The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recently released a report of their Internal Review of Domestic Violent Extremism within DHS. Using the definition provided from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence’s report on Domestic Violent Extremism Poses Heightened Threat in 2021, a domestic violent extremist is defined as “an individual based and operating primarily in the United States without direction or inspiration from a foreign terrorist group or other foreign power and who seeks to further political or social goals wholly or in part through unlawful acts of force or violence.” The goal of this internal review is to best “prevent, detect, and respond” to threats of domestic violent extremism that may be present within the Department.
To address these potential threats, and to resolve any gaps that may exist within DHS, the report outlines 15 recommendations that are organized around 5 priority areas:
- Area 1: Establish Baseline Policies and Guidance
- Area 2: Promote Employee Awareness
- Area 3: Enhance Methods to Identify and Address Violent Extremist Activity
- Area 4: Foster an Integrated Approach
- Area 5: Ensure the Protection of Privacy, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties
For more information on topics related to this piece, visit the HSDL Featured Topic on Domestic (U.S.) Terrorism or view other resources related to domestic violent extremism.
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