Homeland Security Today

06/01/2026

January marks National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a time to focus our collective attention on one of the most insidious crimes impacting our communities, borders, and vulnerable populations. At Homeland Security Today, we believe awareness must lead to action—and that progress happens when the full community shares knowledge, experience, and solutions.

We invite you—our readers, partners, and practitioners—to help tell those stories. If your organization is developing technology, policy, training, operational solutions, partnerships, or programs that help prevent trafficking, disrupt criminal networks, support investigations, or aid survivors, we encourage you to submit articles, op-eds, or story ideas to Homeland Security Today. By sharing lessons learned and real-world impact, you help strengthen the broader mission and accelerate meaningful progress.

We also encourage you to join us on January 11 for in recognition of Human Trafficking Prevention. Wear blue, take a photo, and share it with HSToday as we stand together in solidarity with survivors and those working tirelessly to protect the vulnerable. Caption your photos OR tag us on Linkedin, X, or Facebook, for a chance to win a Pizza Party!

https://myemail.constantcontact.com/It-s-National-Human-Trafficking-Prevention-Month--Join-HST-to-collaborate-and-raise-awareness.html?soid=1137129700506&aid=pmYgE1wD_X0

16/12/2025

“Be like Ahmed.”
In his powerful and unflinching piece, Mubin Shaikh confronts the moral reckoning facing Western societies after October 7 — and the deadly consequences of excusing extremist violence as “resistance.”

Shaikh traces how antisemitism metastasized across public discourse, how hatred was normalized under the guise of activism, and how that climate formed the backdrop for the Bondi Beach terror attack. But at the center of this darkness is a moment of extraordinary courage.

Ahmed El Ahmad, an unarmed Muslim man, placed himself between a terrorist and Jewish families celebrating Hanukkah — disarming the shooter and saving lives. His actions shattered extremist narratives and demonstrated what moral clarity looks like when it matters most.

This is not a story about Islam versus Judaism. It is about good versus evil, courage versus cowardice, and the urgent need to confront ideologies that sanctify violence while standing with those who refuse to be silent.

👉 Read the full article by Mubin Shaikh https://www.hstoday.us/subject-matter-areas/counterterrorism/bondi-beach-and-the-cost-of-moral-evasion/

Since the Hamas atrocities of October 7, 2023, the Western world has experienced something profoundly disturbing, not only the brutality of the attack itself, but the reaction that followed.

15/12/2025

On a warm Sunday evening, celebration turned to terror at Sydney’s Bondi Beach during Chanukah by the Sea. What should have been a moment of light and community became a national trauma—one now forcing Australia to confront painful questions about extremism, antisemitism, and security.

In this piece, Dr. John Coyne—Senior National Security Expert and Director of National Security Programs at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI)—reflects on the attack, Australia’s hard-won gun reforms after Port Arthur, and what this moment means for a country that believed such violence was behind it.

A sobering reminder that hate-fueled terrorism remains a global threat—and that courage, clarity, and community matter more than ever.

🔗 Read the full article:
https://www.hstoday.us/subject-matter-areas/counterterrorism/bondi-beach-terror-courage-and-clarity-in-australias-darkest-night/

On a warm Sunday evening, Sydney’s Bondi Beach, one of the most famous shorelines in the world, became the site of terror.

11/12/2025

❄️ Thank You to Our Toast Sponsors — ASRC Federal, iStream Solutions & CTEC! ❄️

Tonight, we raise a glass in honor of the extraordinary individuals and teams who strengthen our homeland security mission — and we are grateful to ASRC Federal, istream Solutions, and CTEC for helping us keep that celebratory spirit alive.

Thank you for helping us celebrate the achievements that inspire our community and remind us why this mission matters.

🎉 Here’s to our 2025 Holiday Heroes — and to an unforgettable night ahead!
🔗 https://members.gtscoalition.com/events/Details/hstoday-s-2025-holiday-hero-awards-1522207?sourceTypeId=Hub

11/12/2025

Each year, our Holiday Hero Awards nominations are open nationally so we can honor the extraordinary individuals and teams making an impact across the homeland security mission. That also means some of our honorees must travel great distances to join us — and we simply couldn’t celebrate everyone who deserves recognition without the generous support of our travel sponsors.

Thank you to SRI Group and REI Systems for ensuring our awardees can be with us tonight. Your support helps us shine a light on heroes from across the country and makes this celebration truly meaningful.
🎉 We can’t wait to honor them with you tonight!
🔗 https://members.gtscoalition.com/events/Details/hstoday-s-2025-holiday-hero-awards-1522207?sourceTypeId=Hub

11/12/2025

❄️ A huge thank you to our Goody Bag Sponsor — ! ❄️

Tonight’s the night, and we’re extra excited because our amazing Goody Bag Sponsor, Validatek, has helped make this year’s attendee bags truly unforgettable. We can’t wait for you to pick yours up — trust us, they’re so fabulous they could give the Oscars gift bags a run for their money. ⭐️😉

Thank you, Validatek, for adding a little sparkle to the Holiday Hero Awards and helping us kick off an inspiring evening celebrating the best in homeland security.
🎉 See you tonight!
🔗

Join Homeland Security Today for a night to celebrate heroes from across the nation! For over a decade GTSC has been serving the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies with the mission of protecting our citizens, assets and way of life. The Homeland Security Today awa...

11/12/2025

❄️ Tonight, we’re transporting you to a winter wonderland… and it wouldn’t be possible without The Wilco Group! ❄️
A huge thank you to The Wilco Group, our Centerpiece Sponsor, for helping create the magical atmosphere awaiting you at this year’s Holiday Hero Awards. Their beautiful centerpieces set the perfect tone for an evening celebrating courage, innovation, and service across the homeland security community.
Because of their support, tonight’s space feels warm, festive, and absolutely unforgettable.
Thank you, Wilco Group, for bringing the sparkle — and helping us set the stage for a truly inspiring night!
🎉 See you this evening in our winter wonderland!
🔗 https://members.gtscoalition.com/events/Details/hstoday-s-2025-holiday-hero-awards-1522207?sourceTypeId=Hub

11/12/2025

❄️ Grateful for Our Bronze Sponsor — Omni Federal! ❄️
Tonight’s celebration is made even more special thanks to the support of Omni Federal, our Bronze Sponsor for the Holiday Hero Awards. Their dedication to advancing technology and strengthening mission outcomes across government reflects the spirit of this event and the heroes we honor.

We appreciate Omni Federal’s partnership and their commitment to uplifting the homeland security community. Their support helps ensure we can shine a spotlight on the outstanding individuals making a difference every day.
🎉 We look forward to celebrating with you tonight!
🔗 https://members.gtscoalition.com/events/Details/hstoday-s-2025-holiday-hero-awards-1522207?sourceTypeId=Hub

11/12/2025

❄️ Today’s the day! The 2025 Holiday Hero Awards are here! ❄️

We are thrilled to kick off one of the most inspiring nights of the year — and we couldn’t do it without our incredible Platinum Sponsor, Amivero. Their unwavering support, commitment to innovation, and dedication to the homeland security mission help make this celebration possible.

Thank you, Amivero, for championing the leaders, changemakers, and quiet heroes who strengthen our nation every day. We are grateful for your partnership and proud to recognize you as our Platinum Sponsor!
🎉 See you tonight at the Holiday Hero Awards!
🔗 https://members.gtscoalition.com/events/Details/hstoday-s-2025-holiday-hero-awards-1522207?sourceTypeId=Hub

10/12/2025

❄️ Kate Witt, Division Chief within USCIS’s Refugee, Asylum, and International Operations (RAIO), is honored as a Holiday Hero for her leadership in strengthening national security vetting. Under her guidance, RAIO IDEA has automated placement and removal of vetting holds, refreshed thousands of expiring security checks, resolved critical data errors, and developed innovative tools to detect potential fraud patterns in asylum and refugee applications. Her work ensures vetting remains thorough, timely, and accurate—protecting the homeland while supporting fair, efficient immigration processing.
🔗 Winners: https://www.hstoday.us/featured/gtscs-homeland-security-today-announces-2025-holiday-hero-award-winners
🎉 Join us Dec 11: https://members.gtscoalition.com/events/Details/hstoday-s-2025-holiday-hero-awards-1522207?sourceTypeId=Hub

10/12/2025

❄️ Mathew Silverman, Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal for the District of Maryland and National President of FLEOA, is honored as a Holiday Hero for his leadership, advocacy, and service. He leads more than 200 personnel across 12 facilities while championing officer wellness, legislative reforms, and policy improvements on behalf of 35,000+ federal officers nationwide. Mathew created the Silver Shield program, merging intelligence-led enforcement with community engagement, and has been a key leader during defining moments like the January 6 response and the COVID-19 pandemic. Through mentorship and community partnerships, he’s inspiring the next generation of public servants.
🔗 Winners: https://www.hstoday.us/featured/gtscs-homeland-security-today-announces-2025-holiday-hero-award-winners
🎉 Join us Dec 11: https://members.gtscoalition.com/events/Details/hstoday-s-2025-holiday-hero-awards-1522207?sourceTypeId=Hub

10/12/2025

❄️ Nael Samha, Executive Director of CBP’s Targeting and Analysis Systems Program Directorate, is recognized as a Holiday Hero for driving next-generation border security innovation. Under his leadership, CBP has harnessed AI, machine learning, and modern cloud-based platforms to better detect threats, interdict narcotics, and deploy resources. His work has strengthened targeting systems that stop dangerous individuals, drugs, and high-risk cargo before they reach U.S. communities. By improving intelligence sharing and uncovering hidden patterns, Nael has helped disrupt smuggling networks and enhance data-driven decision-making across the enterprise.
🔗 Winners: https://www.hstoday.us/featured/gtscs-homeland-security-today-announces-2025-holiday-hero-award-winners
🎉 Join us Dec 11: https://members.gtscoalition.com/events/Details/hstoday-s-2025-holiday-hero-awards-1522207?sourceTypeId=Hub