Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano, Mexican Attorney General Eduardo Medina-Mora, Mexican National Public Security System Executive Secretary Jorge Tello Peón, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Assistant Secretary John Morton and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Acting Director Kenneth E. Melson today signed a Letter of Intent to develop a coordinated and intelligence-driven response to the threat of cross border smuggling and trafficking of weapons and ammunition.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today announced the expansion of the Global Entry initiative—a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) pilot program that streamlines the screening process at airports for trusted travelers through biometric identification—to 13 additional airports across the United States.

Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano announced an additional $30 million in Operation Stonegarden grants to support security initiatives along the Southwest border—funds that will enhance the Department’s capabilities to coordinate with state, local and tribal law enforcement in order to effectively deter violence, enforce immigration laws and combat illegal trafficking.

Secretary Napolitano spoke on border security issues and the Department’s response at the Border Security Conference August 11, 2009 at the University of Texas at El Paso.

Readout of Secretary Napolitano’s Meeting with Mexican Interior Secretary Fernando Francisco Gómez-Mont August 10, 2009 in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Updated federal guidelines offer state and local public health and school officials a range of options for responding to 2009 H1N1 influenza in schools, depending on how severe the flu may be in their communities.

Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano announced approximately $42 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding for the construction of new inline baggage handling systems at Sacramento International Airport (SMF), Honolulu International Airport (HNL) and Kahului Airport (OGG)—projects designed to streamline passenger check-in and improve explosives detection capabilities.

Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano, Senator Landrieu (La.) and FEMA Administrator Fugate announced a new arbitration process to expedite resolution of outstanding FEMA public assistance projects stemming from hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Secretary Napolitano presented remarks on the new arbitration process for Gulf Coast Recovery in Washington, D.C. on August 6, 2009.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano and several DHS senior officials today held a roundtable discussion with leaders from the nation’s largest law enforcement associations to discuss a wide range of issues including preparation for the H1N1 flu virus, immigration reform, and border security enforcement.