Optional Rough Draft

Department of Homeland Security Mandate 1

Department of Homeland Security Mandate 13

Homeland Security Mandate

Name:

Date: 04-11-2021

Thesis Statement

US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal agency mandated to provide; public security, fighting terrorism, counter cybersecurity threats, border security, immigration services, and disaster management (Thessin, 2018). It began operations in the year 2003 after the enactment of “Homeland security act”.Its formation is attributed to the terrorist attack on 9/11/2001. The mission of the agency is “to develop and coordinate the implementation of a national strategy to secure the US from terrorist attacks” This paper will examine DHS role in counter-terrorism, their capability, how the agency cooperates with other state intelligence agencies, areas they require improvement and finally provide recommendations on how DHS can strengthen their capabilities.

How is DHS structured, its role in anti-terror and counter-terror capabilities?

DHS is headed by the secretary of homeland security who is assisted by the deputy secretary. The secretary is in charge of over 240,000 employees from diverse disciplines such as; border security, emergency response, aviation, cybersecurity, and chemical inspectorate. Terrorist activities have evolved and the DHS faces new terrorism threats such as nuclear, biological, radiological attacks.

DHS faces threats from foreign terrorist organizations such as Al Qaeda. Targeted violence is also a major threat to the peaceful co-existence of the American people. Domestic terrorism originating from the homeland include; mass attacks at schools, churches, places of worship, workplace, and during festival events. DHS is structured in a multi-thronged approach to fight terrorism(Perrow, 2016). To counter terror attacks, DHS employs the use of timely intelligence to accurately detect and respond to threats against US territory. This is done through collaboration with other partners.

By sharing terrorism threats with; the federal government, state, local, tribal, private partners, and territorial agencies they have increased vigilance and protection of critical infrastructure. By utilizing information sharing border threats are minimized by recognizing hostile actors long before they set foot on American soil (Reese, 2017). The introduction of a strategic framework that focuses on resource allocation, annual assessment, common understanding of threats, interagency policymaking, and inter-governmental coordination will be key in thwarting terrorism attacks in the homeland. The strategic framework will put into perspective the dangers posed by racially and ethnically instigated violent extremism, for instance, the white supremacy extremism.

Further, the strategic framework will provide guidelines on tackling modern challenges faced today and in the future. The policy document documents the preventive tools that can be used to mitigate terrorism threats. To achieve the anticipated changes, transparency will be key in the endeavor to protect civil liberties, protection of data, and civil rights. Through the use of top-notch technologies, advanced training to DHS personnel, building capacity of international partners, and analytical capabilities, terrorism threats have been greatly sustained in the homeland. A multi-layered approach is a defensive mechanism aimed at reinforcing the first line of defense. Similarly, this approach has been employed in the prevention of cyber-terrorism attacks.

DHS through the National Targeting Centre (NTC) has achieved success in its functions. The targeting center utilizes targeting tools, classified information to identify terrorist threats (Monahan, 2016). By “pushing border outside” terrorist networks, transnational crimes, are identified early in advance and helps to make interdictions in the global supply chain before the terrorists find their way into American territory. Suspicious activity reporting (SAR) is another effective mechanism to share threat-related information between the Federal Bureau of investigations(FBI) and SLTT agencies. The creation of the National SAR helped to streamline “standardization of collecting, documenting, processing and analyzing and sharing terrorism-related information.

SLTT agents are trained on emergency response and they help communities to access resources that build their preparedness. The federal emergency management agency (FEMA) is involved in continuous risk evaluation and hazard identification (Reese, 2017). A joint terrorism task force (JTTFs) has been critical in thwarting terrorist activities. Strong intelligence capabilities enable DHS to have a glimpse view of the terrorist threat and this invokes concerted efforts to mitigate the threat and efficacy in response to the attack.

Online extremism is another emerging threat. It's attributed to the increased access to the internet. Social media networks have affected all our daily facets. The availability of the “dark web” and the increased connectivity of online communities has become the modern recruiting ground for extremist groups. Extremist online communities are used as channels to disseminate their communication and this fosters a sense of enlightenment to once marginalized groups. To this end, DHS has employed several measures to counter the growing misinformation and extremist campaigns.

DHS has stepped up its capability in the use of unmanned aircraft systems (drones.) Unmanned systems pose a great danger as they can be used by terrorist groups to deploy chemical, biological radiological, nuclear chemicals, and drop explosives. Additionally, drones can be used by terrorists to surveil their adversaries.DHS cognizant of these new threats has evolved in its technological capabilities to combat such terrorism threats (Thessin, 2018).

Additionally, DHS collaborates with other countries to confirm the identities of people suspected to cause a threat to the American people. Refugees and asylum seekers are vetted before their immigration applications are processed. Their biometrics and biography information is investigated to prevent exploitation of the National Visa issuance security program.

DHS areas in need of improvement

One of the areas that need urgent attention in DHS is the use of common technology platforms in its agencies that make up the DHS. By streamlining information systems, there will be seamless sharing of actionable information that can lead to better decision-making. Bureaucracy in DHS has led to individual agencies procuring IT and security systems that duplicate similar requirements in other agencies. This is clear wastage of financial resources. Before new systems are brought into use, a risk assessment should be conducted to assess the viability of such security systems.

On the use of unmanned aircraft systems (drones), DHS has to be more tech-savvy and informed in emerging technological breakthroughs such as data mining analytics, and cryptocurrency. Lack of a clear definition of ‘targeted violence’ impedes the understanding as to what constitutes targeted violence thus the confusion needs to be rectified (Bellavita, 2018). A new definition should be introduced in the DHS lexicon to shape a common understanding amongst its various components that are involved in identifying and combating terrorist threats. Better mitigation measures will be implanted and adequate resources provided to match the new targeted violence scope.

Lack of harmonized national statistics on terrorism impedes better decision-making. DHS should collaboratively work with other agencies and partners to comprehensively establish standardized methods of reporting, documenting, and analyzing terrorism-related statistics and targeted violence. Uniform nationwide terrorism statistics will help to better protect communities from terrorism activities.

On transport-related intelligence, identified gaps such as lack of uniformity in the information held by; aviation, mass transit, maritime, highway carrier, and freight rail. The department should re-invent better intelligence sharing with actionable information that identifies terrorist-related threats to the various transport nodes (Bellavita, 2018). Passenger/crew vetting should be harmonized in all transport domains in view of coordinating accurate intelligence information sharing.

Terrorist group corrupts their way into US territory by coercing vulnerable government employees working in the transport sector. The terrorist exploits these corrupt government officials to obtain insider information that helps them to circumvent security surveillance systems. Terrorists use these insiders to launch terrorist attacks. To improve on this, DHS should screen all its transport sector personnel in all border entry points and providing security training to the employees. Continuous vulnerability assessments should be conducted on transport domain personnel to proactively identify vulnerabilities that can be exploited by terrorists.

DHS strong points

The US collaborates with its international partners to identify and mitigate terrorism threats.DHS has been t the forefront to build the capacity of foreign nations on modern security procedures. Such partnerships with foreign countries are vital in countries with poor security tools. Additionally, the department of defense (DoS) provides such foreign countries with hardware and software that enable them to actively engage with DHS agencies to gather and share biometric information of suspected terrorists (Thessin, 2018). DHS encourages this country to invest in compatible security tools in their various installations to identify possible threats and vulnerabilities.

Coast Guard maritime security response team is adequately trained to combat terrorist threats that occur in the maritime. As the first line of defense in seas, they are capable of identifying, interdicting, and neutralizing terror threats in the maritime domain. SLTT works with professionals, academicians, to have a clear understanding of the terror threats and hence develop better strategies to mitigate the threats.DHS Science and technology directorate helps in the collection, analysis of threats and provides interventions to prevent terrorism (Monahan,2016). Going by the latest research, various engagement efforts are availed to the public to inform them what to look for in suspected individuals. Cybersecurity and infrastructure security agency (CISA) in collaboration with private and public sector take a proactive role in protecting critical infrastructure.

Indications of how DHS works with national intelligence agencies, what needs to be improved regarding inter-agency relations and cooperation?

US intelligence community is made up of 18 agencies which work autonomously but cooperate in intelligence activities that support national security.”There are nearly 1,300 government organizations and nearly 2000 private companies spread in over 10,000 locations in the United States that are devoted to the task of counterterrorism, homeland security, and intelligence.” Intelligence has a key role in supporting homeland security to state, tribal, territorial, and private partners for the department of homeland security.

Though the FBI is not a component of DHS, it has an initiative dubbed joint terrorism task force (JTFFs) which fosters collaboration in the federal government (Thessin, 2018). Coast Guard intelligence provides actionable information from the maritime domain to support the operational activities of DHS. FBI intelligence branch comprises of four components that are mandated to provide intelligence to DHS. This component includes; directorate of intelligence, office of the partner engagement, office of the private sector, and the bureau intelligence council. These intelligence components of the FBI and DHS are charged with providing homeland security. Cyber threat intelligence integration center (CTIIC) is mandated with the responsibility of analyzing intelligence information regarding cyber threats to USA territory.

After September 11 attack, most administrative prohibitions that made it difficult for intelligence agencies to share information were removed to foster inter-agency cooperation through the Patriotic act of 2001 and other laws (Perrow, 2016).DHS is not envisioned to duplicate the work of other intelligence organizations, and to this end, it doesn’t have its agents, satellites nor signals. The law that established DHS intended an information analysis body receiving crucial leads from the intelligence community (IC), law enforcement, local agencies, and unclassified open-source information from the media, journals, internet, periodicals, etc.

Analysts from DHS assess information shared by the intelligence community by conducting vulnerability assessments to identify potential terrorist threats. Armed with actionable information The intelligence community is responsible for disseminating recommendation measures critical for protecting critical infrastructure in liaison with other agencies. On the other hand, DHS is charged with the responsibility of protecting classified information received from the intelligence community from unauthorized access and the information must be used in executing official duties. This guideline is intended to cure the problem of misusing private information received by DHS analysts. As is the case with other intelligence agencies, classified information/materials are to be handled in a manner prescribed by the director of central intelligence (DCI).

Homeland security act of 2002 makes the DHS information analysis component a member of the intelligence community.USA patriotic act gave government officials at all levels the authority to collect and share information. The establishment of a national criminal intelligence plan led to the establishment of the joint terrorism task force in all FBI field stations (Reese, 2018). The creation of fusion centers in each state enabled much more sharing of terrorism-related information. Homeland security information network connects USA territories and major cities with homeland security operations. Fusion centers at the local levels(states) provide actionable information in line with national security objectives.

The national cybersecurity division of the DHS is mandated to provide cybersecurity by working with public and private partners to safeguard America’s cyberspace at all times. It does this by analyzing risks, prioritizing resources, and providing implementation measures. The cybersecurity component performs software assurance activities, and “cyber storm” after every two years to test nations' preparedness on cyber terrorism threats. Additionally, Einstein network monitoring software is installed outside the DHS network gateway to monitor data packets moving in and out of the agencies network with a view of identifying anomalies that might indicate hacking activities (Perrow, 2018)

Findings

In the cause of DHS operations and their collaboration with other deferral agencies, the privacy of the individual, their civil liberties, and civil rights are jeopardized. As an institution formed to protect the American people and their critical infrastructure, these rights and freedom have to be guarded. Even though the right to express one’s ideas is provided for in the first amendment, violent acts, anti-government ideologies cannot be tolerated as they are criminal. Targeted violence is on the rise and is closely associated with white supremacist ideologies. DHS must take caution to avoid stigmatizing certain communities in their methods of identifying targeted violence. Moreover, DHS should rely on verifiable information at all times so as not to negate the progress made in achieving civil rights, privacy, and civil liberties.

Coordinated intelligence sharing is paramount in combating terrorism and transnational crimes. The deadly attack of 9/11 was attributed to the laxity in sharing crucial leads that could have helped to prevent the attack (Bullock, 2018). On border security, it plays a critical role in preventing foreign to resist from accessing America’s territory. Emerging technologies such as unmanned aircraft systems pose a security threat to the homeland. These unmanned systems (drones) can potentially be used by terrorists to deploy; biological, radiological, and nuclear materials.

Recommendations

Returnees from extremist groups such as ISIS pose a security threat to homeland security. Actions should be taken to monitor their international travel movements as they are capable of influencing domestic radicalization on the most vulnerable groups. The department of homeland security should work with its allies to ensure terrorist fighters do not enter their countries.

To mitigate domestic terrorism, actions should be taken to counter domestic terrorists who are selective on their targets. Their targets are motivated by factors such as; race, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, and gender. White supremacist is another form of violent extremism. They are most linked to lone attackers and they can be attributed to hatred to marginalized groups and the immigrants. This kind of extremism is now taking a transnational outlook and appears to be catalyzed by social media. DHS should take decisive actions to bring down terrorist-linked websites such as; Gab, 8chan, Endchan, and encrypted communication channels used by terrorist groups (Thessin, 2018). In this way, the groups would be disoriented and their conspiracy theories would collapse.

DHS should support local communities by empowering SLTT to ensure they can identify threats and violent extremism signs. With changing technological advancement, the intelligence community should be cognizant of this new reality and adjust their intelligence landscape appropriately to counter terrorist threats. Annual homeland threat Assessment should be further strengthened to provide a baseline report on the level of preparedness to thwart terrorist attacks. This report would help homeland security to prioritize resources and measure the level of inter-agency coordination (Bullock et al., 2018).DHS methods of collecting and analyzing terror-related statistics should be streamlined with intelligence information it receives from other federal agencies. This can be done through a collaborative approach with academicians, professionals, and non-governmental partners to establish a standardized method to collect terror-related statistics.

On the transport node. DHS should adopt the intelligence-driven approach in sharing actionable knowledge across the other transport sectors such as aviation, freight, pipeline, and highway carrier, maritime and mass transit. Moreover, DHS should invest in research and development and work in collaboration with the private sector, academician, and federal agencies to avoid “technological surprise” and to be in a better position to understand emerging trends in terrorist attacks. By doing this, DHS will identify technologies that ought to be developed soon to combat the growing threats of terrorism (Thessin, 2018).

Bureaucracies at DHS can be a great hindrance in the adoption of new effective technologies. These bureaucracies should be eliminated to allow flexible deployment of technology that is in sync with rapidly evolving terrorism and targeted violence.DHS should capitalize on its highly specialized knowledge to protect homeland missions. By extending cooperation to America’s allies, identification of terrorists can be identified and their biometrics shared with DHS to block white list them in their immigration systems.

References

Thessin, J. (2018). Department of Homeland Security.

Perrow, C. (2016). Disaster after 9/11 The Department of Homeland Security and the Intelligence Reorganization.

Reese, S. (2017, April). Defining homeland security: Analysis and congressional considerations. Washington, DC: Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Bullock, J. A., & Haddow, G. D. (2018). Introduction to homeland security. Elsevier.

Bellavita, C. (2018). Changing homeland security: What is homeland security?. Homeland Security Affairs, 4(02).

Monahan, T. (2016). The future of security? Surveillance operations at homeland security fusion centers. Social Justice, 37(2/3 (120-121), 84-98.