For Immediate Release
DHS Press Office
Contact: 202-282-8010
GREAT FALLS, Mont. — Yesterday, Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas concluded a two-day trip to Montana where he joined U.S. Senator Jon Tester to meet with first responders and Federal, state, and local law enforcement to discuss collaboration on a wide range of homeland security-related priorities, including border security and efforts to combat human trafficking.
Deputy Secretary Mayorkas and Senator Tester traveled to the Port of Piegan on the Blackfeet Nation’s Indian Reservation where they met with tribal leaders and state officials. Deputy Secretary Mayorkas discussed the important role that tribes play in border security, highlighting the work of DHS components to include tribes in their current and planned operations. Communication between the Department and Federally-recognized Indian Tribes is critical to the development of the Department’s policies and strategies.
Deputy Secretary Mayorkas and Senator Tester also toured U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations at the Port of Sweetgrass. Deputy Secretary Mayorkas met with CBP employees and thanked them for their continued efforts to secure the Northern border.
While in Montana, Deputy Secretary Mayorkas and Senator Tester participated in a roundtable discussion with state, local, and tribal law enforcement to discuss the important efforts to combat human trafficking in Montana. Deputy Secretary Mayorkas highlighted the Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking through the Blue Campaign, the Department’s unified voice, which works in collaboration with law enforcement, government, non-governmental and private organizations.
Earlier this week, Deputy Secretary Mayorkas and Senator Tester were in Helena, Mont., where they participated in roundtable discussions with Federal, state, and local law enforcement officials and first responders. Deputy Secretary Mayorkas highlighted the important collaboration between the Department and local officials to secure the Northern border, combat organized crime and illicit trafficking, and partner with law enforcement. Following a briefing on how recent wildfires are affecting the local community, Deputy Secretary Mayorkas thanked first responders for their continued dedication and service to our Nation and discussed the Department’s efforts to provide funding for the safety, resources, and training of first responders.
For more information, visit www.dhs.gov.
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