Threats
Bicameral TRANQ Research Act introduced to promote research, testing and more for Xylazine
Worried about the growing illicit use of the animal tranquilizer Xylazine, also known as Tranq, a group of senators and representatives introduced the TRANQ Research Act of 2023 this week to mandate the creation of new tests for its detection and improve understanding overall. In the Senate,... Read More »
Deployment of self-serve credential authentication tech at BWI Airport allows near real-time ID confirmation
In a move that may speed up processing, 36 credential authentication technology (CAT) units have now been deployed to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoints at Baltimore-Washington International (BWI)/Thurgood Marshall Airport. At the least, it has increased... Read More »
TSA awards $128M contract to Idemia for new airport security checkpoint credential authentication systems
Through an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) this week awarded an agreement worth up to $128 million to Idemia Identity and Security USA, LLC to create and maintain next-generation Credential Authentication Technology... Read More »
Measure targets bolstered southern border security
U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), current member and former chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, current Chairman Mark Green (R-TN), and GOP committee members introduced the Border Reinforcement Act of 2023, which seeks to bolster southern border security. “As chairman... Read More »
House Homeland Security Committee press for more details following FBI crackdown on Chinese-operated police stations in U.S.
After arrests were made in New York last week over an alleged illegal overseas police station, House Committee on Homeland Security chairs wrote to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for information on potential Chinese-operated stations nationwide.... Read More »
Bill seeks to stop fentanyl trafficking across U.S. border
U.S. Sens. Todd Young (R-IN), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), and eight colleagues are espousing the benefits of reintroducing the Stop Fentanyl Border Crossings Act. Specifically, the legislation adds drug smuggling as an additional basis for Title 42 immigration enforcement authority, preserving for... Read More »
National Nuclear Security Administration plan calls for revitalized nuclear security, stockpiles without explosive testing
In its 2023 Stockpile Stewardship and Management Plan, recently submitted to Congress, the United States Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) called for modernization, ongoing production of warheads and plutonium pits, and better nuclear security. “The SSMP... Read More »
Combating Violent and Dangerous Crime Act proposes stronger violent crime laws nationwide
A new bill reintroduced to the Senate this week – the Combating Violent and Dangerous Crime Act – seeks to address what its Republican sponsors call ambiguity and conflicting application of existing mandates, strengthening violent crime laws in a number of areas. Attacks on law enforcement,... Read More »
U.S. Commerce Department advocates climate resilience funding
The U.S. Department of Commerce recently recommended $562 million in funding for projects the agency maintains would aid communities and the economy with climate change resilience. Authorities recently outlined 149 projects across 30 coastal states and territories in accordance with the... Read More »
DHS Clean Power for Hours competition seeks clean energy sourced backups for essential services
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced last week a new competition meant to tap into clean, innovative energy sources to keep essential services functioning even at times of disaster. The Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) launched the Clean Power for Hours Challenge, a... Read More »
Locked Shields: NATO hosts world’s largest cyber defense exercise for 38 countries in Estonia
More than 3,000 participants from 38 countries gathered in Tallinn, Estonia, last week for the annual Locked Shields program – the world’s largest cyber defense exercise. Under their hosts, the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defense Center of Excellence (CCDCOE), NATO allies and partners, and others... Read More »
Senate resolution commends Coast Guard border response
A group of lawmakers recently introduced a resolution commending the U.S. Coast Guard for border response and ability to adapt and respond to increased maritime threats. Officials said 17 lawmakers served as resolution co-sponsors, detailing Coast Guard efforts to safeguard the American people... Read More »
DHS issues four-year Homeland Security Review of strategy for crimes, migration, nation states and more
When it debuted last week, the latest Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (QHSR) marked the four-year assessment of U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) strategies as well as more than 20 years since the Department was formed. Times have changed significantly since then, and even since... Read More »
DHS S&T offers $45M funding opportunity for new Homeland Security center in the Arctic
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) solicited colleges and universities nationwide this week with a $45 million funding opportunity, seeking proposals to guide a new Center of Excellence (COE) for Arctic operations. Funds will be offered through a... Read More »
More than 50 Congressional lawmakers question DHS proposal to raise H-2A, H-2B visa fees
In a letter dispatched to the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) this week, 52 House members responded to a recent proposal to increase fees and processing time for H-2A and H-2B visa proposals, blasting the idea as detrimental to businesses. A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking... Read More »
Senate Homeland Security Committee holds hearing over DHS resources needed to face security threats
A hearing convened by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee this week put Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas under the spotlight, seeking answers to what his Department needs to secure and operate borders and counter threats... Read More »
DEA to host 24th National Drug Take Back Day
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is espousing the benefits of its 24th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 22. “Thanks to our local and state partners, we collected in the past event in October more than 33,500 pounds," DEA Washington Division Special Agent in Charge... Read More »
Kathryn Coulter Mitchell named new CISA Chief of Staff
Kathryn Coulter Mitchell has been named the new Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Chief of Staff, replacing Kiersten Todt, who will return to the private sector. “I’m really excited to have Kathryn join our team at CISA,” CISA Director Jen Easterly said. “She brings... Read More »
Textron Systems Corporation subsidiary to introduce firefighting robot at FDIC International
Textron Systems Corporation subsidiary Howe & Howe, Inc. will introduce its Thermite EV1 firefighting robot during the FDIC International conference on April 24-29 in Indianapolis, Ind. “Our EV1 is a powerful force multiplier for our heroes in fire response,” Howe & Howe Senior Vice... Read More »
Justice Department details charges regarding illegal police station operation
U.S. Department of Justice officials have outlined a complaint charging two defendants for allegedly opening and operating an illegal overseas police station for the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The Justice Department alleges in the complaint unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn, New... Read More »
CBP seeks ideas for Non-Intrusive Inspection Anomaly Detection Algorithm
This week, a new solicitation from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) this week sought new Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) Anomaly Detection Algorithm solutions to increase inspection efficacy and reduce review times, and support analysis by CBP officers. CBP’s goal for these... Read More »
HHS releases new online educational platform, publication and report to aid cybersecurity in health sector
Due to the rising threat of cyberattacks against the health and public health sector, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) this week released three new resources under its HHS 405(d) Program to aid cybersecurity efforts. Together with the Health Sector Coordinating Council... Read More »
WHO launches PRET initiative to ready countries for next pandemics
Last week, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a new initiative to help countries prepare the systems and capabilities to manage emerging threats. The Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats Initiative (PRET) will officially launch on April 24-26, 2023, during a global... Read More »
DHS touts Operation Blue Lotus success
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel are touting Operation Blue Lotus, which has, in collaboration with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), disrupted synthetic drug trafficking. Operation Four Horsemen, the U.S. Border Patrol’s... Read More »
Bill seeks to strengthen DHS law enforcement mental health resources
A group of lawmakers recently introduced a bill to enhance Department of Homeland Security (DHS) law enforcement personnel's mental health resources. U.S. Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced the DHS Suicide Prevention and Resiliency for Law Enforcement Act, which would... Read More »
U.S., international security agencies publish new guidance for secure shipping by software manufacturers
In a collaborative effort, several United States security agencies joined with related authorities in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, and New Zealand last week to launch guidance for technology providers meant to increase security by design and default. In... Read More »
Northrop Grumman F-16 electronic warfare suite capable of countering modern radio frequency threats
In the first LIVE test of Northrop Grumman Corporation’s AN/ALQ-257 Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS) last week, the system proved capable of countering modern radio frequency (RF) attacks, effectively blocking certain hacking attempts. During testing, simulated air defense... Read More »
Expanding fentanyl crackdown, Biden administration designates xylazine combos emerging threat
Xylazine, a non-opioid tranquilizer approved for veterinary use, was recently declared an emerging threat to the United States by Dr. Rahul Gupta, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), when combined with fentanyl. While never approved for human use,... Read More »
DHS, State Department seek to expand Central American Minors program
Enhancements to the Central American Minors (CAM) program would provide alternatives to perilous and irregular border migration, according to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State officials. The CAM program enables certain individuals in the United States to request... Read More »
TSA procures new x-ray scanners for airport checkpoints
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has procured three Computed Tomography (CT) x-ray scanner orders worth up to $1.3 billion to be deployed at airport checkpoints. The orders call for up to 426 base, 359 mid-size and 429 full-size scanner units, if all options are exercised, for... Read More »
DHS S&T seeks information on drone technologies to counter small UAS swarms
Through a Request for Information (RFI) this week, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) signaled a search for new and emerging counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) capable of defending against other small UAS (sUAS). Small UAS are... Read More »
DHS S&T touts new carry-on baggage screening system
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) recently installed a next generation carry-on baggage screening system at Boston Logan International Airport. “This new carry-on screening system is an important next step in aviation security,” S&T... Read More »
CBP guidance seeks to address supply chain disruption resilience
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently issued new guidance to address bolstered supply chain disruption initiatives. Cyber Incident Guidance for Customs Brokers would aid customs brokers in preparation, response, and recovery regarding cyberattacks, from proactively installing... Read More »
DEA details life sentence for large-scale drug trafficking organization leader
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) officials recently announced the sentencing of Jorge Sanchez Morales, aka “Capulina,” 47, to life in prison for leading a large-scale drug trafficking organization. In November 2022, an El Paso jury found Sanchez Morales guilty of conspiracies to import... Read More »