Department of Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal agency of the United States government that is responsible for protecting the country against terrorist threats and other security risks. The DHS was created in response to the 9/11 attacks, and it is the third-largest Cabinet department in the federal government.

The DHS is headed by the Secretary of Homeland Security, who is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The DHS has a wide range of responsibilities and functions, including:

Protecting the country’s critical infrastructure, such as transportation systems, power grids, and communications networks.

Ensuring the safety and security of the country’s borders, including preventing illegal immigration and the smuggling of drugs and other contraband.

Responding to natural disasters and other emergencies, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and terrorist attacks.

Investigating and prosecuting crimes related to terrorism, human trafficking, and other national security threats.

Coordinating with other federal, state, and local agencies to protect the country against security threats.

Overall, the DHS is a key agency in the federal government’s efforts to protect the country against terrorist threats and other security risks. It plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of the American people.

Human Trafficking and ORC: The Dark Truth behind Retail Crime Networks – Loss Prevention Magazine
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Human Trafficking and ORC: The Dark Truth behind Retail Crime Networks – Loss Prevention Magazine

Organized retail crime (ORC) has been top-of-mind for all loss prevention professionals in recent years due to its financial impact. The FBI estimates that ORC crimes cost the US approximately $30 billion each year, with a large percentage of that money funding other, darker criminal activities. Kevin Metcalf “When you’re looking at organized retail crime,…

Eight Defendants Indicted for Human Smuggling and Drug Conspiracy
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Eight Defendants Indicted for Human Smuggling and Drug Conspiracy

Eight individuals were charged in an indictment, unsealed today in the Eastern District of Louisiana, for their involvement in an international scheme to smuggle 24 undocumented individuals from Honduras into Louisiana aboard the Motor Vessel (M/V) “Pop,” which is owned by one of the defendants. One of the defendants was also arrested for conspiring to…

ATEST Testifies to House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security on Ways to Plug Gaps in U.S. Anti-trafficking Programs
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ATEST Testifies to House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security on Ways to Plug Gaps in U.S. Anti-trafficking Programs

April 27, 2022 • 8:37 am • Terry FitzPatrick ATEST is was well represented at Wednesday’s herring of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security. Speakers at the session included: ATEST Director Terry FitzPatrick (see written testimony here) ATEST member organization Human Trafficking Legal Center Founder and President Martina Vandenberg (see written…

Boston Man Indicted for Sex Trafficking
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Boston Man Indicted for Sex Trafficking

BOSTON – A Boston man has been indicted on sex trafficking and cocaine charges stemming from his alleged maintenance of a drug and sex trafficking hub operating out of a tent at Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard (Mass and Cass).

Guest Worker Visas and Labor Trafficking: Weaknesses in the H2 Visa Programs
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Guest Worker Visas and Labor Trafficking: Weaknesses in the H2 Visa Programs

Exploitation is practically written into immigration and foreign labor policy Original document: March 12, 2022 We offer this article in audio form. It’s generated by a program; apologies for any weirdness. Introduction Where immigration policy and anti-human trafficking initiatives meet, loopholes are often created that allow for the continued exploitation and trafficking of foreign laborers…

Polaris CEO Named to Homeland Security Advisory Council
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Polaris CEO Named to Homeland Security Advisory Council

I am honored to be named to the Homeland Security Advisory Council under Secretary Mayorkas’s leadership. While the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is best known for its role in fighting terrorism, the work of this agency also sits at the very heart of the nation’s response to human trafficking. Within the Department, Homeland…

ATEST Recommendations on Improving Racial Equity in Federal Anti-Trafficking Programs
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ATEST Recommendations on Improving Racial Equity in Federal Anti-Trafficking Programs

March 15, 2022 • 5:09 pm • Terry FitzPatrick  March 15, 2022 Dr. Kari Johnstone Acting Director Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (J/TIP) U.S. Department of State Via email Re: Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government Docket Number: Public Notice: 11648 Dear Dr. Johnstone: Thank you…

ATEST Recommendations for Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Implementation
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ATEST Recommendations for Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Implementation

Re: Public Comments on Methods to Prevent the Importation of Goods Mined, Produced, or Manufactured with Forced Labor in the People’s Republic of China, Especially in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, into the United States