For Immediate Release
DHS Press Office
Contact: 202-282-8010
DETROIT — Today, Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas concluded a three-day trip to Chicago and Detroit, where he participated in the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) 2015 Conference and Exposition and the U.S./Canada Border Conference. During both conferences, Deputy Secretary Mayorkas met with state and local law enforcement partners to discuss the Department’s continued efforts to share information and work together on homeland security initiatives such as preventing violent extremism.
Earlier this week in Chicago, Deputy Secretary Mayorkas delivered remarks at the IACP Communication and Technology Committee and later met with association's leadership to discuss the Department’s commitment to partnering with state and local law enforcement to keep our communities safe.
While in Chicago, Deputy Secretary Mayorkas also met with state and local law enforcement partners to discuss a range of homeland security-related priorities, including cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection, and efforts to prevent violent extremism. During his meetings, Deputy Secretary Mayorkas emphasized the importance of information sharing between federal, state, and local partners to safeguard local communities. Deputy Secretary Mayorkas also discussed the Department’s announcement last month to create an Office for Community Partnerships to build relationships, promote trust, and support communities that seek to discourage violent extremism and undercut terrorist narratives.
In Detroit, Deputy Secretary Mayorkas met with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan to discuss opportunities for collaboration to increase participation in the National Interest Waiver visa program. Deputy Secretary Mayorkas also delivered keynote remarks on the Department’s efforts with our Canadian partners to address shared security challenges and facilitate lawful trade and travel at the U.S./Canada Border Conference. Earlier this year, DHS announced an arrangement with Canada and Mexico to expand access to trusted traveler programs. This new arrangement will make it easier for eligible travelers in the United States, Mexico and Canada to apply for expedited screening programs in each country, helping to promote legitimate travel across the continent.
For more information, visit www.dhs.gov.
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