Oversight
DHS watchdog investigating TSA’s use of facial recognition
The review comes after a bipartisan group of senators previously called for the watchdog to look into TSA’s use of biometric tools “from both an authorities and privacy perspective.”
Transition
Senior Democrat wants to know who in the Trump White House got Top Secret clearance without a complete background check
Trump issued a memo providing temporary security clearances for certain personnel, arguing delays in their vetting were "unacceptable."
Management
Congress passes migrant detention bill that DHS said it can’t enforce without more resources
The Laken Riley Act is set to be the first bill Trump signs into law after it passed the House and Senate with bipartisan support.
News
FBI releases new information about killing of a Border Patrol agent in Vermont
Border Patrol Union president said the agent was responding to intelligence.
Updated
Management
Coast Guard leader fired by new DHS officials
Commandant Linda Fagan had received bipartisan criticisms from members of Congress who accused the USCG of resisting oversight.
Updated
Management
Trump's Day 1 border actions will empower DHS staff and deploy military
The incoming president will seek to "end asylum" and limit restrictions on federal personnel.
Workforce
Trump's pick for DHS chief vows to shake up 'dysfunctional' department, boost workforce morale
Kristi Noem used her confirmation hearing to excoriate work done by DHS during the Biden administration and said big changes are coming.
Defense
What does the head of Homeland Security do?
The job of the homeland security secretary is to adapt almost continuously to pressures from the department, the public and the world at large.
Transition
Reported Trump ‘loyalty tests’ for national security officials spur criticism
If career employees are removed from the National Security Council, they would return to their home agencies, but the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee has expressed concern.
Oversight
Coast Guard is resisting oversight of mishandled sexual misconduct cases, lawmakers say
Congressional inquires were spurred by revelations that the Coast Guard did not disclose an investigation into possible sexual assaults at its service academy.
Management
Officials say federal employee background check system overhaul is finally on the right track
The director of the agency primarily responsible for background checks of federal employees said the change in administration likely won’t affect modernization efforts.
News
New Orleans attack prompts tighter security in D.C. ahead of inauguration, Carter funeral
The Secret Service has already designated Congress’ certification of the Electoral College, Carter’s funeral at Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 9 and the inauguration as National Special Security Events.
News
FBI confirms New Orleans attack was a terrorist incident
Counterterrorism officials said the assailant was “100% inspired by ISIS.” They have not linked the attack to a recent explosion in Las Vegas.
Updated
News
At least 15 dead, 35 injured in New Orleans in terror attack on crowded Bourbon Street
President Biden has vowed to provide all federal resources necessary to assist in the investigation.
Oversight
CBP chief medical official moved months after whistleblower complaints
Whistleblowers accused Dr. Alexander Eastman of creating a hostile work environment, among other allegations.
Tech
DHS launches internal GenAI chatbot to leverage non-public data
Agency Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said the tool, known as DHSChat, “will help men and women across DHS draft vital reports, summarize critical information, develop new software, streamline administrative tasks and much more.”
Oversight
Legislation to promote better federal building security set to be signed into law
Multiple watchdogs have recently criticized the effectiveness of security at government facilities.
Oversight
3 key findings on the Trump assassination attempt in Butler, Pa.
The congressional panel investigating assassination attempts on Donald Trump issued its final report this week.
Management
DHS’s plans to fix problems with its hiring and training for the acquisition workforce might not work
The department knows its acquisition staff are overwhelmed with work and slowed down by long hiring processes, but the Government Accountability Office says DHS hasn’t reviewed whether its solutions are actually helping.
Oversight