The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released its Homeland Threat Assessment (HTA) – a report that synthesizes threat information across DHS, including intelligence and operational components.
“This HTA is as close as the American people will get to seeing and understanding the information that I see as Acting Secretary and that our employees see in their national security missions. As you read through the HTA, you should have faith in knowing that these threats were identified using the best intelligence, operational information, and employee knowledge available to the Department,” DHS Acting Secretary Chad Wolf said. “When the American people read this HTA, they will be more aware of the traditional threats facing the Homeland like terrorism and organized crime. However, I think they will also realize that we face a significant threat in the Homeland from nation-states like China, Russia, and Iran.”
The HTA reported that cyber threats to the Homeland from both nation-states and non-state actors will remain acute and likely grow. Further, the COVID-19 pandemic is creating new opportunities for the United States’ economic competitors to exploit the American people. In addition, it found that China, Russia, and Iran may seek to use cyber capabilities to compromise or disrupt critical infrastructure used to support the 2020 elections. These countries may also use influence measures to sway the preferences and perceptions of U.S. voters.
The report also said that ideologically motivated lone offenders and small groups will pose the greatest terrorist threat to the Homeland, with Domestic Violent Extremists presenting the most persistent and lethal threat. Also, transnational criminal organizations will continue to be an acute and devastating threat undermining public health and safety in the Homeland. Additionally, natural disasters continue to pose a threat to Americans while also impacting local and national economies.
The HTA includes input from operational components throughout the Department, such as the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), United States Coast Guard, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).