HSE620

Ackerman, S. (2013, Feb 5) More Than 50 Countries Helped the CIA Outsource Torture. Wired. Retrieved from https://www.wired.com/2013/02/54-countries-rendition/
The article titled “More Than 50 Countries Helped the CIA Outsource Torture” by Spencer Ackerman discusses the practice of rendition, where the CIA outsourced the interrogation and torture of detainees to other countries. Over 50 nations were involved in this controversial program. The article provides insights into the global collaboration that enabled these practices.

Bing, C. (2024, April 18) FBI says Chinese hackers preparing to attack US infrastructure, Reuters. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/technology/cybersecurity/fbi-says-chinese-hackers-preparing-attack-us-infrastructure-2024-04-18/
Bing noted that the FBI Director Christopher Wray, Chinese government hackers pose a “broad and unrelenting” threat to U.S. critical infrastructure. They target sectors such as water treatment facilities, energy grids, transportation, and information technology. The goal is to induce panic and weaken America’s resolve. Partnerships with the private sector and academia are crucial in countering this threat.

CISA (2024) CISA International. Retrieved from https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/programs/cisa-international. Skim some of these links to get an understanding of CISA’s International effort.This resource highlight CISA International which leads the agency’s overall international engagement and develops and implements CISA’s Global Strategy. It focuses on cybersecurity, infrastructure security, and emergency communications. The strategy involves collaborating with like-minded international partners through information exchanges, workshops, joint products, exercises, and expert analysis. CISA also offers free services and resources to enhance global capacity. If your country or organization is interested in partnering with CISA, reach out to CISA International.

Department of Homeland Security (2024) Homeland Security Threat Assessment. Retrieved from https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2023-09/23_0913_ia_23-333-ia_u_homeland-threat-assessment-2024_508C_V6_13Sep23.pdf
The 2024 Homeland Threat Assessment (HTA) by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) outlines the most pressing threats to the United States. It focuses on four key areas: public safety, border and immigration, critical infrastructure, and economic security. While terrorism remains a top concern, other threats are also emerging. The assessment provides insights from across the DHS, the Intelligence Community, and other homeland security stakeholders. It serves as a tool for the Biden Administration and its partners in preparing for and responding to the evolving threat landscape.

G7 (2023, Dec 11) G7 Interior and Security Ministers’ Communiqué. Retrieved from https://www.dhs.gov/news/2023/12/11/g7-interior-and-security-ministers-communique
This reference is the G7 Interior and Security Ministers’ Communiqué held in Mito, Ibaraki, reaffirms commitment to safety and security. Key points include:
Solidarity with Ukraine in its fight for independence and territorial integrity.
Condemnation of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
Call for accountability for war crimes and atrocities.
Focus on common challenges and shared values for a safer future.

Homeland Security Today (2022, July 19) CISA Announces Opening of Attaché Office in London. Retrieved from https://www.hstoday.us/federal-pages/dhs/cisa-announces-opening-of-attache-office-in-london/
This article highlights DHS international engagement. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) established its first Attaché Office in London, UK. This office serves as a hub for international collaboration between CISA, UK government officials, and other federal agency representatives. The Attaché Office focuses on advancing CISA’s missions in cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection, and emergency communications.

JIATF SOUTH (2024) Maritime Migrant interdiction JIATF SOUTH and JIATF West. Retrieved from https://www.jiatfs.southcom.mil/
The report highlight the Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-S) focus on detecting and monitoring illicit trafficking in the air and maritime domains across its 42-million-square-mile Joint Operating Area (JOA). It collaborates with international partners to combat drug trafficking and enhance security in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

McCarten, J. (2024, Jan 12) Canada planning pilot at Quebec-N.Y. border to allow preclearance on U.S. side. Retrieved from https://globalnews.ca/news/10222349/canada-pilot-project-quebec-ny-border-preclearance-us/
This article highlights that Canada is launching a pilot project at the Quebec-New York border to allow northbound land travelers to clear customs on U.S. soil. The project aims to replace smaller, aging facilities on the Canadian side of the border. It carries a price tag of $7.4 million and will operate for two years to assess its feasibility.

Munsing, E. & Lamb, C. (2011) Joint Interagency Task Force–South: The Best Known, Least Understood Interagency Success. Retrieved from https://ndupress.ndu.edu/portals/68/documents/stratperspective/inss/strategic-perspectives-5.pdf This is a critical document that should be read completely. This study delves into JIATF–South’s evolution, operational methods, and organizational performance variables. By analyzing its historical experience, we gain insights into cross-organizational collaboration. JIATF–South serves as a model for whole-of-government problem-solving, and understanding its success can inform similar efforts elsewhere in the national security system.

Rasmussen, N. (2023, May 18) Navigating the Dynamic Homeland Threat Landscape. Retrieved from https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/navigating-dynamic-homeland-threat-landscape
Nicholas Rasmussen, Coordinator for Counterterrorism at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, discussed the current threat landscape, counterterrorism’s role in national security, and efforts to prevent violent extremism. The threat landscape is complex, with persistent terrorist ideologies globally. Repatriating U.S. citizens from detention camps is crucial. However, the most significant threat in the U.S. comes from domestic violent extremism, which has grown in size, lethality, and complexity.

Riotta, C. (2022, July 18) CIS’s first international office is set to open later this month in London. Retrieved from https://www.nextgov.com/cybersecurity/2022/07/cisas-first-international-office-set-open-later-month-london/374597/

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (2024) Preclearance – Smart Travel. Retrieved from https://www.cbp.gov/travel/preclearance
This report highlights that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance program strategically stations CBP personnel at designated foreign airports to inspect travelers before they board U.S.-bound flights. With Preclearance, travelers bypass CBP and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) inspections upon U.S. arrival, proceeding directly to their connecting flight or destination. CBP has over 600 officers and agriculture specialists stationed at 15 Preclearance locations in 6 countries, including Ireland, Aruba, Bermuda, the United Arab Emirates, the Bahamas, and various Canadian cities. In 2019, CBP personnel abroad precleared 22 million travelers, representing over 16 percent of all commercial air travelers to the United States.

Transportation Security Administration (2024) Cargo Programs. Retrieved from https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/cargo-screening-program#quickset-cargo_programs_3
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has expanded its Certified Cargo Screening Program to allow more air cargo shippers to enter the secure supply chain. This program enhances the speed and security of shipments by partnering with stakeholders to adhere to rigorous security requirements. Certified participants can package and ship secure air cargo without additional screening later in the supply chain.

U.S. House of Representatives (2021, Feb 25) Dollars against Democracy: Domestic Terrorist Financing in the Aftermath of the Insurrection, Retrieved from https://www.congress.gov/event/117th-congress/house-event/LC66044/text
This reference is a summary of a U.S. House of Representative Hearing entitled “DOLLARS AGAINST DEMOCRACY: DOMESTIC TERRORIST FINANCING IN THE AFTERMATH OF INSURRECTION” of the 117th Congress (2021-2022). Read the testimony Iman Boukadoum, ISenior Program Manager, Fighting Hate and Bias, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Lecia Brooks, Chief of Staff, Southern Poverty Law Center, Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, CEO, Valens Global, Daniel Glaser, former Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes, U.S. Department of the Treasury, and Daniel Rogers, Daniel, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Global Disinformation Index.

U.S. Secret Service, (2023) Annual Report. Retrieved from https://www.secretservice.gov/sites/default/files/reports/2024-01/fy23-annual-report-final-pages.pdf#page=15
This is the annua; report of the U.S. Secret Service part of the report highlights the international efforts of this agency.

(video) Homeland Security Today (2024, Jan 29) The CISA Future Forward Series. Retrieved from https://www.hstoday.us/subject-matter-areas/cybersecurity/the-cisa-future-forward-series/