DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has launched an internal probe “to address the threat of domestic violent extremism within the Department of Homeland Security.”
A working group will be established, which will provide a “comprehensive review of how to best prevent, detect and respond to threats related to domestic violent extremism within DHS,” Mayorkas wrote.
“Given the evolving threat landscape and the grave risks posed by domestic violent extremism, including to our employees and operations, I have directed the Department to immediately begin a review of how to best prevent, detect, and respond to domestic violent extremism threats within DHS,” the letter reads. “The team managing this internal effort, led by our Chief Security Officer, will report back to me with its recommendations.”
The Department’s internal review is the latest action it is taking to comprehensively combat domestic violent extremism. Since January 20, 2021, the DHS has increased the development, production, and sharing of intelligence and other information central to countering domestic violent extremism across the United States, consistent with privacy, civil rights and civil liberties, and First Amendment rights.
On January 27, 2021, DHS issued a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin due to the heightened threat environment. It was the first NTAS issued in over a year.
More than 240,000 dedicated DHS employees carry out the Department’s mission to safeguard the American people, our homeland, and our values. Today’s announcement is an important next step toward ensuring that violent extremism does not compromise our ability to keep our communities safe and secure (Department of Homeland Security).