Homeland Security is a Global Issue

Thank you. It’s my pleasure to represent that State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security today at this Homeland Security Forum. It is only fitting that the National Native American Law Enforcement Association host such an important event, as thousands of miles of American borders fall on tribal lands, and are monitored and controlled by Native American law enforcement officers. As I look around the room today at our distinguished panel and law enforcement officers from around the country, I can clearly see that we all share this same strong belief—that Native Americans play a pivotal role in our homeland security efforts.

You are a vital part of the law enforcement community. You not only protect our borders, you bring a unique, diverse perspective in terms of culture, sensitivity to life, outlook, approach, and background that profoundly impacts on our profession and our mission. I am proud to lead a diverse workforce that includes several Native Americans serving as special agents within Diplomatic Security, but I am not satisfied. I guarantee that we will actively pursue diversity within our ranks, for I firmly believe that a diverse workforce will only make our organizations stronger and more capable to combat terrorism and other evils that threaten our security, our freedom, and way of life.

It’s clear that there is no greater challenge to our nation today than the protection of our citizens, our borders and our homeland. As law enforcement officers, we serve on the front lines every single day, and face perhaps the greatest challenge in the global war on terrorism. In every corner of this great nation of ours, law enforcement officers all of races, creeds, and colors, have stood shoulder-to-shoulder as a unified force to protect the American people and our homeland from additional terrorist attacks on American soil. For the past two years, we’ve been successful. But, as terrorist groups such as Al-Qaida, continue to change their tactics in response to our defenses, we, in turn, must constantly adapt and enhance our capabilities to secure our borders and protect our citizens.

There is no question that terrorists are planning to strike us again. We receive information every single day concerning threats to our interests domestically and abroad. We’ve seen recent video and audiotapes from the Al-Qaida leadership calling for attacks. The only question is not “if,” but “when.”

It is abundantly clear that homeland security is a global issue—a mission that transcends American borders. We must prevent criminals from reaching the United States. And this is where the State Department that provides a key first-line defense. Every day, thousands of people line up outside our embassies and consulates around the world seeking an American visa—their ticket to the promised land. In the 2 years since the 9/11 attacks, we have implemented new training and operational support programs for our consular sections abroad, and we have significantly enhanced our relationships and information sharing with our law enforcement and intelligence colleagues. As a result, we have tightened our visa regulations and procedures. Our diplomats abroad are now able to make more informed decisions on issuing visas, which allows us to promote the travel of legitimate visitors while deterring entrance to the United States of those seeking to do us harm.

However, some people will stop at nothing to get an American visa or passport—the most valuable travel documents in the entire world. An American passport is “proof” of American citizenship, and U.S. visa literally opens the doors to our country. Criminals pay thousands of dollars for them. It’s my agency’s job to stop them. The Bureau of Diplomatic Security is a global security and law enforcement enterprise that actively investigates these crimes to maintain the integrity of these coveted travel documents, help secure our borders and protect our people.

DS is uniquely positioned to fight these crimes effectively, with special agents assigned to embassies and consulates in 158 different countries around the world. We have operated in the international arena for decades and developed lasting relationships with foreign police services. Working in partnership with our international colleagues, DS agents conduct passport and visa fraud investigations effectively overseas and have been able to identify, arrest, and prosecute potential criminals before they reach the United States.

Our international expertise makes us a valuable resource to the American law enforcement community. I can pick up the phone and call any one of my agents overseas with an international law enforcement or security issue, and get an answer quickly. This global capability has resulted in DS participation on Joint Terrorism Task Forces throughout the country to work with other American law enforcement officials on investigations with overseas nexuses.

In addition to our document fraud and terrorism investigations, we run countless leads for our federal, state, and local colleagues. We have developed solid partnerships with INTERPOL and the U.S. Marshals Service to link our databases and share information on international fugitives. As a result, we’ve had noteworthy success in locating fugitives and returning them to the U.S. to face justice. If you have an investigation with an international angle, call us. We can assist you.

DS also runs several programs designed to protect our great nation, deter or prevent terrorist attacks as well as promote international cooperation. The Antiterrorism Assistance Program provides terrorism-focused police training to civilian security personnel from friendly governments. Since the program’s inception 20 years ago, we’ve trained more than 31,000 students from 127 different countries. These law enforcement officials return to their countries better prepared to combat terrorism and have been instrumental in our global success in the war on terrorism by dismantling cells, disrupting organizational meetings, money transfers, identity changes, and potential terrorist attacks.

We also manage the government’s Rewards for Justice Program, through which rewards are offered to prevent terrorist attacks against Americans or bring terrorists to justice. Our global advertising campaigns have reached millions of people and put potential sources of information in every corner of the globe. As a result of these effective programs, we’ve captured or killed countless terrorists, saved innocent lives, and helped protect American borders.

We also run a multitude of other global security programs designed to secure American interests around the world, and we protect the Secretary of State, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, and global statesmen who visit our country to conduct foreign diplomacy.

The security of our homeland can only be achieved through the continued, sustained cooperation among all law enforcement agencies working together as a seamless entity with a clear goal. We have achieved great success in the past two years, but our work it not done. While many terrorists have been brought to justice, others are plotting to attack us. We must maintain our dedication and vigilance. We must take every available step to secure our borders, protect our freedoms, and preserve the foundations on which America was built. It will be a long and arduous job, but our primary constituents, the American people, are counting on us. Thank you.