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The House has an Opportunity to Shift the Mood on Immigration Reform

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September 18, 2013

By Lora Ries and Chris Wiesinger
At pivotal points in the nation’s history, immigration reflected an openness to the world and the possibilities of the American future. Current immigration reform initiatives also reflect a vision of the future, but that vision is static and lacks optimism because it aims to fix the mistakes of the past instead of building a foundation for the future. The House of Representatives has key opportunities to shape immigration into something that reflects an optimistic vision of America’s future.

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An Active Shooter in DC – Lessons from Aaron Alexis’ Attack on the Washington Navy Yard

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September 16, 2013

The shooting at the Washington Navy Yard this morning stole the lives of 12 Americans who expected nothing more than another Monday spent serving their country. As with other tragic, violent incidents, there is a fog of facts and speculation circulating in the media. In the coming days, debates will rise in the press, in government and among the public. While debate and discussion is important, it will not diminish a repugnant reality. No place in this country is ever completely safe from the threat of violent actors.

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Entering the Era of Homegrown Violent Extremism

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August 23, 2013

As the United States enters another chapter in the ongoing effort to protect U.S. citizens and assets, the phenomenon of homegrown terrorism is likely to take center stage, requiring a new approach and perspective toward homeland security. This is the subject of Homegrown Violent Extremism, a new book from counterterrorism expert and fellow Security Debrief contributor Erroll Southers.

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Do We Have Options In Egypt?

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August 21, 2013

Media coverage of the overthrow of the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) government in Egypt by the military has generally been lopsided and focused on the military’s various violations of human rights. Americans often believe that every conflict involves “good guys” and “bad guys.” I would argue that we have to stop looking for good guys where we are not likely to find any and instead focus on our interests, which are to support the army in its efforts to stabilize Egypt.

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Why Ray Kelly Won’t Be Leading DHS

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August 20, 2013

With the recent court ruling calling New York’s “Stop and Frisk” tactic “unconstitutional,” there is no way this White House has the political capital to pull off Ray Kelly’s confirmation for the DHS position. Ray Kelly is a tough guy. He helped keep the city that doesn’t sleep safe for nearly a dozen years, but in Cabinet nominations, timing and politics are essential ingredients.

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I’m Here Because of Chris Battle

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August 9, 2013

I blog because of Chris Battle. Chris had this idea for a dedicated site of experienced homeland security professionals to “tell it like it is” and from time to time “to take it to the man!” If we saw something stupid, “let’s call it out,” and if the call-out could be done with some humor, so much the better. The vision would become what people today know as Security Debrief.

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Napolitano’s Resignation Comes at a Bad Time for Washington

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July 12, 2013

With outgoing DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano headed back to her one-time home of California, she is essentially trading one massive bureaucracy for another. If ever there was a proving ground for running a multi-tiered behemoth with legions of stakeholders, public accountability, and fringe elements of chaos and accomplishment, it would be DHS. Her resignation, however, comes at an inopportune time, to say the least, as it could raise big challenges given several current factors in Washington.

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AS DHS SECRETARY NAPOLITANO DEPARTS, REFLECTIONS ON HER TENURE

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July 12, 2013

The departure of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano marks the end of the third era at the Department of Homeland Security. Among the more interesting parts of her tenure were developments in travel facilitation, immigration enforcement and TSA screening methodology.

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DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano’s Letter to ‘Friends of DHS’

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July 12, 2013

The following e-mail (forwarded to Security Debrief by a trustworthy source) was sent this morning to a select group of recipients who have a relationship with the Department of Homeland Security and the soon-to-be former DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano.

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DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano Resigns

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July 12, 2013

Several news agencies are reporting that Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has submitted her resignation to President Obama. Her decision to resign comes in advance of an expected nomination to lead the University of California system.

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