Homeland Security Today

12/05/2025

“These cases don’t just live in a file. They live with the agents and officers who carry them.”

In Recognition of National Police Week 2025, we honor those who gave their lives in the line of duty, and salute the strength and sacrifice of every officer still carrying the weight of our nation’s toughest cases.

In his article, Derek Benner, former Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations ( ) and now CEO of Our Rescue, shares his personal journey and commitment to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with in the fight against , , and .

📖 Read more:
https://www.hstoday.us/featured/the-cases-we-carry/

All of us who are serving or have served in law enforcement have peered into some of the darkest corners of humanity—investigating human trafficking, child exploitation, gang violence, cartel crimes, narcotics smuggling, illicit financial schemes, and fraud and scams.

01/05/2025

We are thrilled to welcome William Braniff, former Director of the Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3), has joined our Editorial Board.

“In the continuum of , prevention is key. For our communities, understanding and effectively intervening before an attack occurs is the ultimate goal to prevent loss of life. We are thrilled to have Bill’s insights and experience supporting our mission and direction,” said Tanasichuk, Executive Editor of Homeland Security Today.

https://www.hstoday.us/industry/industry-news/hstoday-welcomes-former-director-of-cp3-at-dhs-william-braniff-to-editorial-board/

19/04/2025

On April 19, 1995, 168 lives were lost in the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history.

In recognition of this solemn anniversary, HSToday Executive Editor Kristina Tanasichuk sat down with Daryle Hernandez, Director of the Interagency Security Committee to reflect on the bombing’s impact and the 30 years of progress since.

Formed in the aftermath of the attack, the ISC continues to lead the federal effort to protect civilian facilities from evolving threats.

Watch the full interview:https://www.hstoday.us/featured/30-years-since-oklahoma-city-how-one-tragedy-shaped-our-nations-future-security/

17/04/2025

"For AI to truly support mission outcomes, it needs more than data science. It needs semantics."

In an era where tech often outpaces policy, how do we design AI that supports real-world homeland security operations?

In their piece for HSToday, Tim Coleman and John Bittner break down how to align artificial intelligence with mission-critical outcomes.

Read more: https://www.hstoday.us/featured/from-data-to-decisions-engineering-ai-that-understands-the-mission/

Across the modern defense and intelligence landscape, the flood of data is both a marvel and a menace. Satellite imagery, cyber telemetry, sensor networks, and open-source feeds now produce data at volumes once unimaginable. Yet for all this digital abundance, a familiar question haunts analysts and...

15/04/2025

Not all heroes wear capes—some serve in silence, fighting human trafficking one case at a time. In his latest column, Kevin Metcalf shines a light on the everyday heroes—from law enforcement to tech specialists—making a real difference.

Read how awareness, collaboration, and courage are driving impact in the battle against trafficking.

🔗 https://www.hstoday.us/subject-matter-areas/human-trafficking/perspective-recognizing-the-everyday-heroes/

Every day, we face reminders of abuse, exploitation, and trafficking—stories that compel us to confront challenging realities. While powerful institutions and influential leaders often dominate our discussions of solutions, the true power to fight these injustices lies within the consistent, coura...

15/04/2025

"One way Narrative Warfare is conducted is by using weaponized stories to undermine narratives; the conscious and specific is used to dismantle the thematic and unconscious.

Why and how? Because nothing is as persuasive as a story. There is no form of argument, no logical process that can move us the way a story does."

In her latest article, Ajit Maan, Ph.D. of Narrative Strategies explores the real battleground in Narrative Warfare.

Read the article here:

One way to lose Narrative Warfare is to fight like it is a battle over information. One way to win is to get your adversary to fight as though it is a battle over information. We have taken the losing position. The difference between Narrative Warfare and what the military competes for, “informati...

14/04/2025

📞🔷 This , we honor the voices behind the scenes—dispatchers, 911 operators, and telecommunicators—who are the lifeline in every emergency. Your calm under pressure saves lives every day.

As we recognize their service, it’s time to equip them with the tools they deserve. This perspective from Robert W. Patterson explores how FirstNet is transforming communications for public safety—offering reliability, resilience, and the future-ready tech our frontline heroes need.

Read more: https://www.hstoday.us/featured/perspective-why-firstnet-offers-public-safety-the-communication-evolution-it-deserves/

The public safety community continues to rely on decades-old communication technology, and the ongoing challenges of that foster an urgent need for modernization. There are now innovative solutions that can empower those public safety personnel who we depend on every day, making their work more effi...

11/04/2025

Laurie Moe Buckhout will temporarily assume the role of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy. This interim appointment comes as the Department awaits Senate confirmation of Katie Sutton, who has been nominated to fill the Assistant Secretary position on a permanent basis.

Buckhout, a retired Army Colonel who currently serves as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy, brings decades of military and defense experience to the role.

READ MORE:

Laurie Moe Buckhout will temporarily assume the role of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy. Buckhout, who currently serves as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy, made the announcement publicly via a professional update on LinkedIn. This interim appointment comes....

11/04/2025

In the final part of her leadership series, Weathering Turbulent Seas, HSToday Columnist Vice Admiral Sandra Stosz shares insights from her trailblazing career on tackling the most complex challenge yet: leading the organization in times of disruption.

Drawing inspiration from her own role model, Admiral James Loy, Stosz explains, "Times of change and disruption are uncomfortable, but they can be a catalyst for growth. Good leaders, like Admiral Loy, know this and take the long view of where to position the organization to thrive during times of disruption while also preparing to embrace the next change. "

👉 Read the full story here:
https://www.hstoday.us/featured/leadership-series-weathering-turbulent-seas-part-3/

This blog is the third installment in a three-part series to address the stress associated with rapid change and disruption, and how to successfully lead through turbulent times like the ones we’re currently facing.

10/04/2025

Luis Cano, Chief Information Officer of the U.S. Census Bureau, has announced his retirement from federal service, effective April 30, 2025. The announcement marks the close of a distinguished public service career spanning more than four decades across the U.S. Navy, the National Weather Service (NWS), and the Census Bureau.

Cano was appointed Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Census Bureau in 2021. In this role, he has helped shape the Bureau’s modernization initiatives by providing secure and robust technology. He's played a pivotal role in advancing efficient systems across the Bureau's many data collection programs, enabling the delivery of timely and accurate statistics on the nation's people, places, and economy.

READ MORE:

Luis Cano, Chief Information Officer of the U.S. Census Bureau, has announced his retirement from federal service, effective April 30, 2025. The announcement marks the close of a distinguished public service career spanning more than four decades across the U.S. Navy, the National Weather Service (N...

09/04/2025

Rob Turner has announced his new role as Assistant Director of the Security Division at the FBI, where he oversees the Bureau’s global security operations. Turner is a seasoned law enforcement and intelligence leader with over 21 years of experience with the FBI.

In his new role, Turner now leads the Bureau’s personnel and physical security mission both domestically and abroad. His responsibilities include access control, insider threat detection, clearance adjudications, and the oversight of the FBI’s polygraph program. He also guides threat assessments, background investigations, and force protection measures across FBI field offices and overseas locations.

Turner’s new role follows a distinguished FBI career marked by progressive leadership across national security, counterintelligence, and counterterrorism operations. Prior to this appointment, he served as Deputy Assistant Director of the Security Division.

READ MORE:

Rob Turner has announced his new role as Assistant Director of the Security Division at the FBI, a leadership role overseeing the Bureau’s global security operations.

09/04/2025

In his recent piece, Christopher Donohue offers a grounded and thoughtful perspective for federal law enforcement officers (LEOs) contemplating career changes. He underscores the challenges of earning the badge and the importance of weighing long-term benefits like early retirement, guaranteed pension, and health coverage before walking away from public service.

Deciding to leave can mean giving up hard-earned financial security and the deep sense of purpose that comes from public service. It's not just a job—it's a career built on commitment to the mission.

👉 Read the full story here:
https://www.hstoday.us/featured/perspective-federal-leos-think-twice-before-turning-in-your-badge/

Some federal law enforcement officers (LEOs) are thinking about leaving their jobs “because of what’s going on.” However, think carefully before making such a move, especially if within striking distance of retiring with full benefits.