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.

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

Despite critical report, Biden hasn’t taken disciplinary action against DHS watchdog

It’s been about two months since an oversight committee substantiated allegations that DHS inspector general Joseph Cuffari abused his authority, with no word of potential White House action.