Homeland Security Spent $430 Million on Radios Its Employees Don’t Know How to Use

By Theodoric Meyer, ProPublica Nov 22, 2012 The recent inspector general’s report is the latest in a string of critical assessments DHS has received on its efforts to improve communication among federal, state and local agencies. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Good News for Gay and Lesbian Immigrants

Alexander Reed Kelly / Truthdig Sep 29, 2012 The Department of Homeland Security has emerged as an unlikely advocate for gay rights. The agency will now consider long-term same-sex couples as being in a “family relationship” for immigration purposes. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

The Privacy War Just Got Biological

Alexander Reed Kelly / Truthdig Jul 11, 2012 In as little as one year, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will have a mobile, long-range, laser-based molecular scanner that can identify any chemical substance in or on your body -- including gunpowder, flecks of cocaine on your sleeve and the half-digested Pop-Tart in your gut. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Dubya’s Presidential Tab, Jon Stewart on Political Gaffes and More

Tracy Bloom / Truthdig Jun 12, 2012 A look at the day's political happenings, including Arizona's special election, the fiscal damage done by George W. Bush's presidency and the latest on the controversial Florida voter purge. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Drone Patrols Grow on the Northern Border

Staff / Truthdig Apr 30, 2012 Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has outlined for the U.S. Senate a northern border surveillance program using unmanned drones that now extends from North Dakota to eastern Washington. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

The Key Words the Government Monitors Online

Staff / Truthdig Feb 26, 2012 A government manual obtained by a privacy watchdog group reveals that the Department of Homeland Security has compiled a list of hundreds of key words used to detect possible terrorist and other threats on social media sites. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Wolf’s OWS Report Sparks Debate

Staff / Truthdig Nov 29, 2011 Did Naomi Wolf get her facts straight in her Guardian report about American mayors acting in cahoots with the Department of Homeland Security in their recent crackdowns on OWS encampments, or did she engage in a little journalistic extrapolation? Those aren't the only two options here, but at least one noteworthy (more). Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Be Alert, Department of Homeland Security Says

Staff / Truthdig May 3, 2011 Now that some of the mob giddiness that followed the announcement of Osama bin Laden's death has dissipated, fear is once again thick in the air as U.S. officials warn state and local law enforcement agencies of possible retaliation attacks by a vengeful al-Qaida. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Ridge: Bushies Manipulated Terror Threat System

Staff / Truthdig Aug 20, 2009 One sinister li'l tidbit from former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge's upcoming tell-all won't do much to change the Bush administration's reputation for string-pulling on as many governmental fronts as possible: According to teasers released by his publisher, Ridge was pushed by Bush & Co. to raise the terrorist threat level on the eve of W.’s second electoral victory in 2004. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Homeland Security Meets Reality TV

Staff / Truthdig May 30, 2008 If you thought reality TV was only for wannabe warblers, petulant teens and bug-eating fetishists, guess again. The Department of Homeland Security, "as well as several other government agencies," according to The Hollywood Reporter, is working with ABC on a new "unscripted" show called "Border Security USA," brought to you, creepily enough, by the executive producer of "Big Brother." Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )