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Homeland Security Chief Defends Polygraph Use to Combat Leaks
Amid ongoing concerns about sensitive information breaches, Homeland Security Under Secretary Kristi Noem is defending her department’s controversial strategy of employing polygraph examinations to ensure staff loyalty and identify potential leakers. This move comes as the department intensifies efforts to implement border security measures.
Lie Detector Test Administered to FEMA Chief
Recent reports indicate that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reportedly subjected Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Cameron Hamilton to a polygraph test. This action was purportedly taken to verify that Hamilton had not divulged classified details from a meeting with a presidential advisor.
According to reports, Hamilton successfully passed the examination and was exonerated of any misconduct.
DHS Stands Firm on Leak Prevention Efforts
Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, affirmed the department’s stance on their methods in a statement to Fox News.
‘Under Secretary Noem’s leadership, DHS makes no apologies for its dedication to identifying and eliminating individuals who leak confidential information, thereby jeopardizing national security,’ McLaughlin stated.
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‘Regardless of position, seniority, political affiliation, or civil service status, we are committed to pursuing and prosecuting leakers to the fullest extent of the law.’
February Vow to Utilize Polygraphs
DHS initially pledged in February to utilize polygraph tests as a measure to identify staff members responsible for information leaks. This commitment followed concerns raised by former border official Tom Homan, who suggested that an internal leak had alerted undocumented immigrants about an impending enforcement operation.
Homan asserted at the time that leaked information was exploited by Tren de Aragua gang affiliates to evade Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Colorado and California, hindering law enforcement operations.
In a post on X, McLaughlin reiterated, ‘The Department of Homeland Security is a national security agency. We are authorized, and obligated, to polygraph personnel.’
Directive from Under Secretary Noem
Sources indicate that the directive to employ polygraphs originated directly from Under Secretary Noem. An internal memo reportedly instructed the department to include a specific question in future polygraph examinations concerning unauthorized communications with journalists and private citizens.
Pentagon Addresses National Security Leaks
In March, the Department of Defense also announced an investigation into information leaks posing risks to national security. As part of this inquiry, the Pentagon stated that the use of lie detector tests on Department of Defense personnel would not be ruled out.
Under Secretary Noem disclosed last month the identification of two individuals suspected of leaking sensitive details regarding planned Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids.
‘We intend to prosecute these individuals and hold them responsible for their actions,’ she affirmed.
Polygraph Use in Federal Agencies
While the DHS’s widespread use of polygraphs represents a notable shift in practice for the department, several federal agencies, including the FBI, CIA, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), have a history of utilizing polygraph examinations during the agent recruitment process.
Furthermore, the FBI has employed lie detector tests for personnel with access to highly classified information since 2001, following the arrest of Robert Hanssen, an employee convicted of espionage for Russia.
FEMA Chief’s Polygraph Amid Agency Scrutiny
The polygraph examination of FEMA Administrator Hamilton occurred against the backdrop of reports suggesting the Trump administration was contemplating reducing the agency’s scope.
‘It complicates matters,’ Hamilton reportedly remarked in January. ‘FEMA’s performance has been lacking for the past four years.’
‘Without effective leadership, it becomes an impediment. FEMA’s future will be a significant discussion soon, as I believe states are better equipped to manage their own challenges.’
FEMA’s role involves deploying emergency responders, resources, and equipment to assist communities in recovering from natural disasters.
In an email to staff, Hamilton sought to reassure them of FEMA’s crucial role in national disaster response.
‘FEMA is a vital agency performing an essential mission in support of our nation’s security,’ he stated.