Politics
Former homeland security chiefs propose creating a separate public safety agency
Two former DHS secretaries recommend restructuring the department, according to The Hill.
The short version
- Former DHS Secretaries Michael Chertoff and Jeh Johnson proposed establishing a new public safety department on the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.[The Hill]
- The former officials argued DHS has drifted off track and suggested spinning off non-public safety entities like FEMA.[The Hill]
- Johnson warned the department has increasingly become associated with mass deportations, while ICE arrests reached a term-high 49,571 in July.[The Hill]
Key facts
- Former DHS Secretaries Michael Chertoff and Jeh Johnson advocated establishing a dedicated public safety agency on the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.[The Hill]
- The former officials recommended spinning off agencies outside public safety, including FEMA, to allow the cabinet secretary to deconflict priorities.[The Hill]
- Jeh Johnson warned that DHS has become perceived as radioactive and associated with mass deportations.[The Hill]
- The Deportation Data Project found Immigration and Customs Enforcement recorded 49,571 arrests in July, a high for President Trump's second term.[The Hill]
What remains uncertain
- It remains uncertain whether current administration officials or lawmakers will take up the proposed structural overhaul of DHS.[The Hill]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.