For Immediate Release
DHS Press Office
Contact: 202-282-8010
WASHINGTON — Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas participated in a roundtable discussion with the American Jewish Community to discuss collaborative efforts to keep communities across the country safe.
Secretary Johnson and Deputy Secretary Mayorkas underscored the Department’s continued efforts to expand partnerships with faith-based and community organizations and state and local officials on civil rights and civil liberties to safeguard local communities. Following the roundtable discussion, Deputy Secretary Mayorkas addressed participants of a table-top exercise, highlighting the Department’s commitment to working with and empowering local communities and to underscore the importance of community engagement to effectively protect communities from violent extremist threats. As part of this ongoing commitment, DHS provides grants through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for terrorism-prevention activities at houses of worship.
Secretary Johnson and Deputy Secretary Mayorkas have made it a priority to meet with community leaders to discuss ways to reiterate that homeland security begins with hometown security. Over the past few months, Secretary Johnson has met with community leaders in Sterling, Va., Gaithersburg, Md., Houston, Henryville, Pa., Boston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Columbus, Chicago, and New York City.
For more information, visit www.dhs.gov.
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