Former Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas recently warned of a significant rise in homegrown violent extremism over the past decade. Speaking on ABC’s “This Week,” Mayorkas emphasized the complexity of the current threat landscape. He highlighted that the persistent threat of foreign terrorism, the original impetus for the Department of Homeland Security’s creation, is now compounded by the actions of hostile nations and a substantial increase in domestically-fueled violent extremism. This necessitates a comprehensive, community-wide approach involving federal, state, and local authorities, as well as individual citizens, to remain vigilant and implement preventative measures.
Mayorkas stressed the importance of swift law enforcement response to specific threats, referencing the recent terrorist attack in New Orleans while acknowledging the ongoing grief for the victims. He further explained that the phenomenon of radicalization is not confined to any single group, including the military or federal workforce, but rather represents a societal challenge requiring a unified, non-political response. The focus, he stated, must be on collaboratively confronting and combating this growing threat.