DHS releases Internal Review of Domestic Violent Extremism

The Department of Homeland Security has released a report on how it can best prevent, detect, and respond to potential threats related to domestic violent extremism.

The report highlights the steps that DHS should take to improve its ability to adequately identify and address related threats, with the resulting recommendations set to better enable the department to continue executing its critical mission and ensure its employees are safe and secure at work.

The review highlights the need for clear guidance as to what constitutes violent extremist activity and how to address it, improved workforce training for how to identify and report this activity, and the development of a centralised, DHS-wide investigative case management system and information sharing mechanism for investigating related allegations.

Over the coming months, DHS will focus on implementing the report’s recommendations to include establishing baseline policies and guidance, promoting employee awareness, and enhancing methods to identify and address violent extremist activity, while continuing to protect privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties.

Alejandro N. Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, said: “Every day, the more than 250,000 dedicated public servants at DHS work to ensure the safety and security of communities across our country. To ensure we are able to continue executing our critical mission with honour and integrity, we will not tolerate hateful acts or violent extremist activity within our Department. The findings of this internal review highlight key steps that our Department will continue to take with urgency to better prevent, detect, and respond to potential internal threats related to domestic violent extremism, and protect the integrity of our mission.”

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, DHS has already: established a new domestic terrorism branch within I&A dedicated to producing sound, timely intelligence needed to counter domestic terrorism-related threats; launched the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3) to provide communities with resources and tools to help prevent individuals from radicalising to violence; and designated domestic violent extremism as a ‘National Priority Area’ within DHS’s Homeland Security Grant Program for the first time, resulting in at least $77 million being spent on preventing, preparing for, protecting against, and responding to related threats nationwide.