DHS Creating New Intelligence Unit to Focus on Domestic Terrorism
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is establishing a new dedicated intelligence team to focus on domestic terrorism, Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced on May 11.
The new, dedicated domestic terrorism branch within the department’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) is designed to “ensure DHS develops the expertise necessary to produce the sound, timely intelligence needed to combat threats posed by domestic terrorism and targeted violence,” the agency said in a press release.
“I&A will also continue leveraging the National Network of Fusion Centers and our deployed intelligence professionals who collect and analyze threat information alongside our state, local, tribal, territorial, and private sector partners to increase timely and actionable information sharing in a dynamic threat environment,” it continued.
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DHS has made combatting domestic violent extremism a priority.
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DHS secretary and attorney general testify on domestic violent extremism
Alejandro Mayorkas and Merrick Garland testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee on the threat domestic violent extremism poses to the country. Bloomberg via Getty Images, FILE
The United States is facing threats that have evolved significantly and become increasingly complex and volatile in 2021, according to an updated National Terrorism Advisory System bulletin on domestic violent extremism issued Friday by the Department of Homeland Security. These threats include those posed by domestic terrorists, individuals and groups engaged in grievance-based violence, and those inspired or influenced by foreign terrorists and other malign foreign influences, the bulletin reads. Social media and online forums are increasingly exploited
New US Homeland Security Unit to Focus on Domestic Violent Extremism
Voice of America
14 May 2021, 05:05 GMT+10
WASHINGTON - U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced on Wednesday that his department has created a dedicated intelligence unit to focus on domestic violent extremism.
The new branch will ensure we develop the expertise necessary to combat this threat by using sound, timely intelligence, Mayorkas said at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing.
In addition, the department has renamed a separate office focused on combating violent extremism to the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships and will beef up its resources.
The congressional hearing came amid concern about the growing threat of domestic terrorism, with law enforcement officials warning that some domestic violent extremists may have been emboldened by the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of former president Donald Trump.
May 13, 2021 Share
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced on Wednesday that his department has created a dedicated intelligence unit to focus on domestic violent extremism.
The new branch will “ensure we develop the expertise necessary to combat this threat by using sound, timely intelligence,” Mayorkas said at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing.
In addition, the department has renamed a separate office focused on combating violent extremism to the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships and will beef up its resources.
The congressional hearing came amid concern about the growing threat of domestic terrorism, with law enforcement officials warning that some domestic violent extremists may have been emboldened by the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of former president Donald Trump.