The article reports on documents released by America First Legal (AFL) obtained from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that illustrate DHS training programs depicting white individuals and conservative values as leaning towards radicalism. These programs, including a "Choose Your Own Adventure" style exercise, present scenarios featuring white characters who gradually become involved in violent extremism.
An August 2020 memo from DHS identifies domestic violent extremism (DVE) as the most serious terrorist threat, with white supremacist extremists (WSE) labeled as the most persistent and lethal. Data cited in the memo shows that WSEs were responsible for a significant portion of lethal DVE attacks between 2018 and 2019.
The article highlights additional controversial DHS initiatives: a "Family First" photoshoot campaign aimed at addressing radicalization within families and the use of taxpayer funds to expand capabilities to identify individuals as extremists. Concerns are raised about DHS using the Babel X software to track social media posts of Americans.
AFL criticizes DHS's actions, stating the agency is using taxpayer money to label innocent people as extremists. Concerns are raised about the potential for censorship and government overreach in monitoring and profiling individuals. The article mentions past criticisms leveled at DHS regarding its links between domestic terrorism and misinformation, and the use of Babel X software for social media surveillance.
The DHS's Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) Grant Program, receiving significant funding, is mentioned. The program aims to prevent extremist attacks and involves collaborations with left-leaning nonprofits to utilize various outreach methods.