June 03, 2020
Department of Homeland Security Law Enforcement Agencies Require Expanded Oversight
Hundreds of Department of Homeland Security officers have been called up to serve along with other federal law enforcement officers and the National Guard to provide security within the District of Columbia. The presence of the U.S. Secret Service and Federal Protective Service—both Homeland Security agencies—is routine at the White House and other federal facilities. But less common is the use of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers alongside local and federal law enforcement to quell domestic unrest. Exactly how Homeland Security activities will expand on a day-to-day basis to directly engage in law enforcement activity in the District of Columbia or elsewhere is, as of yet, unclear. But the potential for expanded interior Homeland Security law enforcement activity raises questions about whether components of the department being called upon in the tense current environment are subject to appropriate training, preparation and accountability.
Read the full article in Lawfare.
More from CNAS
-
Reassessing Homeland Security Intelligence
Reports
Introduction The discipline of intelligence has been a central element of the homeland security enterprise over the past two decades since the terrorist attacks of September 1...
By Christian Beckner
-
Implementing Women, Peace, and Security Guidance to Systematically Combat Gender-Based Violence in the Military
Commentary
By institutionalizing a culture that respects the perspectives of everyone who serves, the military advances preventative measures to address sexual harassment and assault....
By Dr. Kyleanne Hunter & Emma Moore
-
The Trans Ban Is Gone but More Needs To Be Done
Commentary
Simply lifting the ban isn’t enough to counteract the discrimination transgender service members and veterans continue to face....
By Nathalie Grogan
-
The Department of Homeland Security: Priorities for Reform
Reports
There is an opportunity to reform the Department of Homeland Security in a way that best protects the country from homeland security threats, consistent with law, security and...
By Carrie Cordero & Katie Galgano
