Homeland Security
Senate Democrats want details on DOGE and DHS attempts to access IRS data
The IRS reportedly rejected the broad requests for taxpayer information, but the lawmakers worry recent actions have “left the door open for future requests.”
CISA works to contact probationary employees for reinstatement after court order
Trump officials have vowed to downsize the nation’s leading cybersecurity agency. Ex-officials have said the moves would be harmful to national security.
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Trump administration cancels translation services for those seeking to access or correct their immigration status
The lack of translation services will lead to more people being improperly denied benefits or jobs, experts say.
Union sues DHS to protect TSA screeners’ collective bargaining rights
The American Federation of Government Employees accused the Trump administration of retaliating against the labor group over their efforts to block the mass firing of probationary workers across government.
Trump DOJ’s focus on immigration will hurt crime-fighting efforts, Democrats argue
Senior officials in the Trump administration have recently redirected DOJ personnel and resources toward immigration enforcement.
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.”
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."
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.
FBI releases new information about killing of a Border Patrol agent in Vermont
Border Patrol Union president said the agent was responding to intelligence.
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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