Artificial intelligence is a top priority for the Department of Homeland Security, and while it has made strides in AI adoption, the agency still has a ways to go to master the technology.
Get an inside look at DHS’ top AI priorities at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2024 Homeland Security Summit on Nov. 13, where government and industry homeland security experts will come together to discuss the department’s most pressing challenges and pave a pathway for future mission success. Secure your spot at the 2024 Homeland Security Summit to dive into the conversation.
To achieve AI excellence, DHS is investing heavily in various AI programs across a wide range of use cases. Learn more about the department’s approach to AI below.
Research & Development
DHS has zeroed in on research and development as a way to realize its AI vision. Its Science and Technology Directorate — the premier R&D organization within the department — is a driving force behind these efforts.
S&T’s AI projects primarily focus on three areas: trustworthy AI and autonomous systems, or AS; adversarial AI; and advanced applications of AI and AS. Through its research, the agency hopes to promote responsible AI adoption, protect AI systems from adversary attacks and evaluate the potential of AI across numerous use cases. Current S&T programs are looking into the technology’s applications in computer vision, natural language processing and more.
AI Use Cases in DHS
Border Security
One of DHS’ main objectives is to ensure the security of U.S. borders, and the department is evaluating ways in which AI could contribute to this mission.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has been an early adopter of AI technologies, and is currently looking to expand its use of AI in several areas, such as identity verification, drug detection and more. GovCon Wire took an in-depth look into CBP’s AI journey in a recent article.
IT Optimization
In September 2023, DHS released its IT Strategic Plan for fiscal years 2024-2028. The strategy is built on six main goals, the second of which is to responsibly use AI to enhance mission operations and service delivery. This portion of the plan includes four key objectives:
- Adopting AI technology
- Ensuring safe, trustworthy and responsible AI use
- Developing enabling AI infrastructure
- Building an AI-ready workforce
Training
Earlier this year, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services launched a pilot program to test the use of generative AI to help train officers to screen individuals applying for refugee status.
During the training process, the technology “will pretend to be a refugee applicant and give them answers, new answers, to practice the three hour long interview with an automated system,” according to Michael Boyce, director of DHS’ AI Corps.
DHS Bolstering AI Leadership Team
DHS took an important step forward in its AI efforts with the September 2023 appointment of Eric Hysen, — who also serves as the department’s chief information officer — as its first-ever chief AI officer, FedScoop reported. As DHS’ AI head, Hysen leads AI innovation programs, ensures the responsible use of AI and advises department leadership on the technology.
In June, DHS formed its AI Corps, a team of experts dedicated to promoting the responsible implementation of AI in support of cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection, immigration service delivery and more. Boyce was selected as director of the organization in its first hiring wave, which brought in 10 additional AI professionals.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to hear DHS officials and industry executives take a deep dive into the department’s AI goals! Connect with these elite leaders at the 2024 Homeland Security Summit.
