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  3. A Message from Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas on the Department’s Six-Month Progress in 2021

A Message from Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas on the Department’s Six-Month Progress in 2021

Release Date: August 10, 2021

Six months ago I had the privilege of rejoining our Department of Homeland Security.  Every day I have seen and learned of your valor and heroism.  Many of you put your lives on the line in the service of our Nation.  Tirelessly, selflessly, and often at great personal sacrifice, all of you devote your talent and energy to our noble mission of safeguarding the American people, our homeland, and our values. 

The past eighteen months have been especially difficult as we have battled the pandemic.  We have lost colleagues, loved ones, friends, and neighbors.  Our frontline personnel and their families, in the performance of duty, have given and continue to give so much of themselves.

I am immensely proud to work alongside you once again.

 

Many of the issues and challenges we address are at the forefront.  We have a pivotal role in battling the pandemic, securing the border and administering asylum law, strengthening our cybersecurity, preventing violent acts of domestic extremism, building greater resilience and preparedness as the effects of climate change prove increasingly dramatic, and so much more.  Our work touches more lives in our country, more frequently, than any other agency in the federal government.

Our reach is across the globe, advancing our security, principles, and standing in the world.  We punish those who use forced labor, disrupt transnational criminal organizations, and save exploited children.  And again, so much more.

We do our work at a time of deep division in our country and as the challenges we face are often a target of the divide.  Amidst this considerable tension, our strength is drawn from, and our integrity is defined by, our reliance on the facts, our non-partisan identity, and our singular focus on mission.

We are the third-largest department in the federal government.  We are comprised of more than twenty agencies and offices.  Many have their own distinct histories and traditions.  I believe we can celebrate such uniqueness and also work together as one, in close partnership with others, to more effectively secure our homeland.  We are DHS.

The greatest source of our strength and shine is all of you.  It is inspiring how much we have accomplished in just the past six months.  We have so much more to do, and we will get it all done because of your immeasurable dedication and talent.  I am privileged to support you.

Thank you for everything you do in service of our Nation.

 

Alejandro N. Mayorkas
Secretary of Homeland Security

With honor and integrity, we will safeguard the American people, our homeland, and our values.

Last Updated: 08/10/2021
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