HARRISBURG, Pa. -- When disaster strikes, the first response is to ensure personal and family safety, and then address the loss of property and possessions. There is a federal disaster program - Individual Assistance (IA) - that responds to these urgent needs of individuals and business owners.
JOPLIN, Mo. -- On February 6, households residing in Federal Emergency Management Agency mobile homes in Joplin dropped below 500, recovery officials said today.
MIDLOTHIAN, Va. -- Albemarle County is hosting The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and The Small Business Administration (SBA) to a Town Hall Meeting to provide information to Albemarle County residents who may have suffered damage from the August 23, 2011 earthquake.
DENTON, Texas – Nine states across the central U.S. will participate in The Great Central U.S. ShakeOut on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 10:15 a.m. CST. This second annual central U.S. ShakeOut is a public earthquake drill organized and coordinated by the Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium and its Member and Associate States, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Geological Survey, and dozens of other partners. FEMA is encouraging everyone across the central United States to participate in the event, including schools, businesses, governments and other organizations.
DENTON, Texas – Nine states across the central U.S. will participate in The Great Central U.S. ShakeOut on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 10:15 a.m. CST. This second annual central U.S. ShakeOut is a public earthquake drill organized and coordinated by the Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium and its Member and Associate States, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Geological Survey, and dozens of other partners. FEMA is encouraging everyone across the central United States to participate in the event, including schools, businesses, governments and other organizations.
ATLANTA, Ga. -- Two disaster recovery center are open in Chilton County to help those whose homes or businesses were affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding on January 22-23. Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.
ATLANTA, Ga. -- Three disaster recovery centers are open in Jefferson County to help those whose homes or businesses were affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding on January 22-23. Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.
ATLANTA, Ga. -- Community relations specialists from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are in Chilton and Jefferson counties reaching out to survivors affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding on Jan. 22-23.
MIDLOTHIAN, Va. -- Natural disasters disrupt the daily routine of survivors' lives, and nowhere is a disrupted routine more evident than when a school is destroyed. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is awarding approximately $3.25 million dollars to rebuild Louisa County Public Schools' Thomas Jefferson Elementary School.
Windsor, Conn. -- Federal Emergency Management Agency officials are clearing up some misconceptions about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which offers federally-backed flood insurance to property owners and renters in communities that participate in the program.
NEW ORLEANS, La. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today approximately $1.7 million in public assistance funding to restore New Orleans Notarial Archives’ book volumes and historical records damaged during Hurricane Katrina.
Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama's major disaster declaration issued for the State of Alaska.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of Alaska to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe storm during the period of November 15-17, 201
ATLANTA, Ga. -- Survivors of the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding on January 22-23, in Alabama should apply now for federal assistance.
Midlothian, VA -- The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that Albemarle and King George counties are now eligible for Individual Assistance (IA) as part of Virginia's federal earthquake disaster declaration. Under the Individual Assistance program homeowners, renters and business owners in these counties are now eligible for assistance to help them recover from the earthquake.
ATLANTA, Ga. -- Two disaster recovery center are open in Chilton County to help those whose homes or businesses were affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding on January 22-23. Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.
ATLANTA, Ga. -- Three disaster recovery centers are open in Jefferson County to help those whose homes or businesses were affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding on January 22-23. Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.
ATLANTA, Ga. -- Community relations specialists from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are in Chilton and Jefferson counties reaching out to survivors affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding on Jan. 22-23.
ATLANTA, Ga. -- Survivors of the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding on January 22-23, in Alabama should apply now for federal assistance.
Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s major disaster declaration issued for Alabama.
WASHINGTON D.C. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the state of Alabama and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding during the period of January 22-23, 2012.
ATLANTA Ga. -- Residents of Clay County, Fla. are invited to look at newly revised preliminary Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs) for the county at a public open house February 9, 2012. Flood maps show the extent to which areas are at risk for flooding, and are used to help determine flood insurance and building requirements.
ATLANTA, Ga. -- Residents of Brevard County, Fla. are invited to look at newly revised preliminary Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs) for the county at three public open houses February 6-8, 2012. Flood maps show the extent to which areas are at risk for flooding, and are used to help determine flood insurance and building requirements.
ATLANTA – The city of Berkeley Lake, Ga., is getting more than $2.6 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency toward repairs of its Berkeley Lake Dam.
ATLANTA, Ga. -- As 2011 – one of the most active years for disasters in recent history – comes to a close and Americans get ready to ring in a new year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is encouraging all Americans to Resolve to be Ready by making a resolution to be prepared for emergencies.
ATLANTA, Ga. -- As 2011 – one of the most active years for disasters in recent history – comes to a close and Americans get ready to ring in a new year, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and Federal Emergency Management Agency are encouraging people to Resolve to be Ready in the new year by making a resolution to be prepared for emergencies.
ATLANTA, Ga. -- As 2011 – one of the most active years for disasters in recent history – comes to a close and Americans get ready to ring in a new year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and South Carolina Emergency Management Division are encouraging people to Resolve to be Ready in the new year by making a resolution to be prepared for emergencies.
ATLANTA, Ga. -- As 2011 – one of the most active years for disasters in recent history – comes to a close and Americans get ready to ring in a new year, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and Federal Emergency Management Agency are encouraging people to Resolve to be Ready in the new year by making a resolution to be prepared for emergencies.
ATLANTA, Ga. -- As 2011 - one of the most active years for disasters in recent history - comes to a close and Americans get ready to ring in a new year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Kentucky Emergency Management are encouraging people to Resolve to be Ready in the new year by making a resolution to be prepared for emergencies.
ATLANTA, Ga. -- As 2011 – one of the most active years for disasters in recent history – comes to a close and Americans get ready to ring in a new year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is encouraging people to Resolve to be Ready in the new year by making a resolution to be prepared for emergencies.
Testimony of Alan Cohn, Policy’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Strategic Plans, before the House Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Management regarding how DHS is implementing a strategy to counter emerging threats
Testimony of Rand Beers, National Protection and Programs Directorate Under Secretary, before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy regarding the Department of Homeland Security's efforts to regulate the security of high-risk chemical facilities under the Chemical Facility Anti-terrorism Standards (CFATS).
Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today traveled to Indianapolis to highlight the Department’s “If You See Something, Say Something™” public awareness campaign’s continued partnership with the National Football League (NFL) to help ensure the safety and security of employees, players and fans during the regular season, and Super Bowl XLVI.
Coast Guard’s plans and ongoing efforts to prepare for and respond to a pollution discharge that, while occurring outside of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, may threaten to impact our waters or natural resources. The Coast Guard is committed to protecting U.S. interests, particularly U.S. coastlines and natural resources, from potential discharges from deepwater drilling in waters of nations adjacent to the United States.
Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano's 2nd Annual Address on the State of America's Homeland Security: Homeland Security and Economic Security at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today unveiled the Obama administration’s National Strategy for Global Supply Chain Security at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The Department of Homeland Security is committed to facilitating legitimate trade and travel, while preventing terrorists from exploiting supply chains, protecting transportation systems from attacks and disruptions, and increasing the resilience of global supply chains.
WASHINGTON—Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano on Monday toured operations and received briefings at DHS facilities in the National Capital Region. The Secretary toured Transportation Security Administration and Customs and Border Protection operations at Washington Dulles International Airport, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Cyber Crimes Center in Virginia, the Secret Service’s James J. Rowley Training Center in Beltsville, Md. and the FEMA IMAT and the Fairfax USAR team in Herndon, Va. - highlighting the major steps the Department has taken this year to enhance America's capabilities 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 to mature and strengthen the homeland security enterprise.
WASHINGTON—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today delivered remarks at the National Sheriffs’ Association 2012 Winter Conference highlighting the Department’s progress over the past three years working together with state and local law enforcement to build a safer, more secure and resilient nation.
WASHINGTON—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today joined Attorney General Eric Holder and Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism John Brennan at the White House to meet with senior state, local and tribal law enforcement officials to discuss the Obama administration’s Strategic Implementation Plan for Empowering Local Partners to Prevent Violent Extremism in the United States—released in December—and engage them on the critical task of preventing violent extremism in their communities. Attendees included sheriffs and chiefs of police from across the country, including representatives from the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Major Cities Chiefs Association, National Sheriffs’ Association, National Native American Law Enforcement Association, Governors Homeland Security Advisors Council, and Criminal Intelligence Coordinating Council.
WASHINGTON—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today joined former National Security Advisor General James Jones and former CIA Acting Director John McLaughlin in a panel discussion to highlight the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) work with international partners to strengthen global travel and trade networks, secure cyberspace, and combat global threats.
Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today met with public and private sector representatives for a roundtable discussion at the White House to discuss the Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking, in recognition of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. This month, the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Blue Campaign launched a new suite of awareness trainings, which will be distributed to key sectors, including transportation, hospitality, retail, law enforcement, first responders, and NGOs to increase awareness and educate people on how to identify and report suspected cases of human trafficking.
Good morning. I’m pleased to join Commissioner Bersin, Deputy Commissioner Aguilar, Assistant Commissioner Winkowski, and the men and women of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced a new partnership between DHS' "If You See Something, Say SomethingTM" public awareness campaign and the National Hockey League (NHL) - highlighting the Department's continued partnership with the sports industry to ensure the safety and security of employees, players and fans.
The Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced they will continue their critical partnership to further strengthen the already unprecedented levels of personnel, technology, and infrastructure along the Southwest border - representing the Administration's ongoing commitment to secure the border and facilitate legitimate trade and travel.
Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today joined the Swedish State Secretary and Deputy Foreign Minister Frank Belfrage and Department of Justice Assistant Attorney General Lanny Breuer to sign a Preventing and Combating Crime Agreement between the U.S. and Sweden—allowing for the exchange of biometric and biographic data between the United States and the Kingdom of Sweden to bolster counterterrorism and law enforcement efforts while protecting individual privacy.
“The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is troubled by the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) findings of discriminatory policing practices within the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). Discrimination undermines law enforcement and erodes the public trust. DHS will not be a party to such practices. Accordingly, and effective immediately, DHS is terminating MCSO’s 287(g) jail model agreement and is restricting the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office access to the Secure Communities program. DHS will utilize federal resources for the purpose of identifying and detaining those individuals who meet U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) immigration enforcement priorities. The Department will continue to enforce federal immigration laws in Maricopa County in smart, effective ways that focus our resources on criminal aliens, recent border crossers, repeat and egregious immigration law violators and employers who knowingly hire illegal labor.”
Today, Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Jane Holl Lute issued the following statement upon signing of a new Passenger Name Records (PNR) agreement between the United States and the European Union.
It is an honor to appear before you on behalf of FEMA, to discuss the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) program and our recent nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS) test.
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
INDIANAPOLIS—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today traveled to Indianapolis to highlight the Department’s “If You See Something, Say Something™” public awareness campaign’s continued partnership with the National Football League (NFL) to help ensure the safety and security of employees, players and fans during the regular season, and Super Bowl XLVI.
“At a major national event like the Super Bowl, security is a shared responsibility and everybody has a role to play in identifying and reporting suspicious activities and threats,” said Secretary Napolitano. “Our partnership with the NFL on the “If You See Something, Say Something™” public awareness campaign during the Super Bowl is a critical part of our efforts to ensure the safety of every employee, player and fan.”
As part of the Department's “If You See Something, Say Something™” partnership with Super Bowl XLVI, campaign graphics will appear on the videoboard and televisions throughout Lucas Oil Stadium on game day. Safety messaging will also be printed in game programs and fan guides for staff, players, and volunteers. Indiana and the City of Indianapolis have continued to expand and support the campaign over the past year since initially partnering with DHS. In addition, "If You See Something, Say Something™" advertisements will be seen throughout Indianapolis at the airport, hotels, restaurants, bars, and on buses, magazines and visitor guides.
While Secretary Napolitano was in Indianapolis, she toured the security operations at Lucas Oil Stadium and saw how the Department of Homeland Security is working with state and local law enforcement partners and the NFL to provide additional security assets to screen cargo, secure the air space and provide personnel security screening training to event security officers.
Secretary Napolitano also participated in a roundtable discussion with representatives from the NCAA, National Federation of High Schools, Indiana Sports Corporation, USA Track & Field, USA Gymnastics, USA Synchronized Swimming and USA Diving, to discuss DHS’ collaboration with amateur sports organizations.
The “If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign—originally implemented by New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority and now licensed to DHS for a nationwide campaign—is a simple and effective program to engage the public and key frontline employees to identify and report indicators of terrorism and terrorism-related crime to the proper transportation and law enforcement authorities.
The Department launched the “If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign in conjunction with the Department of Justice’s Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative—an administration effort to train state and local law enforcement to recognize behaviors and indicators related to terrorism and terrorism-related crime; standardize how those observations are documented and analyzed; and ensure the sharing of those reports with the Federal Bureau of Investigation-led Joint Terrorism Task Forces for further investigation.
DHS will continue to expand the “If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign nationally to ensure America’s businesses, communities, and citizens remain vigilant and play an active role in keeping the country safe.
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
DAVOS, Switzerland—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today unveiled the Obama administrations National Strategy for Global Supply Chain Security at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The Department of Homeland Security is committed to facilitating legitimate trade and travel, while preventing terrorists from exploiting supply chains, protecting transportation systems from attacks and disruptions, and increasing the resilience of global supply chains.
We must continue to strengthen global supply chains to ensure that they operate effectively in time of crisis; recover quickly from disruptions; and facilitate international trade and travel, said Secretary Napolitano. As a part of this effort, we look forward to working closely with our international partners in the public and private sector to build a more resilient global supply chain.
The National Strategy for Global Supply Chain Security outlines clear goals to promote the efficient and secure movement of goods and foster a resilient supply chain system. It also provides guidance for the U.S. government and crucial domestic, international, public and private stakeholders who share a common interest in the security and resiliency of the global supply chain.
The international community made significant progress on this front through Project Global Shieldnow Program Global Shieldlaunched by DHS with the World Customs Organization, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, and Interpol. Program Global Shield is an initiative to protect the supply chain by preventing the theft or illegal diversion of precursor chemicals that can be used to make Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Since November 2010, 89 participating nations and international organizations have been sharing information about the export of 14 precursor chemicals used in Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). As of January 2012, Program Global Shield has accounted for seizures of chemical precursors totaling over 62 metric tons and 31 arrests related to the illicit diversion of these chemicals.
DHS works with leaders from global shipping companies and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on developing preventative measures, including terrorism awareness training for employees and vetting personnel with access to cargo. Fulfilling a requirement of the 9/11 Act, 100 percent of high risk cargo on international flights bound for the United States is screened.
In addition, through the Container Security Initiativecurrently operational in over 50 foreign seaports in Europe, North, Central and South America, Africa, the Middle East, and throughout AsiaU.S. Customs and Border Protection helps our partner countries identify and screen U.S.-bound maritime containers before they reach the U.S..
Following the release of the National Strategy for Global Supply Chain Security, DHS and the Department of State will lead a six month engagement period with the international community and industry stakeholders to solicit feedback and specific recommendations on how to implement the Strategy in a cost effective and collaborative manner. Within 12 months of the release of the Strategy, a consolidated report on the status of implementation efforts will be developed.
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
WASHINGTON—Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano on Monday toured operations and received briefings at DHS facilities in the National Capital Region. The Secretary toured Transportation Security Administration and Customs and Border Protection operations at Washington Dulles International Airport, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Cyber Crimes Center in Virginia, the Secret Service’s James J. Rowley Training Center in Beltsville, Md. and the FEMA IMAT and the Fairfax USAR team in Herndon, Va. - highlighting the major steps the Department has taken this year to enhance America's capabilities 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 to mature and strengthen the homeland security enterprise.
“This year, as we observed the 10th anniversary of the attacks that gave rise to our department, we continued to strengthen the safety, security, and resilience of our nation,” said Secretary Napolitano. “As we move into 2012, we will continue to work together with our federal, state, local, tribal and private sector partners to address new and emerging challenges while maturing and strengthening the homeland security enterprise.”
To prevent terrorism and enhance security, DHS continued to collaborate with our international partners, forging agreements focused on strengthening aviation security; facilitating information-sharing; and securing the global supply chain. The Department also began new risk-based security measures through prescreening of passengers; deployment of new technologies; and training of airport security and law enforcement personnel to better detect behaviors associated with terrorism. In addition, the Department continued to enhance and streamline its vetting and screening capabilities, strengthen the national network of fusion centers, and support state and local partners through training, technical assistance and grant funding. The Department also continued expansions of the “If You See Something, Say SomethingTM" public awareness campaign through partnerships with sports teams and leagues, transportation agencies, private sector partners, states, municipalities, and colleges and universities.
To secure and manage our borders, DHS has continued to deploy historic levels of personnel, technology, and resources to our borders to reduce the flow of illicit drugs, cash, and weapons; expedite legal trade and travel through trusted traveler and trader initiatives; and, as part of the Beyond the Border Action Plan, collaborated with our Canadian partners to strengthen security while advancing economic competitiveness. Border Patrol apprehensions—a key indicator of illegal immigration—have decreased 53 percent in the last three years and are less than 20 percent of what they were at their peak. In the maritime domain, the United States Coast Guard secures our borders through a layered security system that provides mobile surveillance coverage, engages smugglers at the earliest point possible, and addresses potential threats before they can cause harm to the United States.
To enforce and administer our immigration laws, DHS removed more criminal aliens from the country than any year in the agency’s history, highlighting DHS’ commitment to focusing on threats to public safety, repeat immigration law violators, recent border entrants, and immigration fugitives while continuing to strengthen oversight of the nation’s immigration detention system and facilitate legal immigration. In 2011, USCIS held more than 6,000 naturalization ceremonies for approximately 692,000 lawful permanent residents who became U.S. citizens, including more than 10,000 members of the U.S. Armed Forces and launched a series of initiatives to spur economic competiveness by attracting foreign entrepreneurial talent who can create jobs, form startup companies, and invest capital in areas of high unemployment. DHS also launched E-Verify Self-Check, an online service that allows individuals to check their employment eligibility status before formally seeking employment.
To safeguard and secure cyberspace, DHS responded to over 100,000 incident reports and released more than 5,000 cybersecurity alerts and information products for federal, state, local, international and private sector partners; worked to combat electronic crimes such as identity theft, network intrusions and a range of financial crimes; launched law enforcement operations targeting those who prey on children online; announced new Stop.Think.Connect.TMpartnerships with DARE America, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and YMCA; and released the Blueprint for a Secure Cyber Future: The Cybersecurity Strategy for the Homeland Security Enterprise, which outlines a coordinated effort for cybersecurity across the homeland security community.
To ensure resilience to disasters, DHS trained thousands of local, state and tribal responders; released the country’s first-ever National Preparedness Goal, which identifies the core capabilities necessary to achieve preparedness; and awarded more than $2.1 billion in federal preparedness grants to assist states, urban areas, tribal and territorial governments, non-profit agencies, and the private sector in strengthening our nation's ability to prevent, protect, respond to, recover from, and mitigate terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergencies. In 2011, FEMA supported 99 major disaster declarations, 29 emergency declarations, and 114 fire management assistance declarations, including the response to Hurricane Irene, fires in the Southwest, severe flooding in North Dakota, and devastating tornadoes that hit the Midwest and South, including Joplin, Mo.1
To mature and strengthen the homeland security enterprise, DHS met its veterans hiring goal of 50,000 employees with veterans comprising 25 percent of the Department’s civilian workforce in addition to nearly 50,000 active and reserve members of the U.S. Coast Guard. In recognition of DHS’ efforts to cut costs and reinvest in mission critical operations, the Department’s Efficiency Review was highlighted as a model effort for agencies across the Federal government. The Department also received a qualified opinion on its balance sheet for FY 2011 which is a pivotal step in DHS’ financial management, highlighting efforts to increase transparency and accountability, and to accurately account for the Department’s resources.
Additionally, this past year, DHS conducted unprecedented outreach to state, local, tribal and private sector partners, in an effort to engage communities across the country in DHS core missions. This outreach focused on information sharing, promoting civil rights and civil liberties, increasing access to DHS programs, and strengthening the homeland security enterprise.
For more information regarding DHS’ progress in 2011, click here.
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1January 23, 2012 - Updated FEMA numbers to 99 disasters (from 96) and 114 fire management grants (from 116).
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
WASHINGTON—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today delivered remarks at the National Sheriffs’ Association 2012 Winter Conference highlighting the Department’s progress over the past three years working together with state and local law enforcement to build a safer, more secure and resilient nation.
“Homeland security starts with hometown security, and we all have a role to play,” said Secretary Napolitano. “We have made extraordinary progress in improving how we share information, train together, and build new capabilities while identifying and addressing evolving threats to enhance public safety and security.”
During her remarks, Secretary Napolitano underscored the Department’s collaboration with law enforcement and first responders on countering violent extremism and human trafficking, reporting suspicious activity, securing the border and enforcing our nation’s immigration laws, through training and information sharing initiatives. The Department continues its strong support for fusion centers, working in coordination with other federal partners, through training, technical assistance, technology and grant funding as well as the deployment of DHS intelligence officers to fusion centers, who work alongside their state and local counterparts to assess evolving threats and share information.
Secretary Napolitano discussed the Department’s efforts to enhance law enforcement prevention and protection activities through grant funding. In 2011, DHS awarded more than $2.1 billion in federal preparedness grants to assist states, urban areas, tribal and territorial governments, non-profit agencies, and the private sector in strengthening our nation's ability to prevent, protect, respond to, recover from, and mitigate terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergencies.
Secretary Napolitano also reiterated President Obama’s call for Congress to take action to prevent layoffs of law enforcement and first responders, and to keep our communities safe by passing legislation such as the American Jobs Act. The legislation would provide $5 billion in assistance to states and local communities to create or save thousands of law enforcement and first responder jobs across the country.
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
WASHINGTON—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today joined Attorney General Eric Holder and Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism John Brennan at the White House to meet with senior state, local and tribal law enforcement officials to discuss the Obama administration’s Strategic Implementation Plan for Empowering Local Partners to Prevent Violent Extremism in the United States—released in December—and engage them on the critical task of preventing violent extremism in their communities. Attendees included sheriffs and chiefs of police from across the country, including representatives from the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Major Cities Chiefs Association, National Sheriffs’ Association, National Native American Law Enforcement Association, Governors Homeland Security Advisors Council, and Criminal Intelligence Coordinating Council.
“Engaging local communities is critical to our nation’s effort to counter violent extremism and violent crime, and this meeting brings together many of our partners,” said Secretary Napolitano. “The Department of Homeland Security will continue to collaborate with our state and local law enforcement partners and engage the public in our efforts to combat violent extremism, while protecting civil rights and civil liberties.”
During the meeting, Secretary Napolitano underscored DHS’ efforts to support local communities by enhancing existing partnerships to focus on information-driven community-based solutions, building government and law enforcement expertise, supporting community oriented policing practices and expanding grant prioritization to counter violent extremism and violent crime regardless of ideology. In addition, DHS is continuing to implement recommendations from the DHS Homeland Security Advisory Council Countering Violent Extremism Working Group, such as developing a curriculum for state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement focused on a community-oriented policing approach to countering violent extremism and violent crime. DHS’ Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties also works to educate communities and state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement on cultural awareness across the nation.
Secretary Napolitano also reiterated President Obama’s call for Congress to take action to prevent layoffs of law enforcement and first responders, and keep our communities safe by passing legislation such as the American Jobs Act. The legislation would provide $5 billion in assistance to states and local communities to create or save thousands of law enforcement and first responder jobs across the country.
Over the past year, DHS has worked with the Department of Justice on the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative (NSI)—an administration effort to train state and local law enforcement to recognize behaviors and indicators related to terrorism, crime and other threats; standardize how those observations are documented and analyzed; and ensure the sharing of those reports with the FBI-led Joint Terrorism Task Forces for further investigation.
DHS has also collaborated with federal, state, local, and private sector partners, and the general public, to expand the “If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign. Originally implemented by New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority and now licensed to DHS for a nationwide campaign, the “If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign is a simple and effective program to engage the public to identify and report indicators of terrorism, crime and other threats to the proper transportation and law enforcement authorities.
DHS will continue to expand the “If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign nationally to ensure America’s businesses, communities, and citizens remain vigilant and play an active role in keeping the country safe.
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
WASHINGTON—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today joined former National Security Advisor General James Jones and former CIA Acting Director John McLaughlin in a panel discussion to highlight the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) work with international partners to strengthen global travel and trade networks, secure cyberspace, and combat global threats.
"In our globalized world, international security and economic prosperity are inextricably linked,” said Secretary Napolitano. “DHS is committed to working with our international partners to secure the global trade and travel networks that are essential to our economy.”
During her remarks, Secretary Napolitano underscored the Department’s close cooperation with international partners, including foreign governments, major multilateral organizations—such as the International Civil Aviation Organization, World Customs Organization and International Maritime Organization—and global businesses, to strengthen security, while facilitating the legitimate trade and travel upon which our economy relies.
Today, DHS has personnel stationed in more than 75 countries around the world, and in collaboration with the Departments of Justice and State, has signed Preventing and Combating Serious Crime (PCSC) Agreements with 21 Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries and two VWP aspirants to share information about terrorists and criminals.
The panel discussion was part of the Aspen Homeland Security Group’s winter meeting. Modeled on the longstanding foreign policy-focused Aspen Strategy Group and co-chaired by former Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff and former Congresswoman Jane Harmon, the Aspen Homeland Security Group is a bipartisan group of former government officials and policy experts in the field of homeland security and counterterrorism who provide recommendations to relevant policymakers.
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
WASHINGTON—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today met with public and private sector representatives for a roundtable discussion at the White House to discuss the Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking, in recognition of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. This month, the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Blue Campaign launched a new suite of awareness trainings, which will be distributed to key sectors, including transportation, hospitality, retail, law enforcement, first responders, and NGOs to increase awareness and educate people on how to identify and report suspected cases of human trafficking.
“At DHS, we are committed to working with our partners and leveraging our wide range of expertise and resources to combat human trafficking,” said Secretary Napolitano. “If we all do our part to learn the signs of human trafficking and report them to authorities, we can better prevent human trafficking, protect victims, and prosecute traffickers.”
During the roundtable meeting, Secretary Napolitano was joined by officials from the U.S. Fire Administration, the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association, National Native American Law Enforcement Association, National Latino Peace Officers Association, the Polaris Project, Airlines for America, Carlson and the National Retail Federation. Secretary Napolitano underscored the importance of collaborating with the public and private sectors to build a sustained effort to combat human trafficking.
This month, the Blue Campaign launched a general awareness training, designed to inform the general public about how to identify and report human trafficking to the proper authorities. The Blue Campaign is also launching awareness and training materials for the federal acquisition workforce, first responders and airline employees, to help increase awareness about the indicators of human trafficking.
In 2010, Secretary Napolitano launched the Blue Campaign– a first-of-its-kind initiative to coordinate and enhance the Department’s anti-human trafficking efforts, led by a cross-component steering committee, which is chaired by the Senior Counselor to the Secretary of Homeland Security Alice Hill. The components of the Department of Homeland Security combat human trafficking through a variety of programs, and the Blue Campaign helps to coordinate this work.
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced a new partnership between DHS' "If You See Something, Say Something™" public awareness campaign and the National Hockey League (NHL) - highlighting the Department's continued partnership with the sports industry to ensure the safety and security of employees, players and fans.
"Every citizen plays a critical role in identifying and reporting suspicious activities and threats," said Secretary Napolitano. "By expanding the 'If You See Something, Say Something™' campaign to the NHL, we are working together to ensure the safety and security of employees, players, and fans."
As part of the Department's "If You See Something, Say Something™" partnership with the NHL, a Public Service Announcement will be read before and during games, and campaign graphics will appear on the videoboard and on ribbon boards. Safety messaging will also be printed on the back of NHL Winter Classic credentials for staff, players, and volunteers. In addition, the Department has partnered with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and City of Philadelphia to place "If You See Something, Say Something™" advertisements throughout Philadelphia at airports and gas stations, and on buses, trains and billboards.
"We are honored to use a great platform like the Winter Classic to play our part in helping keep America safe," said NHL Vice President of Communications Jamey Horan.
The "If You See Something, Say Something™" campaign - originally implemented by New York City's Metropolitan Transportation Authority and now licensed to DHS for a nationwide campaign - is a simple and effective program to engage the public and key frontline employees to identify and report indicators of terrorism, crime and other threats to the proper transportation and law enforcement authorities.
Over the past year, DHS has collaborated with federal, state, local and private sector partners to expand the "If You See Something, Say Something™" campaign, and with the Department of Justice on the nationwide SAR Initiative - an administration effort to train state and local law enforcement to recognize behaviors and indicators related to terrorism, crime and other threats; standardize how those observations are documented and analyzed; and ensure the sharing of those reports with the Federal Bureau of Investigation-led Joint Terrorism Task Forces for further investigation.
Recent expansions of the "If You See Something, Say Something™" campaign include partnerships with numerous sports teams and leagues, transportation agencies, private sector partners, states, municipalities, and colleges and universities. DHS also unveiled new Public Service Announcements (PSAs) which have been distributed to television and radio stations across the country.
DHS will continue to expand the "If You See Something, Say Something™" campaign nationally to help America's businesses, communities and citizens remain vigilant and play an active role in keeping the country safe.
"I want to thank Alan Bersin for his distinguished leadership over the past two years as the CBP Commissioner. During his tenure, CBP has taken historic steps to secure our borders while facilitating legal travel and trade. Commissioner Bersin has also been instrumental in facilitating new international agreements and public-private partnerships as well as developing new paradigms throughout the world in combating terrorism and international crime. Commissioner Bersin has helped set CBP on a path to continuously adapt and seek new and innovative ways of keeping our country – and our communities – safe.
Deputy Commissioner David V. Aguilar will serve as Acting Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Field Operations Thomas Winkowski will serve as Acting Deputy Commissioner. Both bring decades of experience on the front line and will continue their proven leadership of the men and women at CBP as they protect our country against terrorist threats, secure our borders and foster lawful travel and trade."
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced they will continue their critical partnership to further strengthen the already unprecedented levels of personnel, technology, and infrastructure along the Southwest border - representing the Administration's ongoing commitment to secure the border and facilitate legitimate trade and travel.
Since the summer of 2010, National Guard troops have acted as a critical support bridge while the Administration brought on new assets provided by the 2010 supplemental appropriation dedicated to effective border management and security. To date, Guardsmen stationed at the border supported civilian law enforcement on the ground through surveillance and criminal analysis.
With additional DHS civilian law enforcement assets, including a record number of U.S. Border Patrol agents, now in place, the DOD mission at the border will transition as part of a new strategic approach, adding a number of new multi-purpose aerial assets equipped with the latest surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Additionally, DOD will provide air mobility support to the Border Patrol, allowing for faster response capabilities to a wide range of activities. The deployment of these new DOD technical assets, along with the additional DHS personnel on the ground, will enable DOD to reduce the number of National Guard troops at the Southwest border while enhancing border security.
The addition of aerial surveillance assets allows the National Guard to better support DHS by shifting surveillance from fixed sites to mobile ones that can quickly match the dynamic environment of the border - a significant enhancement in the ability to detect and deter illegal activity at the border - and provide greater support to the thousands of men and women involved in border security.
The transition to the new DOD/DHS strategic approach will begin in January, with additional aviation assets in place by March 1st. The aerial assets, which include both rotary and fixed-wing, will provide additional benefits including:
Increased ability to operate in diverse landscapes: Operating environments differ from sector to sector and even within sectors. An aerial platform provides a much greater field of vision for surveillance in places with challenging terrain.
Additional deterrence: The additional DOD aerial assets, which establish a greater visible presence from a distance to individuals attempting to cross the border illegally, coupled with the Border Patrol boots on the ground, will provide even greater border deterrence capabilities.
A faster response time: The air assets will reduce enforcement response time, enabling Border Patrol officers to quickly move from one location to another on short notice to meet emerging threats of illegal activity or incursion. Aircraft also provide the ability to quickly reach areas in rugged terrain or areas without roads that were previously difficult to access.
Flexible and adaptive surveillance as opposed to relying on fixed sites.
In FY 2011, U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions - a key indicator of illegal immigration - decreased to 340,252, down 53 percent since FY 2008 and one fifth of what they were at their peak in FY 2000. Since 2004, the size of the Border Patrol has doubled to 21,444.
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Office of the Press Secretary
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WASHINGTON— Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today joined the Swedish State Secretary and Deputy Foreign Minister Frank Belfrage and Department of Justice Assistant Attorney General Lanny Breuer to sign a Preventing and Combating Crime Agreement between the U.S. and Sweden—allowing for the exchange of biometric and biographic data between the United States and the Kingdom of Sweden to bolster counterterrorism and law enforcement efforts while protecting individual privacy.
"Strong international partnerships are critical to our nation's security," said Secretary Napolitano. “DHS is committed to working with our allies, such as Sweden, to share information and combat threats to our shared security.”
To date, the United States has signed similar agreements to prevent and combat crime with 22 international partners and anticipates signing more in the coming weeks and months. These agreements—negotiated by the Departments of Homeland Security, Justice and State—are concluded pursuant to the Implementing the Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, which requires greater security cooperation between the United States and countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program. The agreements prevent individuals who commit serious crimes in one signatory country from continuing illicit acts in another and reaffirm the United States’ commitment to the reciprocal partnerships that advance the safety and security of the United States and its international partners.
Last Month, Secretary Napolitano traveled to Stockholm where she met with Deputy Foreign Minister Belfrage, as well as Sweden’s Minister of Justice Beatrice Ask, Minister for European Union Affairs Birgitta Ohlsson, Sweden’s State Secretaries to the Prime Minister Katarina Mascarenhas, Mikael Sandstrom and Gunnar Wieslander, Sweden’s State Secretary to the Minister of Defense Hakan Jevrell, and Director General for Swedish Civil Contingencies Helena Lindberg to discuss the Department’s partnership with Sweden to fight international crime and terrorism and protect critical infrastructure. Secretary Napolitano also highlighted progress between the two nations on information sharing agreements to increase bilateral cooperation and international travel security, and enhance collaboration on cybersecurity.
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Office of the Press Secretary
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“The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is troubled by the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) findings of discriminatory policing practices within the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). Discrimination undermines law enforcement and erodes the public trust. DHS will not be a party to such practices. Accordingly, and effective immediately, DHS is terminating MCSO’s 287(g) jail model agreement and is restricting the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office access to the Secure Communities program. DHS will utilize federal resources for the purpose of identifying and detaining those individuals who meet U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) immigration enforcement priorities. The Department will continue to enforce federal immigration laws in Maricopa County in smart, effective ways that focus our resources on criminal aliens, recent border crossers, repeat and egregious immigration law violators and employers who knowingly hire illegal labor.”
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
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Today, Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Jane Holl Lute issued the following statement upon signing of a new Passenger Name Records (PNR) agreement between the United States and the European Union.
"Today's signing of the new agreement on the transfer of Passenger Name Records (PNR) is a significant step forward in strengthening our cooperation with the EU to combat terrorism and transnational threats, while respecting our commitment to privacy and data protection. This agreement passed the Council of the European Union with strong support and we encourage the European Parliament to give its consent as soon as possible so that the agreement can enter into force."
WASHINGTON, D.C - Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today unveiled new Spanish-language Public Service Announcements (PSAs) for the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) "If You See Something, Say Something™" public awareness campaign during a roundtable meeting with Hispanic law enforcement groups at the White House. The PSAs are aimed at reaching out to the Spanish-speaking public to encourage them to report suspicious activity to local law enforcement.
"Homeland security is a shared responsibility and every citizen plays a critical role in identifying and reporting suspicious activities and threats," said Secretary Napolitano. "The new 'If You See Something, Say Something™' Spanish-language public service announcements encourage citizens across the county to work together to build a strong foundation for a more secure and resilient homeland."
During the roundtable meeting with officials from the Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association (HAPCOA), National Latino Peace Officers Association (NLPOA) and the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, Secretary Napolitano also underscored the importance of collaborating with the Hispanic law enforcement community to enhance public awareness, education and engagement through the "If You See Something, Say Something™" campaign and the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) Initiative.
The new “If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign radio and television Spanish-language PSAs inform viewers about how to notify authorities regarding potential threats. The PSAs will be distributed to Spanish-language television and radio stations across the country in California, Colorado, New York, Arizona, New Mexico, Florida, Texas, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. The PSAs are available for viewing at www.dhs.gov/IfYouSeeSomethingSaySomething.
The “If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign—originally implemented by New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority and now licensed to DHS for a nationwide campaign—is a simple and effective program to engage the public and key frontline employees to identify and report indicators of terrorism, crime and other threats to the proper transportation and law enforcement authorities.
Over the past year, DHS has collaborated with federal, state, local and private sector partners to expand the “If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign, and with the Department of Justice on the SAR Initiative—an administration effort to train state and local law enforcement to recognize behaviors and indicators related to terrorism, crime and other threats; standardize how those observations are documented and analyzed; and ensure the sharing of those reports with the Federal Bureau of Investigation-led Joint Terrorism Task Forces for further investigation.
Recent partnerships with the "If You See Something, Say Something™" campaign include Major League Soccer, the Indianapolis 500, the U.S. Open, the Washington State Ferries, The City of Los Angeles, AEG Worldwide, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the National Basketball Association, the National Football League, Walmart, Mall of America, the American Hotel & Lodging Association, Amtrak, and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. In addition, more than 9,000 federal buildings, the general aviation industry, and state and local fusion centers across the country also participate in the campaign.
DHS will continue to expand the "If You See Something, Say Something™" campaign nationally to help America’s businesses, communities and citizens remain vigilant and play an active role in keeping the country safe.
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
WASHINGTON—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today met with Canadian Public Safety Minister Vic Toews to discuss the ongoing partnership between the United States and Canada to strengthen border security and information sharing capabilities to better combat cross-border crime, while expediting legitimate trade and travel.
“In today’s world, we face increasingly global economic and security challenges,” said Secretary Napolitano. “The United States and Canada must continue to work together to not only expand our economies and spur job growth, but also to enhance our shared security.”
During their meeting, Secretary Napolitano and Minister Toews discussed current efforts to improve information sharing capabilities between the U.S. and Canada, as well as last week’s unveiling of the Beyond the Border (BTB) Action Plan and the Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC) Action Plan by President Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Harper.
“Canada and the United States have long cooperated on trade and security measures at the border,” said Minister Toews. “The Beyond the Border Action Plan announced last week by Prime Minister Harper and President Obama demonstrates our shared commitment to create economic opportunities and to improve the border by identifying security threats as early as possible and to facilitate the legitimate flow of goods and travel.”
The BTB Action Plan lays out common priorities for achieving a new long-term security partnership by addressing threats early; promoting trade facilitation, economic growth and jobs; strengthening cross-border law enforcement; and protecting shared critical infrastructure, including enhancing cybersecurity. Similarly, through the RCC, Canada and the U.S. will harmonize regulations in key industries, reducing the burden on businesses engaged in cross-border commerce.
Last week Secretary Napolitano met with U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Canadian Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Minister Denis Lebel regarding the ongoing partnership between the United States and Canada on border and transportation security.
Over the past two years, the Department of Homeland Security has made critical security improvements along the Northern border, investing in additional inspectors at the ports of entry, Border Patrol agents between the ports, and technology and infrastructure that enhance security and expedite travel. In August, Secretary Napolitano met with Minister Toews to discuss their shared vision for border security, and the safety, security, and resilience of the United States and Canada.
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Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today joined Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Ray LaHood to meet with Canadian Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Minister Denis Lebel to discuss the ongoing partnership between the United States and Canada to work on a shared approach to border and transportation security, while expediting lawful trade and travel.
"The U.S. and Canada continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder addressing shared challenges, as strong partners, friends, and neighbors," said Secretary Napolitano. "The Beyond the Border Action Plan ensures that we will be able to create jobs and spur economic growth while preserving the safety and security of both our countries."
On Wednesday, Secretary Napolitano joined President Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Harper to unveil two initiatives – the Beyond the Border (BTB) Action Plan and the Regulatory Cooperation Council – which build upon our bilateral cooperation on trade, investment, emergency preparedness, security and defense. The BTB Action Plan will maintain and expand our ability to keep people, goods, and services safe and secure and decrease unnecessary barriers to trade, thereby improving economic competitiveness. The BTB Action Plan lays out common priorities for achieving a new long-term security partnership by addressing threats early; promoting trade facilitation, economic growth and jobs; strengthening cross-border law enforcement; and protecting shared critical infrastructure, including enhancing cybersecurity.
Under the BTB plan, Canada and the U.S. will strengthen their global competitiveness by aligning and coordinating security systems for goods and cargo, expanding trusted trader programs, and decongesting key border crossings – which add time and cost to production – by developing joint facilities and programs to move inspections away from the border. The BTB Plan also calls for development of a joint Border Infrastructure Investment Plan and for full pre-clearance of U.S.-bound passenger rail and cruise ship travelers in Vancouver, British Columbia. Similarly, through the RCC Action Plan, Canada and the U.S. will harmonize regulations in key industries, reducing the burden on businesses engaged in cross-border commerce.
"The U.S. and Canada have strong shared interests in transportation, security and trade,'" said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "The Beyond the Border initiative launched by President Obama and Prime Minister Harper is an important step that will lead to more jobs and continued economic growth while protecting our national security interests."
Over the past two years, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has made critical security improvements along the Northern border, investing in additional inspectors at the ports of entry, Border Patrol agents between the ports, and technology and infrastructure that enhance security and expedite travel. In August, Secretary Napolitano met with Canadian Minister of Public Safety Vic Toews to discuss their shared vision for perimeter security and strengthen information sharing to better combat cross-border crime.
Earlier today, Secretary Napolitano participated in a moderated dialogue titled "International Security Partnerships and Our Shared Responsibility," hosted by the Council of Foreign Relations. During the discussion, Secretary Napolitano highlighted her recent participation in the G6+1 Ministerial Meetings in Paris, and meetings with her counterparts in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Secretary Napolitano underscored the importance of the Department's work with international partners to strengthen global travel and trade networks, secure cyberspace, and address global security threats.
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Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today traveled to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) to meet with aviation security officials to discuss the Department's efforts to collaborate with other nations on international aviation security initiatives and to secure the global supply chain.
"Effective aviation security depends upon close coordination with our partners and law enforcement officials to identify, deter and disrupt threats," said Secretary Napolitano. "I am committed to working closely with our international partners to strengthen global aviation security standards for passengers and cargo traveling to the United States and around the world."
While in Dubai, Secretary Napolitano met with Department of Civil Aviation President Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and Director General of Airport Security Brigadier General Ahmad Mohammed bin Thani - emphasizing the Department of Homeland Security's priorities to secure international aviation security and combat terrorism and transnational crime.
Secretary Napolitano's visit to Dubai marks the end of a six-day international trip - highlighting the Department of Homeland Security's international security collaboration with Europe, Qatar and the UAE to combat terrorism and transnational crime, secure cyberspace, and ensure a stronger, safer, and more resilient global supply chain.
While in Paris, Secretary Napolitano's joined her counterparts at the G6+1 Ministerial Meeting, met with international security leaders, and delivered remarks on the importance of strong international partnerships at the Institut des Hautes Études de Défense Nationale.
During her visit to Doha, Secretary Napolitano signed a bilateral aviation security agreement and met with senior Qatari officials to discuss continued collaboration and increased security initiatives between the United States and Qatar.
As part of a joint commitment to strengthen security and promote global trade and travel, Secretary Napolitano met with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince General Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. They discussed UAE participation in the U.S. Immigration Advisory Program - a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program used to identify high-risk travelers before they board U.S.-bound flights-as a first step toward the establishment of a passenger Pre-Clearance pilot program. While in the UAE, Secretary Napolitano also met with UAE Minister of Interior Lt. Gen. Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss the facilitation of legitimate trade and travel.
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ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today visited Abu Dhabi where she met with her international counterparts and delivered remarks to law enforcement officials at the Gulf States Global Police Symposium, underscoring the importance of international policing and security partnerships.
“Today, we face an environment where transnational criminal organizations are aggressively seeking to exploit gaps and vulnerabilities in our shared systems of trade, travel, and communication, while attempting to hide behind international jurisdictions,” said Secretary Napolitano. “We are committed to working with our international partners around the world to protect the vast amount of goods and commerce that move across the world every day - and that drive our global economy.”
As part of a joint commitment to strengthen security and promote global trade and travel, Secretary Napolitano met with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince General Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to promote aviation security through United Arab Emirates (UAE) participation in the U.S. Immigration Advisory Program, as a first step toward the establishment of a passenger Pre-Clearance pilot program. While in the UAE, Secretary Napolitano also met with UAE Minister of Interior Lt. Gen. Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan discuss the facilitation of legitimate trade and travel.
Secretary Napolitano’s visit to Abu Dhabi follows her trip to Paris, where she joined her counterparts at the G6+1 Ministerial Meeting and met with international security leaders to discuss the Department’s efforts in combating transnational crime, securing cyberspace, and working to ensure a more safe, secure and resilient global supply chain. She also delivered remarks on the importance of strong international partnerships at the Institut des Hautes Études de Défense Nationale. Yesterday in Doha, Secretary Napolitano signed a bilateral aviation security agreement and met with senior Qatari officials to discuss continued collaboration and increased security initiatives between the United States and Qatar. Secretary Napolitano will continue her trip, traveling to Dubai on Dec. 6.
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Office of the Press Secretary
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DOHA, Qatar—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today traveled to Doha, Qatar, to sign a bilateral aviation security agreement and meet with senior Qatari officials to discuss continued collaboration and increased security initiatives between the United States and Qatar.
Building on previous discussions, Secretary Napolitano and Minister of State for Interior Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani signed an aviation security agreement that will strengthen our ability to combat transnational crime and other threats through enhanced information sharing while facilitating travel and international commerce.
“This plan builds on the collaboration between the United States and Qatar to better protect both nations against threats to our common security,” said Secretary Napolitano. “Today's agreement represents the next step in our partnership as we work together to facilitate legitimate trade and travel between our two nations."
Secretary Napolitano’s visit to Qatar follows her trip to Paris, where she joined her counterparts at the G6+1 Ministerial Meeting and met with international security leaders to discuss the Department’s efforts in combating transnational crime, securing cyberspace, and working to ensure a more safe, secure and resilient global supply chain. She also delivered remarks on the importance of strong international partnerships at the Institut des Hautes Études de Défense Nationale.
Secretary Napolitano will continue to the United Arab Emirates on Dec. 5-6, where she will join U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director John Morton and Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca at the Gulf States Global Police Symposium and deliver remarks on the Department’s partnerships with the international law enforcement community.
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“The United States and France have a joint history, as old as our republics, of cooperating to protect the security and rights of our citizens. Every day officers of the Department of Homeland Security and the Ministry of Interior work together to prevent illicit travel, secure global commerce and bring criminals to justice. This partnership extends beyond our bilateral cooperation to an agreement that establishes transatlantic and global standards – we do so by the example of our domestic practices and our participation in multilateral frameworks. It is with these goals in mind that today we reaffirm our mutual intent to support the U.S.-EU Agreement on the Use and Transfer of Passenger Name Records, initialed in Paris on November 17 by DHS Deputy Secretary Jane Holl Lute and Director Reinhard Priebe of the European Commission.
The agreement demonstrates how the United States and European Union are working together to fight terrorism and transnational threats within the framework of American, French and European law and is a significant enhancement of the 2007 agreement. PNR data has aided nearly every high profile U.S. terrorist investigation in recent years including New York City subway bomber Najibullah Zazi, Times Square bomber Faisal Shahzad, and David Headley, who was involved in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack and was planning attacks in Europe. For the first time, all of our commitments on PNR have been incorporated into a single agreement that helps ensure the safety and security of the travelling public while providing legal certainty for airlines and assuring travelers that their privacy will be respected.
Within that framework, the agreement includes a clear and defined scope focused on the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorism and crime. It also features a retention period that is narrow and tailored to specified types of crime, with personally identifiable information viewable in an active database for only 6 months. Reciprocity has been strengthened through new opportunities for police and judicial cooperation between the U.S. and EU authorities by defining when PNR will be exchanged to support European cases. Finally, it reaffirms our commitment to continued engagement on the operational and privacy impacts of the agreement, including through regular joint reviews that will look at, among other topics, onward transfer and the use of the “push” system for collecting PNR.
With these and other reforms in mind, the United States and France express the wish that the Member States of the European Union and the European Parliament will approve the agreement as expeditiously as possible.”
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PARIS - Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today joined her international counterparts at the Ecole Militaire to deliver remarks on the importance of strong international partnerships at the Institut des Hautes Études de Défense Nationale - highlighting the Department's commitment to working with France and other European partners to enhance international security.
"In our globalized economy, our international partnerships are critical to our nation's domestic security, and strong international engagement and cooperation is essential," said Secretary Napolitano. "DHS is committed to working closely with our allies and partners who face common threats to build a more secure and resilient nation while strengthening the commerce, travel, and communication networks that we all share."
During her remarks, Secretary Napolitano underscored the Department's international security efforts, emphasizing the full range of threats the United States and its international partners face including terrorism and organized crime; narcotics smuggling and human trafficking; proliferation of chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear weapons; and emerging threats in cyberspace. The Department of Homeland Security has more than 1,500 employees stationed abroad in 75 countries who work bilaterally with nations as well as major multilateral bodies and organizations to strengthen the security of the networks of global trade and travel.
While in Paris, Secretary Napolitano and Attorney General Eric Holder met with French Minister of the Interior Claude Guéant and underscored the DHS's commitment to strengthening aviation security and information sharing to combat terrorism. They endorsed the U.S.-EU Agreement on the Use and Transfer of Passenger Name Records, initialed in Paris on November 17 by DHS Deputy Secretary Jane Holl Lute and Director Reinhard Priebe of the European Commission, and encouraged other member states of the European Union and the European Parliament to expedite approval of the agreement.
Secretary Napolitano also met bilaterally with Secretary General Francis Delon and the French Minister of Justice Michel Mercier to amplify the efforts of the Departments of Homeland Security, Justice and State to adopt the Preventing and Combating Serious Crime (PCSC) Agreements - underscoring the critical increase of information sharing capabilities for Visa Waiver Program participating countries to help prevent terrorism and transnational crime.
Secretary Napolitano also met with members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Paris where she discussed the Department's role in cybersecurity. The U.S. and France participate in a standing US-EU Working Group on Cybersecurity and Cybercrime that focuses on enhancing public-private partnerships, raising awareness about cyber threats, combating cybercrime, and protecting critical infrastructure and intellectual property.
On Dec. 3-6, Secretary Napolitano will travel to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to discuss the Department's role in international law enforcement efforts. While in Doha, Qatar, Secretary Napolitano will meet bilaterally with Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah Al-Thani on continued collaboration and increased security initiatives between the United States and Qatar. Later in Abu Dhabi, Secretary Napolitano will join U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director John Morton and Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca at the Gulf States Global Police Symposium where she will deliver remarks on the Department's partnerships with the international law enforcement community.
