The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced on Thursday that they will host a Homeland Security Day in Silicon Valley on April 29.
The goal of the technology day is to bring together CBP and DHS officials with experts and stakeholders from across the tech industry to discuss opportunities to increase the government’s ability to use to technology ensure the safety of officers and citizens traveling across the world.
“Today’s technology is being rapidly and continuously advanced by start-ups, entrepreneurs and small businesses,” DHS Under Secretary for Science and Technology Dr. Reginald Brothers said. “Our Homeland Security Day in Silicon Valley and similar events in other locations allow DHS S&T to strengthen partnerships and discuss some of the Department’s toughest challenges with these important players in the tech industry.”
CBP employs more people than any other federal agency in the U.S., reportedly processing more than a one million international travelers and more than 72,000 cargo containers a day, while its agents patrol thousands of miles of border with aircraft, vehicles, vessels, and horses and canines.
“Steady growth in international trade and travel drives U.S. Customs and Border Protection to innovate the way we provide security and facilitate commerce across our borders,” Deputy Commissioner Kevin McAleenan said. “We are excited to pursue new partnerships in Silicon Valley as we seek more efficient and effective capabilities across our diverse operational environments.”