Department of Homeland Security
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a crucial federal executive department established to protect the United States against diverse security threats, including terrorism, cyber attacks, immigration violations, and disasters. Created in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, DHS integrates a wide array of operational components such as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Customs and Border Protection, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, forming a unified front in safeguarding the nation. With over 240,000 employees, DHS is the third-largest Cabinet department, emphasizing its significant role in ensuring national safety and resilience. DHS is fundamentally involved in immigration services, actively enforcing laws and handling concerns surrounding non-citizen status. Recently, policy changes, such as the end of automatic extensions for employment authorization documents, reflect the department's commitment to thorough vetting and national security. Furthermore, with rising cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure, DHS’s cybersecurity efforts have expanded significantly, illustrating its dual focus on protecting both physical and digital domains. The evolving landscape of threats, including sophisticated tactics employed by transnational criminal organizations and the urgent need for effective measures against domestic challenges, underscores the continuing relevance of DHS’s mission and the ongoing discussions about its organizational structure and functionality. Overall, the Department of Homeland Security remains at the forefront of addressing today’s complex security issues while striving to fulfilling its mandate of ensuring safety for all Americans.
What is the new self-deportation campaign launched by the Department of Homeland Security?
The Department of Homeland Security has launched a comprehensive self-deportation campaign targeting all undocumented immigrants in the U.S. The campaign's message is clear and direct: all undocumented individuals should voluntarily leave the country, regardless of how long they've been in the U.S. or their circumstances. According to Pierre Thomas, the government warns that those who don't self-deport and are later found will be forcibly removed with no path to return. This policy represents a significant shift, as it targets all undocumented immigrants, not just those with criminal backgrounds.
Watch clip answer (01:26m)
ABC News
03:17 - 04:43
How did border apprehensions change after the Trump administration took office?
Border apprehensions along the U.S.-Mexico border plummeted by approximately one-third in January, with nearly 35,000 fewer apprehensions compared to December. This significant drop coincided with the change in leadership to the Trump administration, which made immigration one of its primary focuses following the election. The decline became even more pronounced after President Trump officially took office on January 20. While seasonal factors like cold weather might contribute to fewer border crossings in winter months, the timing and scale of the decrease strongly suggest that the Trump administration's immigration stance and policy shifts played a substantial role in reducing unauthorized border crossings.
Watch clip answer (00:27m)
ABC News
00:00 - 00:27
How have immigration numbers at the southern border changed under the Trump administration compared to the Biden administration?
There has been a dramatic decline in border apprehensions since President Trump took office. Comparing January 2024 to January 2025, there were 100,000 fewer people being apprehended at the southern border - a significant decrease. While the Biden administration's executive order from June 2024 had begun to reduce numbers somewhat, the decrease has accelerated substantially under Trump's leadership. This reflects a major shift in immigration enforcement and border policy between the two administrations, with the Trump administration's messaging and policy changes having a measurable impact on border crossing attempts.
Watch clip answer (00:48m)ABC News
00:27 - 01:16
How is the US military expanding its surveillance operations to combat drug trafficking beyond the border?
The US military's Northern Command is expanding its surveillance operations along the southern border while working alongside CIA efforts. Northern Command has conducted over two dozen surveillance drone flights using various aircraft, including P8s and drones, though unlike the CIA, it does not enter Mexican airspace. To support these operations, the military established a specialized intelligence task force of 140 analysts stationed near the border. These analysts process and evaluate the intelligence gathered from surveillance flights and other sources, creating a comprehensive approach to monitoring drug trafficking activities while respecting territorial boundaries.
Watch clip answer (00:39m)
WION
01:56 - 02:36
What happened to Joyker David Sequera after he crossed the border into the US?
Joyker David Sequera, a 25-year-old Venezuelan man, was detained by ICE after crossing the US border during a time when the Biden administration had suspended access to asylum. Initially held at an ICE detention facility in El Paso, Texas, he maintained regular communication with his mother Angela, who called him multiple times daily to keep his spirits up. However, their communication suddenly stopped, and Angela learned from another detainee that her son had been sent to Guantanamo Bay. This family separation occurred without proper notification, highlighting concerning gaps in the immigration detention system and raising questions about due process for migrants in custody.
Watch clip answer (01:07m)
USA TODAY
00:53 - 02:00
What decision is Eric Adams making about federal immigration enforcement at Rikers Island, and why is it significant?
Eric Adams is allowing federal immigration agents access to Rikers Island, marking a significant policy shift. This decision comes after apparent pressure from the federal government, who were looking for Adams to 'play ball' with their immigration enforcement efforts. The move raises important questions about cooperation between local and federal authorities on immigration matters. This development is notable because it potentially conflicts with New York's status as a sanctuary city, where local authorities typically limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. It represents a complex balancing act between federal mandates, local governance, and the treatment of immigrant populations within the criminal justice system.
Watch clip answer (00:21m)
MSNBC
02:25 - 02:46