DHS Reassigns CISA Cyber Staff to Support Deportation Efforts

Department of Homeland Security Reallocates Personnel for Immigration Enforcement

According to recent news reports, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is undertaking a significant personnel shift. Hundreds of employees are being reassigned across various agencies.

This reallocation is intended to bolster the Trump administration’s efforts to intensify immigration enforcement. Staff members who decline to comply with the reassignments may face dismissal.

Cybersecurity Agency Staff Affected

CISA, the U.S. cybersecurity agency, has been notably impacted by these changes. Many personnel previously focused on providing crucial cyber guidance to government agencies and critical infrastructure are being moved.

These staff members are being transferred to agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Impact on CISA Units

Reports from Bloomberg and Nextgov indicate that the Capacity Building unit within CISA is heavily affected. This unit is responsible for enhancing the cybersecurity defenses of federal agencies.

The Stakeholder Engagement Division, which manages CISA’s international partnerships, is also experiencing significant staff reductions.

Furthermore, some CISA personnel are being moved to the Federal Protective Service. This police unit collaborates with ICE and CBP on deportation operations.

Increased Funding for Immigration Enforcement

The Trump administration has prioritized immigration enforcement since its inception in January. Lawmakers authorized $150 billion in taxpayer funding in July to support ICE’s deportation activities.

A substantial portion of this funding will be allocated to technological solutions. These include spyware, data brokers, and location data tracking, impacting millions of individuals nationwide.

Reassignments Amidst Rising Cyber Threats

These personnel shifts occur during a period of heightened cyberattacks targeting both private industry and the federal government. The timing raises concerns about national security.

Recent incidents include a data breach affecting companies using Salesforce databases, the theft of sealed court documents by Russian hackers, and a SharePoint vulnerability that compromised several federal departments.

Homeland Security Response

In a statement to TechCrunch, Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated the agency “routinely aligns personnel to meet mission priorities.” She confirmed the reassignments but did not deny reports of hundreds of staff members being affected.

McLaughlin dismissed the suggestion that these realignments would compromise the nation’s security. However, she did not clarify whether the vacated CISA positions would be filled.