U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson joined NJTV News’ Mary Alice Williams to have an in-depth conversation about the state of security in the U.S. today. On this page we will compile the series of interview segments and reports addressing specific areas of security as they air.
Port Security:
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Discusses Port Security
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson says he is focusing on port security and how to improve it. He has visited many ports, including Port Newark, and says that it’s unrealistic to expect 100 percent of cargo leaving foreign ports will be scanned. Because of that, he says Homeland Security uses a “risked-based approach” to scanning incoming cargo. That means looking at where the items are coming from and using intelligence about those countries. Still, Johnson says he wants to increase the percentage of scanned cargo.
Assessing Security at Ports Newark, Elizabeth
Former FBI agent Manny Gomez says ports, like those in Newark and Elizabeth, are our weakest link when it comes to security because there’s no definite way to inspect all the containers to ensure they’re safe. He says terrorists could be smuggled in through shipping containers or they could plant explosives or nuclear, biological or chemical weapons to be detonated when they arrive. Sen. Bob Menendez wants scanning done at every single port in the nation and introduced a law to require it, but he says the government dragged its feet.
Terrorism:
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security: ISIL is Very Dangerous
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson says that ISIL is a very dangerous terrorist organization that requires a lot of attention and focus. He says the DHS looks out for Americans who become involved with the terrorist group and when appropriate, restrict travel.
Managing Security:
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security: Agency Has Improved Communication
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson says that Homeland Security was created after 9/11 to improve communication between government departments and he believes it has. He also says the public plays a role in homeland security and encourages people to report suspicious activity since the government can’t be everywhere.
Cyber Security:
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security: Companies Share Responsibility to Protect Against Cyber Attacks
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson says companies have a responsibility, as well as the government, to protect themselves from cyber attacks. He says companies can do a lot to better secure their networks.
How Safe is Our Digital World?
Recent cyber attacks, like the hacks against Sony and the U.S. Central Command have called into question the safety of digital information. The White House will host a cyber security/consumer protection summit Feb. 13 and President Obama has imposed new guidelines to ensure companies inform customers about a data breach in a timely fashion.
Immigration:
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Discusses Immigration
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson says the U.S. needs to send a message that illegal immigration will not be accepted at our borders, even while offering those who entered the country illegally years earlier a way to come out of the shadows.
Lone Wolf:
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Discusses Lone Wolf Terrorist Acts
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson says he’s most afraid of lone wolf terror attacks because they often happen with no warning and are difficult to stop. He said those individuals sometimes have access to guns and often have access to items that can be used as explosives, such as kitchen appliances.