the American people, our homeland, and our values.

Topics: Secretary of Homeland Security
Keywords: Citizenship and Naturalization, Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas

DHS Remembers: Honoring the Victims of the September 11th Attacks

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 17:39:54 -0400

DHS Recommits to Our Mission to Safeguarding the American People, Our Homeland, and Our Values

This week, we mark the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, and mourn the nearly 3,000 lives taken too soon. The people who perished in the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Shanksville—including the heroic first responders who gave their lives to help others—left behind loved ones and communities who were never again the same. In the years since, more than 2,000 more were lost to 9/11-related illnesses as a result of working in hazardous conditions during recovery operations. We honor their lives and their memory on this solemn occasion, and mourn what we all lost on that terrible day.

As we mark the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, DHS honors the memory of those who lost their lives by serving our mission with dedication. We remain committed to working together across every level of government to keep our Nation safe from evolving threats, both foreign and domestic.

During this solemn anniversary, the Department is commemorating in a number of ways.

On Wednesday, September 8th, Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas planted a seedling from the 9/11 Survivor Tree that the Department of Homeland Security received. Secretary Mayorkas was joined by survivors, first responders, victim families, and military veterans.

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A Callery pear tree became known as the “Survivor Tree” after enduring the September 11, 2001 terror attacks at the World Trade Center. Today, the tree stands as a living reminder of resilience, survival, and rebirth. Each year, the 9/11 Memorial gives seedlings from the Survivor Tree to three communities that have endured tragedy in recent years, as well as communities that have committed to nurturing these trees to serve as landmarks symbolizing resiliency and hope.

Secretary Mayorkas plants a seedling from the 9/11 Memorial Survivor Tree at DHS headquarters in Washington, D.C (DHS Photo by Benjamin Applebaum/Released)

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This week, we invite you to join us in lighting a virtual memorial candle on our website in honor of the victims of September 11th.

DHS remembers September 11, 2001, and remains vigilant in our shared efforts to combat the threats of today and tomorrow alongside our partners. Together, we will continue to protect, serve, and safeguard the American people, our homeland, and our values. 

Topics: Homeland Security Enterprise
Keywords: 9/11

Message from Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas on the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 10:00:37 -0400

Colleagues,

Later this week, our Nation will observe the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. We will set aside time on that solemn day to honor those who lost their lives. We will pay special tribute to the many heroes who, in the service of others and our country, selflessly showed us the best of who we are.

You show us that too, through your work for our country every single day.

On the solemn day of September 11 – a day that is declared our National Day of Service and Remembrance – I ask that you lead others in your community to volunteer their time in service of others. You can learn of volunteer opportunities in your community from AmeriCorps. If you want to support the effort to resettle Afghan nationals as part of Operation Allies Welcome, please consider signing up for the DHS Volunteer Force.

September is also National Preparedness Month and it is fitting that this year's theme is Prepare to Protect. While we help families, households, and businesses prepare for emergencies and disasters, we also offer a unique opportunity for colleagues to volunteer to deploy across the country and around the world to assist those in need. In whatever way you choose to contribute – whether by volunteering, donating to a charitable cause, or other act of giving – you will make a difference.

Through your service, you keep the American public safe and you make our country stronger. Thank you for everything you do.

Alejandro N. Mayorkas
Secretary of Homeland Security

With honor and integrity, we will safeguard the American people, our homeland, and our values.

Topics: Preventing Terrorism, Secretary of Homeland Security
Keywords: 9/11, Employee, Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas

Message from Deputy Secretary John Tien on the Current Situation in Afghanistan

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 08:58:28 -0400

Colleagues,

The sobering images coming from Afghanistan and the impact they have on those who have so bravely and honorably served the United States in uniform or as part of combat missions cannot be understated. As a veteran who served in Iraq and spent time on the ground in Afghanistan, I deeply understand the mixed reactions one may feel.

Many of those servicemembers and civilians are now our DHS colleagues; we lean on their deep commitment to safeguarding the American people, our homeland, and our values every day.

Former servicemembers and civilians who worked on or in Afghanistan may experience many different, and even conflicting, emotions at this time.

You are not alone.

I want each of you to know that we stand with you today and every day.

DHS has been a part of the mission in Afghanistan for many years, including having security and customs officers working side by side with Afghan counterparts to assist securing commerce and travel. The dedication and service each of you have brought to the mission does not and will never go unnoticed.

There are resources available for you – or anyone you know – both within DHS and in the broader Veterans community.

DHS Employee Assistance Programs are available 24 hours a day and are confidential, free, and do not affect your security clearance.
The DHS public facing Employee Resources page is full of resources and information to help you and your loved ones deal with stress, mental health, and many other topics.
The Mental Health section of the Veteran Resource Center Website on DHS Connect includes additional resources.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 right away.

DHS is committed to safely supporting the relocation of Afghan nationals who bravely helped support the U.S. mission in Afghanistan and other vulnerable Afghans, and we have mobilized all appropriate elements across the Department to that end.

Once again, I thank you for your service to our Department, the country, and our mission. And if you ever want to talk combat veteran to combat veteran, my door is always open.

Best,

John Tien
Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security

With honor and integrity, we will safeguard the American people, our homeland, and our values.

Topics: Homeland Security Enterprise
Keywords: Deputy Secretary John Tien, Employee Morale