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HSI’s Role in Countering Violent Extremism and Terror Threats

Fighting Terrorism at Home and Abroad: How Homeland Security Investigations is Working to Keep Us Safe

Terrorism continues to be one of the biggest threats to public safety both in the United States and around the world. Groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda are still trying to hurt people through online recruiting and propaganda. At the same time, homegrown extremists here in America are carrying out more attacks targeting minority groups or government institutions. Just look at the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 or the rise in hate crimes in recent years.So how is the government working to keep us safe from terrorism? A key player is an agency you may not have heard much about before – Homeland Security Investigations, or HSI. As the main investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security, HSI has a broad range of powers that make it really effective at countering terrorism. Let me break down for you exactly how HSI is working to stop violent extremism, both in America and around the world.

HSI’s Powers and Capabilities

HSI has a whole toolbox of far-reaching legal authorities that allow its agents to crack down on terrorism. We’re talking over 400 federal laws that HSI enforces, dealing with everything from immigration violations to financial crimes to smuggling.With more than 10,000 employees and offices in over 200 cities nationwide, HSI has the manpower and reach to track down extremists all across America and overseas. Some of the key things HSI agents can do include:

• Conduct complex, international investigations to take down terror groups and their funding networks
• Work with FBI Joint Terrorism Task Forces to stop domestic extremists here at home
• Scrutinize visa applications at U.S. embassies abroad to identify potential terror threats
• Seize money and assets used to finance terrorist activities
• Build relationships with local communities and tech companies to counter violent ideologies and hate speech

Having all these diverse capabilities under one roof makes HSI a really versatile agency that can hit terrorism from all angles.

Battling the Rise of Domestic Extremism

In recent years, more and more attacks on U.S. soil are being tied to homegrown violent extremists instead of foreign terrorist organizations. Just look at the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting or the El Paso Walmart shooting. This alarming trend has led the Department of Homeland Security to name domestic terrorism as a top priority.HSI is partnering up with the FBI to address this new reality through Joint Terrorism Task Forces in cities across America. When the FBI opens a domestic terrorism case, HSI agents can complement the investigation with HSI’s unique powers – checking immigration records, subpoenaing financial documents, talking to witnesses abroad, and more.HSI also has agents embedded overseas who can help trace any international ties domestic extremists might have. And new HSI prevention programs right here in the U.S. are building relationships with local communities to stop radicalization before it starts.

Still Battling Groups Like ISIS and al-Qaeda

Even as domestic extremism rises, HSI continues working to disrupt dangerous international terror groups. ISIS and al-Qaeda are down but not out – they still tap into online propaganda and encrypted apps to inspire attacks by followers.That’s why HSI has Transnational Criminal Investigative Units stationed in over 30 countries around the world. These units bring together HSI agents, local law enforcement, and other agencies to dismantle global terror networks. For example, HSI teams overseas have taken down ISIS operatives planning attacks in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.Here in the U.S., HSI’s Visa Security Program is proving key to stopping terrorists from ever reaching America. By digging deep into visa applicants’ backgrounds, social media, and ties overseas, HSI can connect dots and keep dangerous individuals from getting approved to enter the country.

Partnering with Tech Against Terrorists

A huge challenge today is how savvy terrorists have gotten at exploiting social media and encrypted apps to spread their messages. HSI is trying to meet this challenge by teaming up directly with technology companies.HSI’s Silicon Valley office builds relationships with tech firms to enhance information sharing and quickly take down extremist accounts when they pop up. HSI also participates in the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism, where companies work together to identify and eliminate violent content.This public-private partnership can be effective, but it’s a balancing act. Tech firms also have to consider user privacy and civil liberties as they aid law enforcement. HSI aims to be selective in requests for user data to maintain trust with its tech industry partners.

Empowering Communities to Say No to Hate

Beyond investigations, community awareness and prevention programs are key for stopping radicalization before it takes root. HSI’s prevention center, called CP3, works with local leaders, non-profits, and youth groups to counter extremist recruitment tactics.CP3 also strives to make sure minority groups feel supported in speaking out against concerning rhetoric or behavior. And HSI public briefings educate everyday citizens on how to spot and report possible terrorist activity while avoiding racial or religious profiling.It’s an “all of society” approach – government can’t defeat terrorism on its own. An informed public that feels empowered to stand up to hate is critical.

Upholding American Values

As HSI battles terrorism, it’s also committed to doing so while protecting civil liberties. HSI policies prohibit any profiling based on race, religion, or ethnicity. Agents receive cultural awareness training to avoid bias. HSI also gets oversight from groups like the DHS Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties to ensure constitutionality.The path forward requires vigilance, teamwork, and safeguarding our ideals of equality and freedom. HSI brings unique capabilities to counter terrorism, but needs public participation too. An America united against violence and hatred is the best defense.