Vision: The Department of Homeland Security will enhance its capability to safeguard the 

American people, our homeland, and our values through the responsible integration of artificial 

intelligence (AI) into the Department’s activities and by mitigating new risks posed by AI.

December 3, 2020

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE STRATEGY
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................1

STRATEGIC VISION ...................................................................................................................... 2

DHS APPROACH.......................................................................................................................... 3

DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION..................................................................4

GOAL ONE - ASSESS POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF AI.............................................6

OBJECTIVE 1.1: DEVELOP KNOWLEDGE OF TECHNICAL APPLICATIONS OF AI............................. 6

OBJECTIVE 1.2: IDENTIFY OPPORTUNITIES FOR AI USE............................................................... 6

OBJECTIVE 1.3: IDENTIFY CRITICAL IMPACT ON CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE............................. 6

GOAL TWO - INVEST IN AI CAPABILITIES ...................................................................... 7

OBJECTIVE 2.1: DEVELOP PHASED PLANS TO UPGRADE DEPARTMENT INFRASTRUCTURE .......... 7

OBJECTIVE 2.2: DEVELOP BUDGET REQUIREMENTS FOR AI........................................................ 7

OBJECTIVE 2.3: SURVEY EXISTING CAPABILITIES FOR SECURITY AND STORAGE ........................ 7

GOAL THREE – MITIGATE AI RISKS ................................................................................. 9

OBJECTIVE 3.1: PRODUCE AND RELEASE PUBLIC AI DATA USE GUIDANCE................................ 9

OBJECTIVE 3.2: DESIGN A PROGRAM TO CURATE NATIVE DATA SETS........................................ 9

OBJECTIVE 3.3: DOCUMENT SMART ENGINEERING AND OPERATING PRACTICES..................10

OBJECTIVE 3.4: DESIGN A PROGRAM TO CURATE NATIVE DATA SETS..............................10

OBJECTIVE 3.5: FORMALIZE AI GOVERNANCE PROCESS.............................................10

OBJECTIVE 3.6: TARGETED ENGAGEMENT AND EDUCATION.........................................10

OBJECTIVE 3.7: COMMUNITY STANDARDS.............................................................11

OBJECTIVE 3.8: DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS...................................11

OBJECTIVE 3.9: COUNTER ADVERSARIAL USE OF AI .................................................11

GOAL FOUR – WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.............................................................. 12

OBJECTIVE 4.1: IDENTIFY CURRENT AI EXPERTISE AND GAPS.................................................. 12

OBJECTIVE 4.2: IDENTIFY EXTERNAL AI TRAINING COURSES................................................... 12

OBJECTIVE 4.3: DEVELOP PUBLIC/PRIVATE SECTOR FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM ........................... 12

GOAL FIVE – IMPROVE PUBLIC TRUST AND ENGAGEMENT..........................14

OBJECTIVE 5.1: DEVELOP STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS PLAN....................................14

OBJECTIVE 5.2: ESTABLISH A FRAMEWORK FOR RELEASING AI INFORMATION...................14

OBJECTIVE 5.3: COMMUNICATE IDENTIFIED AI-ENABLED THREATS...............................15

CONCLUSION..............................................................................................16
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INTRODUCTION

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to automated, machine-based technologies with at least some

capacity for self-governance that can, for a given set of human-defined objectives, make 

predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing real or virtual environments. The 

increased use of AI is inevitable as part of the ongoing global race to leverage new technologies 

for competitive advantages by nations and to increase economic prosperity by private sector 

entities. Use of AI can transform global economies, effect U.S. national security, and impact 

American citizens in their daily lives. The potential impact of AI also extends to critical

infrastructure sectors like manufacturing, financial services, transportation, healthcare, energy, 

and food and agriculture. 

AI presents opportunities for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to more effectively or 

efficiently accomplish our mission to secure the homeland. Yet with increased use of AI systems 

across the homeland security enterprise, comes increased risk. These risks include compromised 

or poorly designed AI systems, as well as adversarial use of AI technologies by unfriendly 

nations or criminals to increase their malicious capabilities. The potential impacts from AI on

the security of the homeland and upon our Department’s operational activities—both positive 

and negative—make it imperative for DHS to take a proactive role in the use of AI systems and 

to contribute to the national conversation on the secure use of this transformative technology.

Therefore, DHS must act to ensure it is positioned to capitalize on the opportunities and benefits 

of AI, while constantly evaluating risks associated with the use of AI across the homeland 

security enterprise and the adversarial use of AI to cause us harm.

AI offers rich opportunities to improve the way we accomplish our mission across DHS

Components. Efforts to secure the border, identify and interdict criminal actors, and secure 

cyberspace will be aided by use of AI systems. This strategy therefore seeks to prioritize the 

responsible use of AI by DHS while also mitigating AI-related risks to our homeland, citizens, 

and values. 

While we work to reap the potential benefits of AI as a Department, we must also ensure that our 

use of AI comports with best practices and promotes trust and confidence of the public and of 

our domestic and international partners. DHS will be guided by the principles set forth in 

Executive Order 13690, Promoting the Use of Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence in the Federal 

Government (December 3, 2020). Trust in the Department’s expertise to identify and mitigate 

security risks and in its responsible use of its own AI systems is at the core of DHS’s future 

success and leadership in AI. Furthermore, public input, especially in those instances where AI 

uses sensitive personal information, will improve the Department’s accountability and increase 

the trust and confidence of the American people.

However, we must also be aware of other risks associated with the use of AI by partners and 

stakeholders across the homeland security enterprise, and the risks associated with the malicious 

use of AI to threaten the homeland. Potential adversarial use of AI will continue to evolve at 

pace with the development of the technology. Adversaries can increasingly use AI-enabled 

systems to exploit or overcome security measures currently in place at our physical borders 

including at ports-of-entry, in cyberspace, in election systems, and beyond. DHS will work to 
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make our nation more secure and resilient against the malicious use of AI and other emerging 

technologies by other nations and by criminals. 

DHS will take a proactive role in the ongoing national conversation on AI by issuing this 

strategy and through the development of a subsequent implementation plan. The strategy sets 

out five goals to govern the Department’s approach to successfully integrating AI into our 

mission in a responsible and trustworthy manner and successfully mitigating risks associated 

with AI across the homeland security enterprise.

Figure 1. DHS AI Goals

These concrete and achievable goals for DHS are consistent with the Department’s strategic 

vision which is set out below and is grounded in a risk-informed model that fosters 

accountability, transparency, trust, and security. 

Strategic Vision

Our strategic vision is that DHS will become a global leader in policy development, governance, 

and the use of AI systems as we lead national efforts to mitigate against institutional and 

enterprise risks posed by AI. DHS Components will take actions to identify opportunities for 

purpose-driven and tailored AI solutions for mission enhancement and continuously identify 

risks when considering the use case for a new AI system or when evaluating an existing system.

DHS will simultaneously engage with external partners, including the public, to effectively 

communicate its AI policies and to grow and maintain an expert workforce to lead the 

responsible and accountable use of AI throughout the system’s life cycle.

In furtherance of its mission, DHS will strive for the highest standards of transparency, 

accountability, and public outreach. Public trust in the Department’s expertise to operate its own 

AI systems and to identify and mitigate security risks is at the core of DHS’s future success and 

DHS AI Goals

1. Assess Potential Impact of AI on the Homeland Security Enterprise

2. Invest in DHS AI Capabilities

3. Mitigate AI Risks to the Department and to the Homeland

4. Develop a DHS AI Workforce

5. Improve Public Trust and Engagement
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leadership in AI. Innovation and growth in AI should therefore be prioritized, in all instances, in 

accordance with fundamental rules and best practices to address the creation, acquisition, 

privacy, integrity, security, quality, and use of AI systems and any associated data sources. 

We will remain always vigilant to emerging AI risks in carrying out the vital missions of 

protecting the American people as the Department becomes a leading practitioner of AI. DHS 

will develop comprehensive risk assessments and mitigation measures to ensure the continued 

success of the homeland security mission and protection against adversarial use of AI. DHS will

leverage existing and new partnerships across the AI and homeland security communities to 

inform and manage AI risks to the homeland.

DHS Approach

DHS has a responsibility to the American people to innovate in support of its mission and to do 

so responsibly and deliberately. AI has already emerged as a technology and is increasingly 

ubiquitous in applications used every day across private sector, academia, and the U.S. 

Government. As is the case across the Federal Government, DHS is currently deploying and 

operating various AI systems. AI brings tremendous potential to improve processes that yield 

increased efficiency and effectiveness across the public and private sectors alike. As with any 

technology, however, opportunities for innovation come with risks. 

For DHS to accomplish our mission to safeguard the American people, our homeland, and our 

values, we must use AI consistent with law and respectful of those values we seek to safeguard. 

We must ensure, for example, that DHS Components have measures in place to increase 

transparency, accountability, and to regularly monitor AI systems for potential bias and error. 

The integration of AI into the current technology landscape combined with the rapid pace of 

development led the White House to develop EO 13960. That executive order sets forth the 

principles that will guide the use of AI across the Federal Government and by the Department. 

The principles were designed to provide a framework for DHS and other federal agencies to 

consider when weighing the adoption of AI solutions. This DHS AI Strategy is guided by and 

builds upon the principles in the EO. The DHS AI Strategy seeks to position the Department to 

take advantage of creative and innovative AI solutions consistent with the principles in EO 

13960.

While the principles of EO 13960 will serve as our foundation, this strategy sets forth broader 

strategic goals that will prepare the Department to be a responsible and trustworthy user of AI 

and to secure the homeland against risks presented by AI technology and by adversarial use of 

AI. AI has shown great promise at DHS to enhance a variety of missions such as cybersecurity 

protections, law enforcement investigations, and a range of other operational efficiencies.

Currently, however, these DHS AI systems operate in the absence of a unified, enterprise-level 

strategic approach to AI usage and investment. 

The first goal of this strategy calls for the Department to take a comprehensive, wholistic, and 

strategic look at AI in terms of the potential impacts—positive and negative—that it can have 

across our mission set. Such an assessment, leveraging expertise inside and outside the 
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Department, will better position DHS to effectively make informed decisions about its AI-related 

efforts. Goal 2 then focuses on the need for strategic investment by DHS in AI, including an 

assessment of current capabilities, a Department-wide effort to invest in core infrastructure 

needed to run advanced AI algorithms securely and efficiently, consideration of realistic research 

and development opportunities, and associated budget priorities. The objectives under Goal 2 

will drive a concentrated effort to strategically position DHS to take advantage of the 

opportunities present by AI. 

As previously noted, AI also presents risks and challenges for DHS in addition to significant

opportunities. As recognized in EO 13960, questions around the governance of AI systems 

remains a persistent problem across academia, legal circles, and the AI user community. Goal 3 

identifies a series of objectives to ensure that DHS implements the principles set out in EO 

13960 to ensure that DHS AI systems are accurate, safe, understandable, and regularly monitored 

as part of a consistent approach to effective governance rather than through ad hoc DHS 

Component practices. Goal 3 also sets out strategic objectives to address other risks posed by 

reliance on AI systems across the homeland security enterprise and potential adversarial use of 

AI to target the homeland. Key objectives include engaging and educating key stakeholders 

about AI risk, supporting the development of community and international AI standards, and 

mitigating identified adversarial use AI risks to the homeland. 

Of course, a foundation for success in meeting these first three strategic goals will be the 

development of a professional AI workforce supporting the homeland security mission. Goal 4 

therefore focuses on the need for DHS to improve its ability to attract and retain AI professionals 

across disciplines as it works to improve its science, technology, engineering, and mathematics 

(STEM) workforce. To keep pace with the development and application of new AI systems, the 

Department must develop and retain an expert AI workforce within our Science & Technology 

Directorate (S&T) and across other DHS Components. Reflective of a national need for AI 

professionals in government, private industry, and academia, DHS must partner with the 

academic and private sectors to become a destination of choice for highly educated and highly 

talented STEM experts. Similarly, DHS success must be founded on engagements that will build 

public trust in AI generally and in DHS’s use of AI particularly. Goal 5 focuses therefore sets 

out objectives for DHS efforts to engage and increase such trust. 

DHS faces both opportunities and challenges to achieve our vision to become a leader in the 

trustworthy use of AI. We recognize the need to prioritize and inspire creative and innovative 

thinking that leads to the rapid and safe adoption of new technologies. We also recognize the 

need to identify and mitigate possible risks from AI by investing in our capabilities to meet those 

challenges. Our efforts, guided by the principles in EO 13960, will contribute to an 

improvement of the public’s trust in the Department’s ability to use AI effectively and 

responsibly to safeguard our homeland, our citizens, and our values.
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Development and Implementation

The DHS Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans (PLCY) led the development of this strategy in 

collaboration with all DHS Components. DHS will also issue a corresponding implementation 

plan to outline DHS Component roles, responsibilities, programs, and timelines for 

accomplishing these goals and objectives.

This strategy and the implementation plan will be used to harmonize and prioritize DHS AI

planning, programming, budget, training, and execution activities. In addition, the Joint 

Requirements Council will utilize the strategy and implementation plan to support the review of 

capability gap analyses and requirements generated by relevant Components. PLCY will 

annually assess implementation of this strategy and provide a report to the Secretary. The report 

will include areas of success, opportunities for improvement, constraints impeding progress, and 

suggested adjustments to the strategy. DHS will review and assess the need to update this 

strategy in 2024, and periodically thereafter.
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GOAL ONE – ASSESS POTENTIAL IMPACT OF AI ON THE HOMELAND 

SECURITY ENTERPRISE

The rapid development of AI and its broad applicability present opportunities for DHS to 

improve our mission execution but also new risks to our mission execution and risks to the 

homeland from increased adversary capabilities. DHS will begin by improving its strategic 

cooperation with interagency partners, foreign partners, academia, and the private sector to 

continually assess AI’s impact to the DHS mission. Improved strategic cooperation will

effectively position the Department to make critical and informed assessments of the impact of 

AI technology across its missions, both positive and negative. Such cooperation will provide the 

Department with broad perspectives on the most up-to-date information on the research, 

development, and potential applications of AI. 

AI-related opportunities and risks will evolve at the pace of technological development and the 

Department must be positioned to act quickly to leverage new technologies. Concurrently, DHS 

must also counter threats such as AI-enabled computer network intrusions, threats to critical 

infrastructure, deep-fakes, big data processing, and misinformation campaigns. Accomplishment 

of this goal will create a robust and diverse understanding of opportunities and risks to the 

Department’s mission while advancing the principles of EO 13960 domestically and 

internationally.

Objective 1.1: Develop Knowledge of Technical Applications of AI

DHS will partner with private sector entities, international partners, and academic institutions to

survey and assess current research and publications related to AI technological developments 

with the goal of assessing AI impacts specific to the homeland security mission. This objective 

will position the Department to identify possible AI-associated opportunities and risks, and to

develop mitigation measures to counter the risks. 

Objective 1.2: Identify Opportunities for AI Use

DHS will identify legacy systems, processes, and mission areas to which the addition of a 

purpose-driven and tailored AI solution would result in increased efficiencies, optimal use of 

resources, and general mission enhancement across the Department. Integration of AI will be 

guided by the principles in EO 13960 and in accordance with Objective 3.1 below. 

Objective 1.3: Identify Critical Applications and Impact of AI on U.S. Critical Infrastructure

DHS will leverage its existing authorities and relationships and examine the need for new

relationships to engage the critical infrastructure community and academia to inform and study 

the current and future beneficial effects and risks of AI on U.S. critical infrastructure systems. 
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GOAL TWO – INVEST IN DHS AI CAPABILITIES

DHS must take steps to ensure that we are able to take advantage of new AI systems and the 

opportunities they present. AI algorithms rely on advanced computational capabilities, secure 

data storage, and the infrastructure to move large amounts of data at high speeds. DHS will

therefore survey existing capabilities, identify gaps, and invest in infrastructure and supporting 

technologies to support the large computational and data storage demands of future DHS AI 

systems. 

Infrastructure investments shall be structured in a manner that is consistent with law and policy, 

particularly when such infrastructure uses, leverages, or maintains personally identifiable 

information (PII). Specifically, the Department will focus on high performance computing, 

secure cloud computing, special purpose processors, Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) 

capabilities, fast data connections, large data storage and computation capabilities, and improved 

data connections. This investment will serve as the foundation upon which future AI capabilities 

can be built and will give the Secretary the option to implement an AI solution to execute DHS 

missions.

DHS will also develop research and development priorities to determine whether and how to 

contribute limited departmental R&D funding to support AI systems most relevant to the 

homeland security enterprise. To support these objectives, DHS must relook at current and 

future budgets in light of the impact AI will have on DHS operations and activities.

Accomplishment of this goal in the spirit of this strategy will position the Department as a 

Federal Government leader in AI-ready infrastructure and capabilities and contribute to public 

trust in the responsible use of AI consistent with Goal 5. 

Objective 2.1: Survey Existing Computational and Data Storage Capabilities for Security and 

Storage Capacity

DHS will assemble a cadre of internal and external computational capacity, data storage, and 

security experts across DHS Components to survey the current state of the Department’s AIready infrastructure to make recommendations on how it can be improved. DHS Components 

will then consider the recommendations for their infrastructure investment consistent with Goal 

Three.

Objective 2.2: Develop Phased Plans to Upgrade Department Infrastructure 

Leveraging insights learned through Goal One and its Objectives, DHS will produce a phased 

plan to upgrade the Department’s computational capability, data storage, and associated 

infrastructure in accordance with the identified risks and needs aligned with related efforts to 

deploy secure IT systems. The Department will prioritize areas of greatest need from both a 

technical and risk mitigation perspective.
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Objective 2.3: Evaluate and Invest in AI Research and Development

The Department will consistently evaluate AI research and development and invest in 

technologies with the potential to enhance the homeland security mission.

Objective 2.4: Develop the Department’s Budget Requirements for AI

Multiple think-tank, university, and government studies call for a substantial increase to the U.S.

Government’s overall spending on government AI systems and the funding of research and 

development to keep the United States in a leadership position in its development. DHS 

Components will evaluate their current and projected AI needs and produce a projected budget 

requirement for necessary infrastructure upgrades. Associated resource increases must include 

both systems and the teams needed to maximize value and provide oversight. Proposed 

infrastructure upgrades will also improve other mission functions bringing a broad benefit to the 

Department’s capabilities.
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GOAL THREE – MITIGATE AI RISKS TO THE DEPARTMENT AND TO THE 

HOMELAND

AI will pose evolving risks to DHS activities as we start to incorporate AI systems into our 

operations. More broadly, AI increased use of AI will also introduce new and evolving risk to

the homeland security enterprise as new technologies and applications are relied upon by our 

partners and stakeholders. This includes risks from adversarial efforts to compromise AI 

systems or to use AI technology to target the homeland.

Mindful of these risks DHS will produce a comprehensive risk outlook and develop mitigation 

measures to ensure the continued success of the homeland security mission. DHS will cultivate a 

robust set of partnerships across the AI and homeland security communities to inform and 

manage risks related to AI applications. 

DHS will also develop the policies, practices, and expertise necessary to serve as a model for AI 

deployment to organizations that function in complex operating environments. Furthermore, 

DHS will ensure transparency to the extent practicable around AI determinations that impact 

individuals or entities so that the American public can understand decision making influenced by 

AI systems and inform regulatory and policy outcomes. 

Objective 3.1: Develop a Process for Continual Evaluation of AI Risks

The pace of research and development of AI technology and applications, as well as the rapid 

increase in computing power using classical and quantum architectures, demands a constant and 

continual evaluation of AI risks. Components operating AI systems to support their missions 

must also continually validate the performance of their system to monitor for and take action to 

mitigate risks posed by bias or other unintended outcomes. DHS will develop a process by 

leveraging expertise from inside the Department, private sector, and academia partners to 

produce a report for the Secretary outlining the current state and projected future risks of AI to 

the homeland. 

Objective 3.2: Produce and Release Public AI Data Use Guidance

The appropriate use of data for the training or operation of an AI system is central to the 

responsible integration of AI technology into the successful execution of our mission and

mitigating certain risks associated with DHS reliance on AI systems. DHS will prioritize the 

production of specific guidance on the use of data by DHS Components for AI purposes 

consistent with applicable legal requirements, including requirements related to data use and 

privacy to avoid issues of efficiency, trustworthiness, and biased system outcomes. 

This guidance will, to the extent practicable, be released publicly and will clearly state the 

circumstances under which different types of data will be used and what measures DHS 

Components will take to protect privacy and ensure the responsible and trustworthy use of AI by 

DHS. DHS guidance and strategic vision can serve as a model across the homeland security 
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enterprise for entities using AI systems including our state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) 

partners, critical infrastructure, and law enforcement consistent with protection of privacy,

individual rights, economic development, and national security.

Objective 3.3: Design and Implement a Program to Curate Native Datasets for Optimum AI Use

Human-curated training data for AI systems is critical to ensuring trust in the output and 

operation of AI systems used by DHS. DHS will ensure that the algorithmic training matches 

the intended outcome for the system. DHS Components holding data that is currently or may be 

used in the operation or training of an AI system will design and implement a program to curate 

their datasets to optimize the use of AI in such a manner that mitigates the potential for biases, 

which could negatively impact the integrity or reliability of the AI system or degrade public 

trust, in accordance with the guidance developed by DHS as part of Objective 2.1. 

Objective 3.4: Document Smart Engineering and Operating Practices

DHS Components shall include in any proposal for the use of an AI system a mechanism by 

which the data used to train the system is, to the extent practicable, accessible by managers and 

operators of the system. The accessibility shall also extend to affected populations outside of 

certain military, foreign intelligence collection, or law enforcement activities. By doing so, DHS 

Components will address potential issues with system explainability and operational integrity.

Documentation of engineering and operating practices by DHS Components makes it more 

feasible to provide assurances of both ethical alignment and operational integrity of AI systems.

Components shall also use privacy engineering concepts to the greatest possible extent and 

document the consideration of these concepts. 

The Department will not obscure its use of AI to support operations but will be transparent to the 

extent practicable, to build public trust and to encourage public and private development of AI 

systems that are accountable to users, the public, oversight bodies and the legal system. In all 

cases in which AI is used, operational assessments of potential risk and harm, the magnitude of 

those risks and harms, the technical state of the art, and the potential benefits of the AI system 

must be substantiated to facilitate both explainability and transparency. 

 

Objective 3.5: Formalize AI Governance Processes at DHS

DHS will establish a DHS-enterprise wide AI Coordination and Advisory Council (Council) 

composed of internal subject matter experts to monitor and support the adoption of AI 

technology by DHS Components. The Council will leverage external and internal experts to 

assist DHS Components in AI adoption; to study and share best practices from other agencies 

and the private sector; and to coordinate with internal DHS governance bodies, as appropriate to 

allow Components to develop unique AI requirements that align with their respective missions. 

This Council will also consider legal, compliance, classification, civil rights and civil liberties,

and privacy implications and responsibilities related to DHS AI projects, methods and 

capabilities. 
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Objective 3.6: Targeted Engagement and Education to Homeland Security Enterprise Partners

DHS will prioritize the sharing of risk information associated with the use of AI with SLTT 

partners, critical infrastructure operators, and other partners in the homeland security enterprise. 

The Department will also educate these partners on good AI use practices and risk mitigation 

techniques to ensure the security and responsible use of AI across the enterprise.

Objective 3.7: Community Standards

DHS will support interagency and infrastructure community efforts to institute standards 

governing responsible use of AI technologies. Through development and communication of 

shared best practices and standards, infrastructure usage of AI can be more securely deployed. 

Objective 3.8: Development of International AI Standards

DHS will seek consistent and ongoing international cooperation from a broad range of partners 

to focus on the development of mutually agreed upon principles on responsible stewardship of 

trustworthy AI; multi-stakeholder, consensus-driven global technical standards for 

interoperability; internationally comparable metrics to measure AI research, development, and 

deployment. 

The increased perspective on AI challenges presented in other countries will allow DHS to 

anticipate potential risks and respond in an effective manner. Increased cooperation on AI with 

international partners will also allow the opportunity for the Department to advance the 

principles of this strategy with like-minded nations.

Objective 3.9: Counter Adversarial Use of AI Against the Department and the Homeland

DHS will take a strategic approach to mitigate and counter efforts by our adversaries to leverage 

AI technology against the Department and the homeland. DHS will maintain a broad and 

evolving picture of potential AI risks and AI capabilities of our adversaries to inform the

Secretary of potential risks and take effective actions to counter malicious activity.
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GOAL FOUR – DEVELOP DHS AI WORKFORCE

Critical to any DHS implementation and maintenance of an AI system is a trained workforce, 

including AI policy and privacy professionals, that can manage augmentation of current systems 

with AI functionality, design and implement new AI augmented systems and understand how 

advances in the field can benefit the Department. DHS Components will prioritize the hiring and 

development of AI professionals to manage and maintain systems in a manner that preserves

public trust in the stewardship of AI systems and associated data. The Department will also 

engage in outreach to institutions training AI professionals to offer specific internships and 

fellowships for AI students and professionals. Accomplishment of this goal in the spirit of this 

strategy will grow and mature an expert cadre of uniquely DHS AI professionals supporting the 

Department’s missions.

Objective 4.1: Identify Current AI Expertise and Gaps Across DHS Enterprise

DHS will evaluate its current AI use footprint and compare its in-house AI experience with the 

expertise requirements to responsibly manage and operate its systems. DHS will further conduct 

a survey to identify current employees with AI expertise. These employees will be made 

available as an enterprise resource on an ad hoc basis for DHS Components lacking sufficient AI 

experience to evaluate the need for a new AI solution or to evaluate an existing AI system for its 

overall technical health and for compliance with this strategy, under the oversight of the AI

Coordinating and Advisory Council. The gap that exists between the native DHS AI experience 

and the proliferation of AI use in the Department will inform actions by DHS to recruit and 

retain AI expertise.

Objective 4.2: Identify External AI Training Courses and Make Available to Workforce

Components will identify external AI training courses consistent with their AI needs and make 

them available to the workforce. Components should make training funds available to cover the 

cost of appropriate AI courses. This training program will encourage the growth of an expert AI 

cadre native to DHS. Along with increased operational effectiveness, AI carries enterprise-level 

fiscal, legal, security, operational and political risk. Training will, therefore, also be made 

available to business users, oversight and advisory office staff, managers and leadership who 

support and have oversight on AI projects. Formal and informal internal training will also be 

made available, as appropriate. 
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Objective 4.3: Partner with Academic and Private Sector to Develop a Public/Private Sector 

Fellowship Program

Consistent with Goal 1, DHS will continue to develop partnerships with academic and privatesector research and technology entities and engage in an exchange program sending DHS 

employees on rotation to private firms and academic institutions and accepting private and 

academic researchers and technical experts on rotation to DHS. Fellows will be a key part of 

future DHS AI workforce and be required to report to their Component and the broader 

Department on the state of AI research and development and new potential applications 

impacting Departmental equities. This effort will keep DHS at the leading edge of AI 

development.
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GOAL FIVE – IMPROVE PUBLIC TRUST AND ENGAGEMENT

The trust of the American people is vital to the success of the implementation and responsible 

use of AI by the Department. AI technology is not widely understood and, as such, carries a 

negative connotation with many non-experts. Further, the public must trust that the Department 

is evaluating AI-enabled threat vectors to the homeland using well-informed experts. Public 

trust will strengthen the Department’s use of AI by ensuring the support of the citizens it intends 

to protect and guard against reputational impacts to the Department. 

DHS will facilitate this trust by engaging strategically with the American public regarding AI. 

DHS will also ensure that DHS Components fully consider privacy and civil liberty implications 

when leveraging personal information; engage in a public comment period as appropriate; and 

consult with the AI Advisory and Coordination Council to ensure Departmental equities are 

addressed and to leverage expertise from other parts of DHS to support the project. DHS will 

also seek to engage the public on AI risks to the maximum extent practicable. Accomplishment 

of this goal will result in an educated and supportive American public who supports the 

Department’s transparent and accountable use of AI in accordance with this strategy and 

applicable Executive Branch guidance.

Objective 5.1: Develop strategic communications plan to support Communication to the Public 

on AI

DHS will produce guidance for DHS-wide communication with the public on AI. This 

communication will apply Department-wide with exceptions for certain military, law 

enforcement, and intelligence activities and be oriented toward increasing public awareness of 

AI systems in general and communicating the Department’s position on responsible and 

trustworthy use of human-involved AI with examples of how that position is being carried out.

DHS will also ensure a public communications plan will be developed and implemented across

the Department. The communication plan will make clear the importance of AI for protecting 

the homeland and will also serve to deter adversaries. This plan shall effectively and clearly 

identify: 1) the intended use, 2) data elements needed for algorithmic training and function, 3) 

parameters and levels of human oversight and decision making, 4) transparency regarding the

collection, use, dissemination, disclosure, and protection of information, 5) benchmarking and 

subsequent auditing of the system performance, 6) accuracy of results and means of providing 

individuals redress for inaccuracies, improper use, or disclosure, and 7) decision making 

parameters performed by humans and by an algorithm. 

Objective 5.2: Establish a Framework for Releasing AI System Information for Public Comment

Future AI systems implemented by DHS will require a public release of system information with 

appropriate exceptions for certain sensitive military and intelligence systems, and some 

exceptions for law enforcement activities. DHS will produce a framework for releasing AI 

system information and a process for public comment.
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Objective 5.3: Communicate Identified AI-Related Risks

In support of establishing public trust in AI, the Department will seek to communicate the 

identification of AI-related risks when practical and considering intelligence collection, law 

enforcement, and military equities.
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CONCLUSION

In an age of the reemergence of great power competition, the United States faces threats to its 

homeland, its citizens, and its values from more vectors than ever before. This fact is 

compounded by the rapid development of a new technological frontier in AI. AI provides

numerous challenges for DHS including its responsible use of AI consistent with American 

values and securing the homeland in light of new and evolving risks. It is imperative that the 

Department not only to prevail over these challenges, but also lead in investment and integration 

of AI technology into accomplishing our mission. 

The Department will evolve to ensure it is postured for continued mission success as AI 

opportunities and risks evolve with the further development of the technology. The Department 

will act in a way to understand the risks AI poses to its mission and embrace innovation to 

counter those and other new and emerging risks. The goals and objectives presented in this 

strategy will therefore position the Department to confront these challenges and to become a 

leader in the effective adoption, use, and governance of AI and the mitigation of AI-related risks. 

The security of our homeland depends on the Department’s response to this national imperative. 

With this strategy, the Department can move forward with concrete and tangible goals to answer 

the challenges and create a safer homeland while preserving American values.