Yesterday, Secretary Johnson traveled to New York where he delivered remarks at the New York City Police Department (NYPD) SHIELD Conference. Secretary Johnson discussed the importance of the ongoing partnership between DHS and state and local law enforcement to confront a range of threats, before more than 450 representatives from the NYPD, stakeholders, security officers, business executives, and other partners.
Secretary Johnson speaks at the NYPD SHIELD Conference. Photo courtesy of the NYPD.
During his remarks, Secretary Johnson said, “The Department of Homeland Security has a special relationship with the NYPD and the people of New York City. It is critical that the Department of Homeland Security builds strong relationships with local law enforcement officials and community members. I am committed to seeing that relationship grow and flourish – not just during crises, but every day.”
Secretary Johnson answers questions from the audience with Commissioner Bratton and Deputy Commissioner John Miller. Photo courtesy of the NYPD.
Commissioner Bratton thanked Secretary Johnson, and presented him with an NYPD jacket. Photo courtesy of the NYPD.
Later on Wednesday, Secretary Johnson administered the Oath of Allegiance and spoke at a naturalization ceremony held at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services New York District Office. Secretary Johnson, Acting Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Lori Scialabba, and New York District Director Phyllis Coven welcomed 150 citizenship candidates from 56 countries as new U.S. citizens.
Secretary Johnson delivers remarks after administering the Oath of Allegiance. Photo courtesy of USCIS.
“To be in my hometown of New York, not far from Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, and welcome our newest citizens is indeed a great honor,” Secretary Johnson said. “Over the centuries, America has been enriched by the talents, diversity, cultures, skills, ingenuity, and values brought here by immigrants. I am proud of the accomplishments of these new Americans and of the men and women of our department who helped make this day happen.”
Four candidates for citizenship take the Oath of Allegiance during the naturalization ceremony. Photo courtesy of USCIS.
The new citizens naturalized during the ceremony hailed from: Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, People’s Republic of China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Germany, Ghana, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, India, Israel, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Lebanon, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mali, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, United Kingdom, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen.
Secretary Johnson meets with new U.S. citizens and their families. Photo courtesy of USCIS.
While in New York yesterday, Secretary Johnson also met with NYPD Commissioner William Bratton to discuss the important partnership between the Department and state and local law enforcement.
Today, Secretary Johnson continues his visit to New York. This morning he presented the Rick Rescorla National Award for Resilience to the New York Mets, Walgreens and Monsignor John Brown, recognizing their contributions to their communities in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Secretary Johnson threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the second baseball game between the Mets and the Washington Nationals in Citi Field.
After the Rescorla Award presentation, Secretary Johnson also joined fans and players to observe a moment of silence for the victims of the shooting at Fort Hood yesterday.
Be sure to check back on the blog for more updates on the Secretary’s trip to New York.