Management
Staffing, funding shortages forced DHS to release hundreds of ‘inadmissible’ international travelers
In many cases, those travelers never faced efforts to subsequently remove them from the country.
Oversight
DHS needs to improve how it collects employee hiring and vetting data, GAO reports
The watchdog’s analysis found that the department did not meet its average hiring time targets in fiscal 2022 for nine out of 13 priority positions.
Oversight
Coast Guard's handling of misconduct allegations draws increased scrutiny from Congress
Congressional inquiries were spurred by a media report that the Coast Guard kept hidden a multi-year investigation into sexual assault at its service academy.
Management
Court rules for DHS employees alleging their division was disbanded in retaliation to their whistleblowing
The decision sets a new precedent for federal employees that denied promotions -- even if never fully promised -- can amount to retaliation.
Tech
Lawmakers look to restore TSA funding to speed screening tech deployment
The measure is one of three bipartisan proposals rolled out this week that seek to bolster funding for TSA’s deployment of new technologies and to limit invasive pat-downs of travelers.
Oversight
CBP disposes of and loses migrants’ personal belongings due to unclear policy, watchdog says
The GAO recommended that Border Patrol clarify the amount of personal property from individuals in its custody that should be stored and what items may or may not be discarded.
Management
Executive order limiting asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border signed by Biden
The White House order would cap asylum requests at the southern border at 2,500 daily crossings.
Tech
DHS sets its research sights on 8 emerging technologies
The Homeland Security Department’s Innovation, Research and Development Strategic Plan focuses its investment the next seven years on AI, cybersecurity, biotech and more.
News
Legislation weighing contractors' national security risk heads to Senate floor
One bill would bar federal agencies from contracting with entities that consult with the Chinese government.
Oversight
ICE might be incorrectly measuring its resources needs, GAO says
A new GAO report found that the office responsible for managing ICE’s budget had a staff vacancy rate of 25% in fiscal 2023.
Management
Is Biden’s new immigration rule doomed without more staffing?
The administration is looking to create new responsibilities for an agency it has said desperately needs additional resources.
Updated
News
Group says CBP official drank while carrying firearm, retaliated against whistleblower
The Government Accountability Project sent a letter Wednesday to multiple congressional committees, the Homeland Security Department and others alleging a senior official consumed alcohol while in possession of an agency-issued firearm.
Oversight
Senate rejects impeachment articles against DHS Secretary Mayorkas
In a 51-49 vote along party lines, Senate Democrats dismissed impeachment charges Wednesday against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for not meeting the threshold of high crimes and misdemeanors.
Management
Texas Republicans urge Senate Democrats to give the DHS secretary a full impeachment trial
The House voted to impeach Alejandro Mayorkas on Feb. 13 over charges of refusing to enforce the law and “breach of public trust.”
Management
Senate Republicans push for Mayorkas impeachment trial
Democrats say the charges are based on policy disputes rather than the “high crimes and misdemeanors” threshold of an impeachable offense.
Workforce
Coast Guard hasn’t assessed how many future aviation personnel it needs, report says
The service is in the midst of modernizing and consolidating its aircraft fleet, but it’s also facing workforce challenges that could alter how many vehicles the Coast Guard ultimately needs.
Management
Senate action on DHS chief impeachment coming this week
With the slim majority Democrats have in the Senate, it’s likely the two articles of impeachment go nowhere and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas remains in his role.
Management
House Speaker to deliver Mayorkas impeachment articles to the Senate in early April
It’s unlikely the Homeland Security secretary will be removed from office, but the push for a trial is a mark of House Republicans’ escalation of their opposition to the White House’s immigration policy.
Management
Senate approves bills to boost oversight and security for federal buildings
Lawmakers look to spur action after agencies have ignored most recommendations to make their buildings safer.
Workforce