ICE HSI Continues Fight to End Female Genital Mutilation (FMG)

Female genital mutilation/cutting is a federal crime. Anyone who has information about an individual who is suspected of assisting in this crime is urged to call the toll-free ICE tip line at (866) 347-2423 or complete the ICE online tip form or the FBI online tip form. Any involvement in committing this crime is a serious human rights violation which may result in imprisonment and potential removal from the U.S. (Image courtesy of ICE and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Female genital mutilation/cutting is a federal crime. Anyone who has information about an individual who is suspected of assisting in this crime is urged to call the toll-free ICE tip line at (866) 347-2423 or complete the ICE online tip form or the FBI online tip form. Any involvement in committing this crime is a serious human rights violation which may result in imprisonment and potential removal from the U.S. (Image courtesy of ICE and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Unit (HRVWCU), which was recognized in the 2018 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program, recently launched Operation Limelight USA at three airports across the U.S. with the assistance of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Operation Limelight USA is a program designed by HSI’s Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center (HRVWCC) to bring awareness about FGM and deter its practice by educating the public about the risks and penalties associated with it.
Operation Limelight USA is a program designed by HSI’s Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center (HRVWCC) to bring awareness about FGM and deter its practice by educating the public about the risks and penalties associated with it.

Operation Limelight USA aims to inform travelers of the dangers of female genital mutilation (FGM) and the consequences for those who commit this horrific abuse.

HSI special agents spoke to more than 160 travelers from ten international flights between Los Angeles International Airport, Newark International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport as part of Operation Limelight USA.

They educated passengers flying to or from high-risk countries, offering informational brochures and identifying potential victims and violators of FGM.

These discussions informed passengers on the consequences of involvement in FGM and provided passengers with a means to refer cases or receive victim assistance.

(WARNING: Graphic Mannequin Challenge: On International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, we can’t stay frozen. It’s time to #EndFGM. Thanks to Unicef CHAD​ for the most powerful mannequin challenge video yet. Courtesy of UNICEF USA and YouTube. Posted on Feb 6, 2017.)

“Female genital mutilation is a human rights abuse, and we are absolutely committed to both investigating and preventing this abuse,” said the Chief of the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center, Mark Shaffer.

Mark Shaffer, Chief of the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center
Mark Shaffer, Chief of the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center

“Operation Limelight USA is key to our prevention goals and helps us reach potential victims and their families while also providing a lifeline to survivors who are ready to reach out and report.”

Operation Limelight USA is the U.S.-based version of Operation Limelight, a joint initiative by the United Kingdom Border Force and police services across the United Kingdom (U.K.).

In 2018, law enforcement officials from the United States and the U.K. signed a joint proclamation affirming their commitment to end the practice of FGM and reinforcing the need to cooperate across borders to address this international issue.

More than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone female genital mutilation.

Female genital mutilation is a human rights violation and a federal crime. Our special agents talked to over 160 travelers at airports in New York, Newark, and LA about this practice.

FGM refers to cutting and other procedures that injure the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.

While primarily concentrated in north, west, and central Africa, as well as parts of the Middle East and Asia, FGM also occurs in the United States.

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that approximately 500,000 women and girls in the United States are either victims of FGM or are at risk of being subjected to it.

“We have to remember that this is not just something that happens abroad.

Women and girls in our own communities are at risk,” said Shaffer.

(American Woman Who Underwent Female Genital Mutilation Comes Forward to Help Others. Courtesy of ABC News and YouTube.)

This is the third year HSI has conducted Operation Limelight USA outreach events in the U.S.

Anyone with information about victims or perpetrators of female genital mutilation is encouraged to call the toll-free HSI tip line at (866) 347-2423 or complete the HSI online tip form.

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For more information about female genital mutilation, view this fact sheet from the U.S. Department of State and visit www.un.orgwww.unfpa.org, and www.unicef.org.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Unit (HRVWCU) Honored in 2018 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards

2018 ASTORS Platinum

  • ‘Excellence in Homeland Security’

  • Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Unit (HRVWCU)

The Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is specifically designed to honor distinguished government and vendor solutions that deliver enhanced value, benefit and intelligence to end users in a variety of government, homeland security and public safety vertical markets.

William "Bill" Bratton, former police commissioner of the New York Police Department (NYPD), the Boston Police Department (BPD) and former chief of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), will speak at the 2019 'ASTORS' Homeland Security Awards Luncheon at ISC East 2019, on Wednesday, November 20th, at the Jacob Javits Convention Center (Courtesy of Teneo Risk)
Bill Bratton, former police commissioner of the New York Police Department (NYPD), the Boston Police Department (BPD) and former chief of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), will speak at the 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Luncheon at ISC East 2019, on Wednesday, November 20th, at the Jacob Javits Convention Center (Courtesy of Teneo Risk)

The 2018 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program drew an overwhelming response from industry leaders with a record high number of corporate and government nominations received, as well as record breaking ‘ASTORS’ Presentation Luncheon Attendees, with top firms trying to register for the exclusive high – end luncheon and networking opportunity – right up to the event kickoff on Wednesday afternoon, at the ISC East registration!

Over 130 distinguished guests representing National, State and Local Governments, and Industry Leading Corporate Firms, gathered from across North America, Europe and the Middle East to be honored among their peers in their respective fields which included:

2018 ASTORS

  • The Department of Homeland Security
  • The Federal Protective Service (FPS)
  • Argonne National Laboratory
  • The Department of Homeland Security
  • The Department of Justice
  • The Security Exchange Commission Office of Personnel Management
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection
  • Viasat, Hanwha Techwin, Lenel, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, Verint, Canon U.S.A., BriefCam, Pivot3, Milestone Systems, Allied Universal, Ameristar Perimeter Security and More!

The Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program highlighting the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition, and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.

Proud Sponsors of the 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program include ATI SystemsAttivo NetworksAutomatic Systems, and Desktop Alert.

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Time is Running Out to Receive the Recognition Your Organization Deserves!

 Enter the 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Today at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/

Eligible “Government Excellence Award” Nominations are Complimentary, in Appreciation for Service.

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Comprehensive List of Categories Include:

Access Control/ Identification Personal/Protective Equipment Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism
Perimeter Barrier/ Deterrent System Interagency Interdiction Operation Cloud Computing/Storage Solution
Facial/IRIS Recognition Body Worn Video Product Cyber Security
Video Surveillance/VMS Mobile Technology Anti-Malware
Audio Analytics Disaster Preparedness ID Management
Thermal/Infrared Camera Mass Notification System Fire & Safety
Metal/Weapon Detection Rescue Operations Critical Infrastructure
License Plate Recognition Detection Products And Many Others!

Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?

Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.

Why the 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program?

2018 'ASTORS' Homeland Security Awards Presentation Luncheon
2018 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Presentation Luncheon

Enter Early to Maximize Media Coverage of your Products and Services at Kickoff, and Get the Recognition Your Organization Deserves!

Carolyn Crandall, Chief Deception Officer and CMO, of Attivo Networks, was recognized for the company's groundbreaking cyber technology innovations in the 2018 'ASTORS' Homeland Security Awards Program with record Seven Award Recognitions and a coveted 2018 'Extraordinary Leadership Award.'
Carolyn Crandall, Chief Deception Officer and CMO, Attivo Networks, was recognized for the company’s groundbreaking cyber technology innovations in the 2018 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program with record Seven Award Recognitions and a coveted 2018 ‘Extraordinary Leadership Award.’

The Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program highlighting the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition, and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.

American Security Today’s comprehensive Annual Homeland Security Awards Program is organized to recognize the most distinguished vendors of physical, IT, port security, law enforcement, and first responders, in acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to ‘Keep our Nation Secure, One City at a Time.’

David Enderle, President of Automatic Systems America, accepting a coveted 2018 'ASTORS' Extraordinary Leadership Award at ISC East.
David Enderle, VP of Sales at Automatic Systems, accepting a desirable 2018 ‘Extraordinary Leadership Award at ISC East for the company’s pedestrian, vehicle and passenger entry control solutions

Acknowledge the Most Distinguished Vendors of Physical, IT, Cyber, Port of Entry Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Perimeter Protection, Communications as well as Federal, State, County and Municipal Government Agencies in Acknowledgment of Their Outstanding Efforts to: ‘Keep our Nation Safe – One City at a Time.’

Please see our 2019 List of Categories which include a broad spectrum of opportunities for your organization to compete – and whether you represent a Homeland Physical Security Vendor, a Technology Security Vendor, or a Federal, State or Municipal Agency, we urge you to take advantage of this exclusive opportunity to Compete and Distinguish Your Achievements from your competitors.

Time is Running Out to Enter the 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Awards and Receive the Recognition your Organization Deserves at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.

(Learn More about the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program from Mike Madsen, Publisher, during an impromptu interview following the 2018 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Ceremony at ISC East, on November 14th, 2018. Courtesy of AST and YouTube.)

2018 Government Excellence Award Winners in the ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program

The following Government Agencies were recognized in the 2018 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards:

(Learn About the DARPA Subterranean Challenge working with multidisciplinary teams from around the world to compete in the development of the autonomy, perception, networking, and mobility technologies necessary to map explore and search underground networks in unpredictable conditions. Courtesy of DARPAtv and YouTube.)

(The Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) is a gps communications tool that runs on a mobile device. It improves situational awareness by allowing users to know where their mission partners are located, regardless of affiliation, improves communications through a variety of applications and was successfully used in 2017 Hurricane operations in Houston and Puerto Rico. Courtesy of the DHS Science and Technology Directorate and YouTube.)

(DHS S&T’s Enhanced Dynamic Geo-Social Environment (EDGE) virtual training platform provides a safe, immersive environment where first responders, and now educators, can hone their skills and prepare for a multitude of incident responses. Built on the same video gaming platforms as popular titles like Fortnite, EDGE was intentionally designed to be easily accessed, easily used, and easily integrated into agencies’ existing training protocols. Courtesy of the DHS Science and Technology Directorate and YouTube.)

(Learn About the FBI VCAC Program, and hear from Special Agent Danielle Messineo, who works in the Crimes Against Children division, trying to prevent future victims by giving presentations to schoolchildren. Courtesy of USA Network and YouTube.)

(Learn About the Joint Interagency Task Force South on Key West, Florida, a multi-agency, international alliance whose mission is to cover 42 million square miles of territory primarily in Central and South America to stem the flow of illegal drugs and to disrupt and dismantle sophisticated narco-trafficking networks. Much of that work is carried out on the high seas. Courtesy of Doug Brumbaugh and YouTube.)

(U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operates the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Unit (HRVWCU) within the National Security Investigations Division (NSID). Preceded by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, HSI has more than 30 years of experience in successfully investigating human rights violators. The unit conducts investigations focused on human rights violations in an effort to prevent the United States from becoming a safe haven to those individuals who engage in the commission of war crimes, genocide, torture and other forms of serious human rights abuses from conflicts around the globe. When foreign war crimes suspects, persecutors and human rights abusers are identified within U.S. borders, the unit utilizes its powers and authorities to the fullest extent of the law to investigate, prosecute and, whenever possible, remove any such offenders from the United States. Courtesy of ICE and YouTube.)

Individuals Recognized for ‘Excellence in Homeland Security’ in the 2018 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program are as follows:

  • Edward Reinhold, Deputy Assistant Director, FBI (Ret)

  • Joel McNellyCharlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department

  • Matt QuillenBristol Virginia Police Department

  • Stanley I. WhiteCounterintelligence Advisor, the International Association for Counterrorism & Security Professionals (IACSP)

  • Thomas HomanActing Director, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) (Ret)

  • Thomas O’ConnorPresident of the FBI Agents Association

2019 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program Industry Experts Include

Ameristar Perimeter SecurityATI Systems (Acoustic Technology Inc.), Attivo NetworksBriefCamCanon U.S.A., Entrust Datacard, FLIR SystemsHanwha TechwinHID Global,

ISS – Intelligent Security Systems, IvantiKonica Minolta Business SolutionsMilestone SystemsLenel, LRAD CorporationMilestone Systems,

Orolia, NICE, Pivot3Rave Mobile SafetyRoyal HoldingsSenstar Corporation, Smiths Detection, SolarWindsVerintViasatand More!

For a complete list of award winners, click here.

2019 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon

The 2017 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Presentation Luncheon
AST focuses on New and Evolving Security Threats at All Levels of Homeland Security and Public Safety for personnel who are on the front lines of protecting our communities, cities and nation.

AST focuses on New and Evolving Security Threats at All Levels of Homeland Security and Public Safety for personnel who are on the front lines of protecting our communities, cities and nation.The highlight of the 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program will be the Awards Presentation Luncheon at ISC East at the Javits Convention Center on Wednesday, November 20, 2019.

AST reaches both the private and public experts, essential to meeting today’s growing security challenges.

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For Luncheon Sponsorship Opportunities and More, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com or call 732.233.8119 (mobile) or 646-450-6027 (office).

Proud Sponsors of the 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program include ATI SystemsAttivo NetworksAutomatic Systems, and Desktop Alert.

2018 'ASTORS' Homeland Security Awards Presentation Luncheon
2018 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Presentation Luncheon

Be sure to Register Early for the 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon at ISC East 2019 to ensure your place at this limited- space event!

Why American Security Today?

American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State and local levels of government as well as firms allied to government.

The old traditional security marketplace has been covered by a host of security publications that have changed little over many years.

American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that provides our readers with solutions to their challenges.

Our Editorial staff provides a full plate of topics for our AST monthly digital editions, AST Website and AST Daily News Alerts.

‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’

Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications
Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications

The editorial calendar and AST’s high drawing website features 23 different Technology and Marketing Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities and Emergency Response among others.

AST has Expanded readership into vital Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other Potential targets of terrorism.These sectors are part of the new integration, where these major applications communicate with one another in a variety of solutions to protect our cities and critical infrastructure.

Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – enticing targets for extremist or lone wolf attacks due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.

AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:

  • Provides named sources
  • Reported by more than one notable outlet
  • Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos

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