The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has initiated polygraph tests among its employees to identify individuals who may have leaked sensitive information about immigration operations to the media. This measure spans multiple agencies within DHS, although the exact number of employees subjected to these tests remains undisclosed. The department's strategy to utilize polygraphs, while not new, draws attention due to the recent identification of two leakers whose actions allegedly endangered law enforcement personnel.
Polygraph tests are a known tool at DHS, historically used by Customs and Border Protection for screening new hires. Now, they are being employed to ask employees targeted questions about leaking classified or sensitive documents related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. The department's decision to expand the use of polygraphs was first reported by Bloomberg Government.
The leaks have been blamed for lower-than-expected ICE arrest numbers, with both Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and border czar Tom Homan attributing these figures to compromised information. The department intends to prosecute the identified leakers. Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the gravity of prosecuting those responsible for the leaks.
"We have identified two leakers of information here at the Department of Homeland Security who have been telling individuals about our operations and putting law enforcement lives in jeopardy. We plan to prosecute these two individuals and hold them accountable for what they've done." – Kristi Noem
The implementation of polygraph testing illustrates DHS's commitment to maintaining operational security and integrity. The tests aim to prevent further leaks that could undermine law enforcement efforts and jeopardize safety. Despite the department's proactive measures, a spokesperson for DHS did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the situation.