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Current National Threat Level is elevated

The threat level in the airline sector is High or Orange. Read more.

Ready.gov Success Stories

$3 Billion in Preparedness Grants Available

November 5, 2008 – The Department released FY 2009 application guidance for 14 federal grant programs totaling more than $3 billion to help state and local governments strengthen community preparedness. More than $27 billion has been provided since 2002 to strengthen our nation’s ability to prevent, protect, respond and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters or other emergencies.

"Several years of investment have taken us largely from capability building to performance-based planning and investment," said Secretary Chertoff. "This year’s funding priorities are consistent with last year, and reflect a mature and disciplined grants program." Read more

TSA, EU Agree on Cargo Screening Standards

Air Cargo by Nina Chantrasmi

October 31, 2008 – The Transportation Security Administration announced an agreement with the European Union Directorate General for Energy and Transport on air cargo screening standards for passenger carrying aircraft. The agreement was reached in advance of a February 2009 deadline to screen 50 percent of air cargo on passenger carrying aircraft. "By synchronizing the way that air cargo is secured on both sides of the Atlantic, we’re taking another potential vulnerability off the table for terrorists," said Secretary Chertoff. "I commend our European Union partners on their commitment to this landmark agreement." Read more

ICE Arrests Former Agriprocessors CEO

October 30, 2008 (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) - The former CEO of Agriprocessors Inc., Sholom Rubashkin, was arrested by ICE agents and charged with conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens for profit, document fraud and identity theft. The complaint alleges that Rubashkin loaned money to employees known to have bad identification documents, and that supervisors distributed money to illegal alien employees so that they could purchase new, fake lawful permanent resident cards (green cards). In May 2008, ICE agents arrested 389 illegal alien workers at Agriprocessors meatpacking plan in what became the largest criminal worksite enforcement operation in the U.S. More at ICE.gov