For Immediate Release
DHS Press Office
Contact: 202-282-8010
NEW ORLEANS— Yesterday, Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas concluded a two-day trip to New Orleans where he participated in a series of workforce engagements with the U.S. Coast Guard, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel.
While in New Orleans, Deputy Secretary Mayorkas met with FEMA Louisiana Recovery Office Director Thomas Womack and Deputy Director Melanie Mitchell to discuss continued efforts to prepare for hurricane season in the region. During his visit, Deputy Secretary Mayorkas met with FEMA employees to thank them for their continued efforts to enhance preparedness at all levels of government and their commitment to assist communities and first responders to better prepare for, protect against and respond to potential natural disasters.
Later, Deputy Secretary Mayorkas participated in a DHS employee town hall with ICE personnel, thanking them for their service and discussing the Department’s policies and enforcement priorities. Deputy Secretary Mayorkas also met with local stakeholders to discuss the Department’s priorities related to immigration.
Earlier this week, Deputy Secretary Mayorkas met with U.S. Coast Guard Eighth District leadership and members of the U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team to discuss local maritime security and critical infrastructure protection efforts. Deputy Secretary Mayorkas also toured the U.S. Coast Guard Command Center where he observed DHS efforts to combat the trafficking of individuals, drugs and contraband throughout the region.
Regular workforce visits are part of Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary Mayorkas’ commitment to improve employee engagement through enhanced communication and training, employee recognition, and the strengthening of employees’ skills at every level.
For more information, visit www.dhs.gov.
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