FBI, DHS Pour More Resources into Counterterrorism after Iran Strikes
The national security and law enforcement communities are on high alert following the U.S. attacks on sites tied to Iran’s nuclear program.
The Department of Homeland Security issued a bulletin from the National Terrorism Advisory System noting a “heightened threat environment” in the United States, due to the U.S. involvement in the conflict between Israel and Iran.
“The ongoing Israel-Iran conflict brings the possibility of increased threat to the homeland in the form of possible cyberattacks, acts of violence, and antisemitic hate crimes,” said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
In particular, the bulletin notes that “Low-level cyber attacks against US networks by pro-Iranian hacktivists are likely, and cyber actors affiliated with the Iranian government may conduct attacks against US networks.”
It also warned that Iran could target U.S. officials if Iranian leadership were to issue a religious ruling calling for retaliatory violence.
The bulletin notes there are no specific threats currently.
FBI Boost Resources
Meanwhile, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is shifting resources to anti-terror efforts, with a memo telling directors of FBI field offices to focus on counterterrorism and cybersecurity issues, including potential domestic threats.
This means that several thousand agents could be pulled off immigration enforcement duties, where they were previously directed by the Trump Administration.
"The FBI does not comment on specific operational adjustments or personnel decisions," said an FBI statement. "However, we continuously assess and realign our resources to respond to the most pressing threats to our national security and to ensure the safety of the American people.”
However, ABC News reported that the bureau’s “posture is going to be enhanced,” with the bureau asking more personnel to be in the office and to continue to “canvas sources.”
Meetings with State and Local Law Enforcement
FBI and DHS officials also met with state and local law enforcement and political leaders to brief them of the potential threats.
One call included hundreds of state and local law enforcement officials while the other included state governors and their staff.
Again, there were no specific threats, but the call was designed to ensure that states are aware of the threat environment and that they reach out to relevant agencies and partners who may be at risk, including Jewish institutions and groups associated with Israel.
ICE Arrests 11 Iranians
And Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced that it arrested 11 Iranian nationals over the weekend, including some with criminal records and some suspected of terrorism.
DHS also warned about possible Iranian sleeper cells popping up in the U.S.