In an effort to expand capabilities for Countering Violent Extremism (CVE), the U.S. Government today announced the formation of a new Task Force focused on prevent radicalization and mobilization of recruits in the U.S.
Since the Strategy to Empower Local Partners to Prevent Violent Extremism in the United States was issued in 2011, many federal, state, local, and tribal governments have contributed meaningfully to the CVE effort. However, the efforts of ISIL and other groups to radicalize American citizens has required the U.S. Government to update the efforts that began five years ago.
Beginning in the summer of 2015, representatives from 11 departments and agencies reviewed our current structure, strategy, and programs and made concrete recommendations for improvement. The review validated the objectives of the 2011 strategy but identified gaps in its implementation. The new task force will coordinate government efforts and partnerships to prevent violent extremism in the United States.
“Countering violent extremism has become a homeland security imperative, and it is a mission to which I am personally committed,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson. “The interagency CVE Task Force that we are announcing today…will bring together the best resources and personnel from across the executive branch to ensure that we face the challenge of violent extremism in a unified and coordinated way.”
The CVE Task Force will be a permanent interagency task force hosted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with overall leadership provided by DHS and the Department of Justice, with additional staffing provided by representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Counterterrorism Center, and other supporting departments and agencies.
The CVE Task Force will address the gaps identified in the review by:
- Synchronizing and integrating whole-of-government CVE programs and activities
- Leveraging new CVE efforts, for example those of the DHS Office for Community Partnerships
- Conducting ongoing strategic planning
- Assessing and evaluating CVE programs and activities
“The federal government’s top priority is protecting the American people from all forms of violent extremism,” said Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch. “By bringing together agencies from across the Executive Branch, this innovative task force will allow us to more efficiently and effectively support local efforts to counter violent extremism. The Department of Justice looks forward to joining DHS in leading this new initiative, which represents an important step in our ongoing work to keep our communities safe and our country strong.”
Source: DHS.gov, adapted.