Resident Commissioner Introduces Legislation to Protect Freedom of Speech and Civil Liberties in DHS Intel Operations

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, which oversees the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández introduced the Strengthening Oversight of DHS Intelligence Act (H.R. 2261), legislation designed to improve homeland security information and intelligence at DHS. This bill protects the privacy, civil liberties, and constitutional rights of U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico and across the U.S.

“DHS intelligence is meant to equip state and local law enforcement with reliable information to keep Americans safe,” said Hernández, member of the House Homeland Security Committee. “As that intelligence may include information about U.S. citizens, DHS must not infringe upon the rights of the people. The Strengthening Oversight of DHS Intelligence Act will establish necessary safeguards to ensure DHS intelligence activities are conducted responsibly and in accordance with our fundamental liberties.”

DHS is the sole intelligence agency that is required to share intelligence with state and local law enforcement partners and the private sector. As the federal agency that interacts with more U.S. citizens than any other, intelligence assessments must be reviewed to ensure the protection of U.S. citizens’ privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties before it is shared with such partners.

The Strengthening Oversight of DHS Intelligence Act directly addresses these concerns by:

• Mandating that all DHS intelligence products undergo review by the DHS Chief Privacy Officer and the Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties to ensure compliance with constitutional protections.

• Codifying required training for senior DHS intelligence personnel on privacy rights, civil rights, and civil liberties safeguards.

The introduction of this bill marks a step toward strengthening oversight and safeguarding the civil rights of all U.S. citizens.

Click HERE to read the legislative text.

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