Assessing Information Sharing and Security Collaboration Ahead of Major Events

Committee on Homeland Security will come to order. Without objection, the chair may declare committee in recess at any point. Without objection, I seek unanimous consent that the gentleman from Missouri, Mister Alford, be permitted to sit with the committee and ask questions of the witnesses. Purpose of today's hearing is to assess the information sharing environment and the security operations among our federal, state, local, and non-government partners ahead of a record number of major national events. Chair reminds all members that the chair enforced the rules of the quorum at all times and urges all members to be mindful of their remarks I now recognize myself for an opening statement Good morning. I want to start by thanking our witnesses for appearing before the committee today. United States is preparing to host a mega decade of mass gathering events, starting this summer with the twenty twenty six FIFA World Cup. and nationwide celebrations to mark the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of our nation. These events are an incredible opportunity to showcase the best of America, but they also will be uh will also require unprecedented collaboration between leaders at the federal, state and local levels to secure the events and keep the public safe. Today, we will hear directly from some of those leaders about the security preparations already underway to ensure that we are already meet this moment. The twenty twenty-six FIFA World Cup will be held throughout North America in June and July, and will include more than seventy matches played in eleven different cities across the United States. With five million fans traveling to the US, and as many as six billion viewers expected worldwide, this will be the largest sporting event in history. Same time, America Two-Fifty celebrations will be held in communities across the country this summer, to commemorate the two hundred fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Recognizing the years of planning that have already gone into these efforts, The committee established its task force on enhancing security for special events in the United States last spring to ensure continued prioritization of these events by Congress, federal agencies, and state, local, and private sector partners. I want to thank the task force chairman, Mister Brickell, and Ranking Member Miss Poe for their leadership and all members of the committee for their consistent engagement on these security preparations through the many briefings, hearings, and round tables that have convened. Over the last year, Congress has taken concrete action to ensure the United States will be well equipped and well prepared for the months and years ahead. I am proud of the role that this committee has played and will continue to play in moving these critical priorities forward. One of the greatest security risks facing our nation today is the malicious use of unmanned aircraft systems or drones. The prospect of weaponized drones being used at m- to attack mass gatherings in open air stadiums is a scenario that keeps poly- policymakers and law enforcement professionals up at night. In response to these threats, I was proud to work with the Trump administration and lead efforts to pass vital counter-UAS authorities for state and local law enforcement in the uh, twenty twenty-six National Defense Authorization Act, which will help support real-time mitigation efforts and counter the adversarial use of this technology. Republicans in Congress also provided historic security investments to the enactment of the one big beautiful bill last summer, which included six hundred and twenty-five million dollars for the twenty, twenty-six FIFA World Cup, security, and five hundred million for state and local investments in counter UAS capabilities. As we approach the twenty-fifth anniversary of the September eleventh terrorist attacks later this year, the solemn milestone re- re-emphasizes the importance of our collective mission in the face of constantly evolving threats. The Department of Homeland Security and this committee were both created after nine eleven to ensure that a similar attack on the United States would never happen again. In just the last three months, this committee has heard directly from Secretary Noem, and leaders from several DHS components including TSA, CBP, and CISA, whose agencies will play critical roles in safeguarding these events. Twenty-five years later, the threat landscape has not diminished. It has intensified, diversified, and evolved in ways that demand constant vigilance and decisive action. But DHS and the federal government cannot achieve this mission alone. Close collaboration, communication, and information sharing between federal, state, local, tribal and territorial governments, along with industry stakeholders and private sector partners, is essential. These games and festivities, designed to bring people together in joy and celebration, also present an array of targets for nefarious actors who seek to carry out violent attacks or exploit these gatherings for other illicit purposes. It is not an even playing field. The dedicated men and women who protect our communities every day must overcome these threats every single time. Those who seek to inflict harm only need to be right once. But that doesn't mean we give up. It means we must be prepared for every possibility and ready to combat any threat. The goal of today's hearing is to engage directly with representatives from law enforcement, host cities, and fusion centers that serve on the front lines of this whole of society security effort. Our shared objective is to ensure these partners are receiving the timely intelligence, resources, and coordination they need to carry out their responsibilities effectively and safeguard the communities they serve. If there are challenges, we have a collective responsibility to identify them and work together to find actionable solutions. Protecting public safety is not a partisan issue, and it is imperative that we work together to do so. As Chairman, I am committed to ensuring that all partners in this effort are receiving the support they need to succeed. I look forward to the witnesses' testimony today and to a productive discussion on how we can wor- all work together on these efforts moving forward. I now recognize uh the gentlelady from New Jersey, Miss Poe, for her opening statement.

Thank you, uh thank you, Mister Chairman, and good morning, good morning to all. Um thank you so very much Mister Chairman for calling this very important hearing. And welcome to our witnesses, um I wanna thank you for your valuable testimony that I know we're all going to be receiving from you today. I am stepping in for ranking member Thompson who will be joining us momentarily. Um, I serve as the ranking member of this committee's task force on enhancing security for special events in the United States. Our task force has a deeply important mission as our country prepares to host some of the world's largest gatherings and celebrations over the next three years. Events like the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of America's founding, the seventy-eight matches of the twenty twenty six fifa world cup and the twenty twenty eight olympic and paralympic uh games will put the united states on display for the entire world to see i am particularly proud that the final match of the twenty twenty six world uh cup will be held in my district in northern New Jersey. And while the hospitality and the camaraderie of these events are exciting, it is essential that we ensure the safety and security of these mass gatherings. Both Congress and the executive branch have a s- responsibility to make certain that our state our local t- our um tribals and territorial partners have all the resources that they need to get the job done. That is why today's hearing is so, so very important. While conducting oversight as ranking member of the task force, I have seen firsthand how this administration's actions are jeopardizing our security preparedness. Over the last year, the Trump administration has dismantled security cooperation at all levels of government, reduced uh counterterrorism personnel and resources, politicized FEMA funding and grants, and has openly refused to work with states run by Democratic governors and elected officials. Now, the Trump administration is choosing to withhold six hundred and twenty-five million dollar in security funding that Congress has already appropriated for the twenty twenty-six FIFA World Cup. This is money meant to help cities and states keep their games safe. These funds are just sitting there, collecting dust, waiting for FEMA approval and to be dispersed. States, host cities, and local law enforcement are begging FEMA to release this money to be able to prepare for and secure the World Cup games. The time for action is short. This isn't competency, it's chaos. I urge my Republican colleagues to join me and my Democratic colleagues in calling for the administration to release these funds now. These communities must have the resources needed to ensure the events are safe for everyone. And as we go forward, we must keep in mind that it's not just stadiums and parking lots, we must protect. It is fan festivals, entertainment districts, bars, and gathering spaces where countless people will be celebrating. Still, New Jersey will do whatever we can to provide safe and fun activities for the World Cup. And in doing so, we will ensure that all people and spaces are adequately protected. And I want to be clear, everyone Everyone deserves to be free and safe at the upcoming games, whether it is my, whether it's my constituents, traveling from Patterson to East Rutherford, or fans arriving from other si- from the other side of the world. All fans and players deserve to enjoy the games, and know that our federal government is doing everything imaginable to make these events safe and secure. I have repeatedly stated concerns about Secretary uh Christine Noms out of control in unlawful enforcement actions. We all seen DHS violent immigration tactics, which were especially apparent during the recent outrageous operations in Min- uh Minnesota. DHS personnel killed two American citizens and harmed countless others. So when Director uh Lyons refused to rule out conducting ICE enforcement at an around the world cup event, when I asked him, this very question, chaos ensued. Countries have issued uh travel advisories. Groups and businesses are raising alarms. Residents and fans are expressing fear for their safety. All while local officials report minimum c- uh communication by ICE about what exactly its plans to it plans to do. These tactics tactics pose an unacceptable risk, not just to Americans but all foreign visitors seeking to enjoy the World Cup and other events. Make no mistake, security planning cannot succeed, admit uh complete uncertainty, O PEG'd uh planning and unilateral decision making. We need to explore these issues further and conduct real oversight of DHS out of control immigration enforcement policy to ensure the World Cup is safe for everyone I have seen firsthand the amazing work that men and women uh at the state and local level are doing to make these the most secure games we ever seen. Fusion centers in New Jersey are working. Police departments in my districts are planning. Governor Sherrill's office are coordinating together. These are groups that are getting ready before the first whistle blows. The question is whether or not uh d- uh DHS will do the same. This committee has the responsibility to ensure that homeland security's uh policy is not driven by politics or retaliation but by risk assessment, operational re- realities, and federal and state coordination. Because when millions gather in my district in New Jersey or Miami or Kansas City, the American people will not care about the inter-agency turf battles or grant paperwork backlog. America's Americans will expect that their government works together because security is a shared responsibility. But leadership starts at the top, and it is time for DHS to lead. I look forward, uh, Mr. Chairman, to hear from our witnesses today and ab- about how we can ensure that this agency can improve and do just that. Because time is really running out. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I yield back.

Other members of the committee are reminded that opening statements may be submitted for the record. And I'd like to for formally introduce our witnesses. Mr. Maizena uh serves as President of the National Fusion Center Association and Executive Director of the North Northern Califine California High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area and the Northern California, Regional Intelligence Center. He brings twenty-eight years of law enforcement experience, including serving as the Veteran Investigator at the state and local level. Ray Martinez serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the twenty twenty six FIFA World Cup Miami host committee. He has thirty five years of law enforcement experience, beginning his career in nineteen seventy nine at the Miami Police Department, where he rose to the ranks from Police Officer to Assistant Chief of Police. He later served as Assistant Chief and subsequently Chief of Police for the Miami Beach Police Department. A limited exception was made today due to unforeseen uh circumstances and inclement weather disrupting travel to allow Mister Martinez

Mister Chairman, um.

Yes, the gentlelady is recognized.

Um, I'm reserving the right to object. Mister Chairman, um, I will I will not object, but I will like to get uh your assurance that witnesses invited by the committee democrats will be afforded the same opportunity to participate remotely in committee uh proceeding proceedings. On behalf of the ranking member, Thompson, can I get your commitment to work with our side in the future when remote participation is required by our witnesses?

Uh um yes uh I and I will uh as I was saying this was a very limited exception, it is in the rules um and it was a very difficult lift. I'm happy uh uh that the Majority Leader agreed. Uh, it took a lot of convincing, but because of the weather and uh him uh the gentleman not being able to make it up here, uh we were granted this very late last night um uh to allow him uh to do this. So I I I will work with you if if same situation arises. You have my word, I will do what I can to to uh to uh get the same uh uh cooperation from the Majority Leader um in the future. Again, uh, as i was told by the majority leader this is a very limited circumstance uh uh due to the the weather that uh and and how d. c. doesn't really know how to handle a snowstorm which we didn't get anyway but i will um i will do my best in the future you have my commitment

thank you mister chairman although it is fifty five degrees in florida i might add

yeah i know well yeah i'm pretty sure mister mart- martinez just didn't wanna come up and leave the beautiful weather that's down in in in florida i i we should have done a field

mmm

hearing down there

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Um, and so I I do appreciate the majority leader's willingness to grant this rare exception in order to ensure the committee can hear Mister Martinez's valuable and time-sensitive testimony as the beginning of the World Cup games are only months away. Deputy Chief Joe Maven serves as Commander of the Patrol Bureau for Kansas City and Missouri Police Department. He previously served as Interim Chief for the Police and Deputy Chief of the Investigations Bureau. He has progressed steadily through the ranks, serving as Sergeant, Captain, major and ultimately deputy chief with nearly half the department's personnel under his command. Mister Travis Nelson serves as the deputy chief of staff and homeland security advisor for the Maryland office of the governor, officially assuming the role in June of twenty twenty-five after serving as acting director for over a year. He has over twenty years' experience in the public safety, emergency management and law enforcement, including nineteen years with the Maryland State Police. Thank all the witnesses for being here today. Presumed to committee rule eight C, I ask that the witnesses please rise and raise their right hand. Do you solemnly swear that the testimony you'll give before the Committee on Homeland Security of the United States of House Representatives will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truths you've got?

I do.

Let the record reflect that the witnesses have all answered in the affirmative. Thank you very much and please be seated. I now recognize Mr. Siena for five minutes to summarize his opening statement.

Chairman Gar- uh Garbarino, uh Ranking Member Poe, and members of the committee. Uh, thanks for the opportunity to testify today. My name is Mike Senna, and I am the President of the National Fusion Center Association, which represents the eighty designated fusion centers across America. Fusion centers are the backbone of the homeland security information sharing enterprise. Every day, over thirty-two hundred analysts uh and officers from every level of government work side-by-side with the private sector to identify threats, share intelligence and coordinate operations. During major events, we collaborate with real-time crime centers, high-intensity drug trafficking areas, regional information sharing system watch centers, intelligence commanders with the major county sheriffs and major city chiefs, the US Attorney's offices, the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Forces, the Homeland Security Task Forces and the Center for Internet Security to ensure actionable intelligence reaches decision makers. Two weeks ago, uh, we wrapped up security operations at Super Bowl sixty, which happened to be in my area of responsibility. I want to share a few examples of how we worked together and how things played out in real time and why it is so important for Congress to continue supporting us. In Sacramento, law enforcement mitigated a potential drone threat to the Super Bowl based on a tip from the Central California Intelligence Center days before the game. The night before the Super Bowl, CISA and DHSINA briefed our team on the passenger rail sabotage threats that occurred the previous day at the Winter Olympics in Italy. Our analyst quickly identified the tactics and patterns, developed a threat bulletin that we sent out to first line responders um across the Bay Area before the crowds arrived the next morning. We also helped law enforcement and nongovernment organizations in their fight against human trafficking, contacting seventy-three adults and ten juvenile human trafficking victims, including a twelve year old child. Law enforcement arrested twenty-nine sus- uh suspected human traffickers, and our fusion center analysts played an important role supporting the Santa Clara County Human Trafficking Task Force. That level of collaboration was made possible by our use of technology that combined mapping uh communication and collaboration in a single platform. We were able to integrate tips, share on-line indicators of human trafficking, analyze field reports, and receive investigative requests from multiple agencies. While we're proud of the accomplishments, and I want to point out that we do have gaps that I believe Congress can help us address. We must address um the ability to integrate the many threat reporting systems that remain fragmented today. Upcoming major events will test our ability to coordinate across jurisdictions under very compressed timelines. There are multiple systems which are not fully integrated with state and local platforms, creating delays and, more importantly, operational risk. We also must strengthen the field presence of DHS's Office of Intelligence Analysis. INA is the only element in the intelligence community required by law to share intelligence with state and local partners. We appreciate this committee for including the NFCA for discussions on how INA can be improved. Any reform must strengthen INA's presence at all A D fusion centers, while keeping a strong core component at headquarters. Regarding drones, uh we are grateful that Congress gave state and local law enforcement the legal authority to mitigate drone threats. by passing the Safer Skies Act last year. Now Congress must pa- provide the resources to expand the counter-UAS training we are required to complete to use the authorities. Congress should also provide dedicated resources for first responders to integrate drones for our daily operations. Congress should continue to provide robust support for the State Homeland Security Grant Program, SHISHGAP, and the Urban Area Security Initiative, UACI. These programs support analysts, training and technology, that make information sharing and threat analysis possible at every level, every day. Without those two grants, fusion centers cannot fully contribute to the security of major events or the overall homeland security mission. Congress should also help resolve ongoing uncertainty around FEMA grant guidance and restrictions. The ability to carry out missions like ours at the fusion center should not be penalized for policy decisions we do not control. When eligibility requirements shift, And when disbursements are delayed, it doesn't just affect local budgets. It derails national priority projects designed to prevent major threats. Cyber threats, uh, may present the greatest risks surrounding major events. A cyber attack of power, water, or transportation during the World Cup would create cat- uh cascading failures that overwhelm response. Congress should require federal cyber partners to better integrate with and provide cyber analytical training to state and local partners. Congress should provide DHS the resources to accelerate security clearance processing for fusion center personnel. Clearance delays can lock out people from secure coordination spaces at the moment they are needed most. That is a gap in coverage we cannot afford. Finally, reliable public safety communications are an absolute requirement at major events. FirstNet has been an essential partner and Congress should ensure it continues by reauthorizing the FirstNet Authority this year. In closing, planning for threat analysis and information sharing around major events is not optional. It is mission critical. When information sharing is timely and properly resourced, threats can be mitigated before harm occurs. We appreciate this committee's leadership and I appreciate your invitation to testify today.

Thank you, Mr. Sanam. I now recognize Mr. Martinez for five minutes to summarize his opening statement.

Thank you, Commissioner Gar Garbino, uh, Ranking Member Poe, and distinguished members of this committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify regarding public safety and security preparations for the FIFA World Cup. My name is Ray Martinez and I serve as the Chief Operating Officer for the Miami Host Committee. As stated previously, I've served for thirty five years in local law enforcement, my last two and a half years as the Chief of Police of the Miami Beach Police Department. enforcement, I moved into the event world and have worked on several, uh, large scale international events, including music festivals, the college football playoffs in twenty twenty one, and just last month here in Miami. And I also served as the president and CEO of the Super Bowl host committee for the twenty twenty game which was held in Miami. Working with me on the host committee are several law enforcement executives with similar if not more impressive backgrounds. Those experiences and lessons learn from the uh learned inform the approach we are taking with world cup planning. The FIFA world cup twenty twenty six will be the largest sporting event ever conducted globally. Miami is one of sixteen host cities across three countries and North America hosting matches. We will host seven matches, including a quarter final and the bronze medal final match. The Miami host committee is planning on producing a twenty three day fan festival, where we expect hundreds of thousands of international visitors. This presents a tremendous opportunity, but also a historic operational challenge. On behalf of the eleven US World Cup committees, I want to thank this committee for providing the six hundred and twenty-five million in security funding to the host cities. Those resources are critical to ensuring that host committees have capabilities necessary to execute safe and secure tournament across multiple weeks and venues in Miami our security framework is Unified command, integrated local, state and federal partnership, and intelligence driven operations. First, the unified command. Public safety operations in Miami are led by the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office under a unified command structure that integrates municipal police, fire rescue, emergency management, and state agencies across multiple jurisdictions. Second, federal partnership with state and local agencies. The White House Task Force on the World Cup has played a central role

Right.

in aligning federal agency support with local agencies and host committee planning. We are grateful to the White House Task Force and Executive Director Andrew Giuliani's efforts to support and partner with the FIFA World Cup host committees. Federal partners, including the FBI, Secret Service, FEMA, CISA, DHF, Provide threat assessments, intelligence integration, cyber security protection, contingency planning. This coordination ensures access to national capabilities and support if threat conditions evolve. Third, intelligence driven operations. The South Florida Fusion Center, working with the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and federal intelligence partners lead to proactive information sharing and threat monitoring. Both the Miami Stadium and Bayfront Park will operate with layer security perimeters, credential and entry screening, dedicated emergency access lanes, and joint operations centers that provide real-time situation awareness and coordinated decision making. One of the most significant emergency threats is unauthorized drone activity. Malicious or reckless drone operations present risk ranging from surveillance to operational disruption. In coordination with federal partners, we will be implementing temporary flight restrictions, detection capabilities, and counter-UAS planning integrated into our overall security posture. We appreciate the congressional's support, and particularly this committee, as well as President Trump's administration for dedicated counter-UAS funding to support these efforts. The Department of Homeland Security has assigned elevated special assessment uh, special event assessment ratings to the Miami matches, including a SEER one designation for the bronze medal final match. These designations reflect the scale into international visibility of the event and reinforce the importance of robust federal, state and local coordination, which is well underway. Miami's preparedness reflects the ongoing coordinated efforts of all eleven US host committees as we work each day to ensure a safe and secure and successful FIFA World Cup. Together, we are committed to demonstrating that no nation is better equipped to host and deliver a World Cup than the United States of America. I thank you for this opportunity to appear for you today, and I look forward to answering your questions. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Martinez. I now recognize Deputy Chief Maibin for five minutes to summarize his opening statement.

Chairman Garbarino, Ranking Member Poe, and distinguished members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify today on information sharing and security collaboration ahead of major events. My name is Deputy Chief Joseph Maven, and I command the Patrol Bureau of the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, which is a member of the Major City Chiefs Association. KCPD has a current staffing of over eleven hundred sworn law enforcement officers, serving a city of more than half a million residents. In less than sixteen weeks, Kansas City is projected to welcome more than six hundred and fifty thousand visitors during the twenty twenty-six FIFA World Cup. Kansas City has hosted major events in the past, including championship parades and iconic American sporting events such as the MLB All-Star Game and the NFL Draft. However, this event will require the largest coordinated deployment of mutual aid partners in our city's history. The twenty twenty-six F- Excuse me, FIFA World Cup is the single largest sporting event in the world. For the Kansas City metropolitan area, it represents both an extraordinary opportunity and a historic challenge. Kansas City is the smallest market among the eleven U S host cities, yet we will operate one of the largest overall footprints. We'll host six matches and four team base camps. In addition, Kansas City is planning a FIFA fan festival that will operate for eighteen days throughout the tournament. Our tournament footprint spans ten counties across two states, Missouri and Kansas. This bipartisan, excuse me, bi-state effort requires a unified approach to emergency preparedness, response and recovery. Crossing state lines adds complexity t- and com- uh to communication and coordination, coordination, making seamless information sharing essential. The scope and visibility of this event require thoughtful, comprehensive planning. Safety and security remain our top priorities. Our goal is to deliver a safe, seamless and welcoming experience for residents and visitors alike. As with any event of this scale, we are preparing for a range of potential public safety considerations, including unauthorized UAS, cyber disruptions, routine criminal activity, and increased demand on emergency and healthcare services. Central to our approach is timely, actionable information sharing with local, state, federal, and international partners. Since two thousand three, federal homeland security grants, particularly the Urban Area Security Initiative and State Homeland Security Grant program have allowed our region to build a mature multidisciplinary preparedness framework. These investments helped establish and continue to sustain the Kansas City Regional Fusion Center, our primary intelligence hub. Through this federal support, we have built interoperable radio communications and strengthened intelligence sharing. We have enhanced specialized response capabilities, including HAZMAT, EOD, and tactical WMD response teams. We conduct thousands of hours of training each year through table top, functional, and full-scale exercises. All of this allows for real-time situational awareness and response across jurisdictions. These capabilities are the direct result of sustained federal-local partnerships, which are critical to our success. They are the foundations on which we are building our World Cup The challenges facing Kansas Kansas City are driven primarily by the scale and complexity of the tournament's footprint within the region. This is not a single venue or single day event. It involves coordination of operations across multiple sites, jurisdictions, and several weeks. At the same time, we must operate with finite resources. Law enforcement personnel, specialized teams, and critical equipment are limited not only locally, but also nationally. Both cities will draw from the same pool of federal resources and specialized capabilities. We are grateful for this committee's work and support towards World Cup safety and security. The counter-UAS authorities under the twenty twenty-six National Defense Authorization Act provide critical resources to detect track and mitigate UAS threats. The FIFA World Cup security grant program is necessary to fund the personnel, equipment, and operational needs required to deliver a safe event. We appreciate the continued support and partnership as we approach this historic tournament. Kansas City's investments, backed by federal homeland security grants and state and local commitments, enhance not only our regional's readiness, but our nation's preparedness for high profile international events. Before the first whistle blows later this year, we want to ensure that information flows faster than threats, that partnerships are stronger than vulnerabilities, and that everyone experiences a safe and secure World Cup. Thank you for your continued partnership and support. I look forward to your questions.

Thank you, Chief. Uh, I now recognize Mister Nelson for five minutes to summarize his opening statement.

Chairman Gar- Garbarino, uh, ranking member Poe, and distinguished members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify today. I serve as the Deputy Chief of Staff at Homeland Security Advisor for Westmore, Governor of Maryland. I receive public safety and homeland security for Governor Moore with direct oversight of the Department of Emergency Management, State Police, Department of Public Safety, Office of Homeland Security, and others representing first responders, emergency managers, and law enforcement professionals who work tirelessly to secure our communities. I am deeply, deeply grateful for and and appreciate the essential work of our local, state, and federal public servants who continue to do their duties in a constantly evolving world as all of you know our nation is entering a time of major special events that we have not encountered in decades. From the celebrations of America two fifty to the multi-city hosting of the twenty twenty-six FIFA World Cup and twenty twenty-eight Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. While these events are proud moments for our nation, they can also strain local resources and come with an increased threat to our critical infrastructure. However, as the threat profile expands and the demand on our state and local resources increases, the financial support provided by the federal government to state and local partners is diminishing. The events of September eleventh, two thousand one underscored the critical need for seamless collaboration between local state and federal agencies during major events. This realization drove the development of coordinated planning and preparedness strategies. With crucial federal financial assistance, standardized and interoperable plans, training and equ- and equipment were adopted nationwide. The foundational work, it's centered on the incident command system and the national response framework ensures that limited resources can be rapidly deployed and integrated across the country as personnel share a common operating framework. Advisory councils composed of subject matter experts from local jurisdictions have guided policies and procedures based on unique experiences. FEMA training centers allow first responders, hospital clinicians, and emergency managers to learn alongside their colleagues from across the country. This model empowers federal field office personnel from local offices to become familiar with their government counterparts developing trusting relationships, and collaborating. Maryland's CCTV situational awareness platform, MView, networks three hundred and ninety-nine federal, state, and local first responder agencies to over forty thousand cameras used to prepare for prevent and respond to major events or incidents. The program supports first responders in Virginia, DC, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. This includes over nine hundred and fifty federal first responders from forty-four agencies. Many of the federal users of the platform are directly responsible for the security of federal assets. The MVU platform is a proven tool, and be having been deployed for hundreds of major planned events, including fleet week, inauguration and professional sporting competitions. It has also been vital during emergency response, since the aircraft collision over the Potomac River and the Key Bridge collapsed. The MVU team is currently collaborating with organizers for the upcoming FIFA World Cup to integrate Delaware and New York into the platform. Furthermore, MBU is scheduled for use as a force multi multiplier to assist in monitoring potential threats for tonight's State of the Union address. A large portion of the this program is directly dependent upon UACI funding, but unfortunately the dramatic reduction in the NCR allocations left the future of the program uncertain. The Maryland License Plate Reader program is another initiative that directly supports criminal investigations critical infrastructure security and major event security throughout the region. The program has carefully managed to uphold citizens' civil rights and civil liberties, exclusively focusing its support on criminal investigations. In recent years, this program has directly contributed to thousands of federal partner criminal investigations, including uh security operations. Following the the sudden reduction of federal funds from the State Homeland Security Grant Program Emergency Preparedness Grant, and the Urban Area Security uh Security Initiative has left several states including Maryland, very vulnerable and faced with no option but to reduce personnel and capabilities. The cancellation of the targeted violence terrorism program on July twenty first, twenty twenty five is deeply concerning concerning uh in regards to the rising threats against local uh officials. Between the federal fiscal year twenty twenty four and twenty twenty five, we saw a reduction of over one point three million in Shiskeb and UASI funding was cut by forty four percent, a total of twenty one million. Then with the FY twenty-six grant notification, the NCR was further decreased from twenty-five point five million to four point four million, a ninety percent reduction. The administration and Congress deserves praise for their efforts in tackling the threat posed by unmanned aerial systems. This response highlights the readiness of local and state officials to collaborate seamlessly with federal agencies to address this complex threat, which spans multiple jurisdictions. Maryland is eager to continue working with the National Security Council and others. Failure to address the funding shortfalls jeopardizes the safety of upcoming special events regardless of their skies and size and scope. Thank you for your leadership and commitment to our safety and our homeland. I look forward to your questions.

Thank you, Mr. Nelson. Members will be recognized by order of seniority for their five minutes of questioning. I will be, well, maybe not today, I will be strictly keeping to the five minute rule, but if we go over, it's okay today. Um, I now recognize myself for five minutes of questioning. Mister Martinez, um, can you explain what goes into the planning, you you're you're the head of the World FIFA World Cup Miami committee, can you explain what goes into the the planning for uh, City of Miami?

Sure, thank you. Um, obviously it's very intense and very detailed, obviously working collaboratively through the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office. As I indicated in my opening, uh, the Sheriff's Office is the lead law enforcement agency here at the local level. Uh, we have recently, uh, uh, created a, a, uh, regional, um, committee to, uh, cross jurisdictional lines. Uh, the multi-agency, uh, committee, uh, includes agency directors and representatives from across four counties, not only Miami-Dade County, but Broward County, uh, Palm Beach County, and Monroe County to our south. Uh, bringing together, uh, stakeholders, uh, public. the agencies to coordinate on the planning and uh coordination uh of the activities that are gonna be taking place here in south florida

it's not just a um it's not just the games though there are other things that you are planning for

uh

the uh fest festivals or like watch parties those things like that

yes sir

how much how much how much planning for security goes into that how much uh i mean it it takes quite a bit correct

it's immense i mean we've never handled anything like this even though we are used to working on major events here in in South Florida and Miami. But a twenty-three day fan festival in downtown Miami in a city park, uh, is something that, uh, has never been tried and never been done. But, uh, you know, we're we're expecting, you know, as I indicated, hundreds of thousands of people to come to South Florida to be part of the game, and understanding that, you know, not everybody's gonna get into the stadium. So, you know, the fan fest is gonna be the location where people are gonna go to enjoy uh, the matches, to see the matches, to be with their, you know, fellow countrymen, and to be able to celebrate, uh, hopefully their victories. Um, and then on top of that, there will be regional watch parties across the three counties, uh, and really across the state of Florida. Um, so, you know, that coordination is critical and making sure that the information is shared and, you know, goes across jurisdictional lines.

The, so the money, we, the one big beautiful bill had the reconciliation bill had six hundred and twenty five million dollars in fema grants for measures. I think Miami was supposed to get around seventy million of that. I think that's what you all applied for. Has has any of those funds been received yet?

No, certainly have not.

Now, let me ask you a question. What happens when, I mean, it, I mean, I'm sure you put it into your budget, these these fema grants. Um, what happens if you don't get that money? So when is the drop-dead date for you to start having to cancel things if you don't get that money in?

i mean we're we're quickly approaching that we're a hundred and seven days out from the tournament but more importantly we're about seventy something days out from starting to build the fan fest these decisions have to be made uh i mean generously i say within the next thirty days is the drop dead date i know that the local agencies are very anxious um but without receiving this money it could be catastrophic for our planning and coordination

so if the if you don't get the FEMA grants in the next thirty days, miami the city of miami is gonna have to start cancelling uh, plan because you can't prepare for the security of the of those sites.

that is correct we we have to start making some really tough decisions and it starts with our fan festival. obviously the matches up at the stadium uh, you know will take place but you know preparing for all of the impromptu events and uh you know watch parties that we're expecting to see will become be will be in jeopardy as we continue.

I appre- I appreciate that answer. I I'm running out of time, so I wanna uh move over. Um, Susana, we heard about uh special assessment ratings this year, uh and these events are getting SEER one or SEER two uh ev- events, so res- extra resources are are uh made available following those designations. We are currently experiencing a partial government shutdown specifically at homeland. Um, uh department of homeland and i wanna know has the shutdown affected negatively affected information sharing networks um that you deal with you know being

um

with the fusion centers have are you seeing a negative effect from the shutdown or do you expect to see if this lasts longer a negative effect from the shutdown.

um currently we're not seeing a

currently we're not seeing a major uh issue with uh the shutdown but as time progresses i definitely believe that we will um we rely heavily on coordination with our partners in the Department of Homeland Security, if any of their resources are available, but one of the primary ones is, you know, that coordination with FEMA on the grant process. Uh, I mean, we've already dealing with many delays, which we don't know if and when we're gonna get funding to continue operations. So the longer they are not around and not at their desks and not working on this process, the longer we don't know what's gonna happen with the money we need to execute for these World Cup games.

Thank you very much. Uh, my time has expired. I now recognize uh ranking member for today, Miss Poe, for five minutes of questions.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, again, thank you to all the witnesses for testifying today. I just wanna make sure to to mention once again that, you know, we all understand that recent DHS enforcement has raised some serious alarms about its impact on public safety. Polls shows that most Americans believe that ice actions have gone too far and makes us less safe. As we prepare for the host uh Wor- um to host the World Cup in my district,

Mm-hmm.

including the title game, we cannot have uh roaming packs of masked ice agents harassing fans and players. At our last hearing, I directly asked Director Lyons about ice plans at the World Cup. He confirmed ice presence and refused to rule out immigration rates. His refusal raised concerns, grave concerns within my district and sent shockwaves across America and the world. Mister Martinez, um has DHS directly briefed you regarding the ICES uh plan at the World Cup matches in, uh Miami, yes or no?

No.

Okay, um. publicly stated uh uh ice publicly stated that it would have a key role at that world cup are you concerned about that yes or no

not at the moment no

mister martinez are you aware that conversations between fifa and dhs regarding ice enforcement activity at the world cup yes or no sir as

yes

Has um FIFA specifically asked DHS to suspend immigration enforcement actions at the the official World Cup venue or uh or events and events?

Uh, I am not aware of uh whether FIFA has made that request or not.

OK. What what what's what's the point of giving President Trump a peace prize if we cannot keep his masked agents from terrorizing fans and players? It's Absolutely observe, obs observe. Mister Martinez, if a fan is detain is detained by ice at a Miami, World Cup game or FIFA fan event, have you and DHS set a a process to inform family members or legal counsel?

We have been in constant communication with our federal partners, and we have received no indication of immigration enforcement that will be taking place during the tournament. Uh, we are laser focused here at the Miami host committee in providing a safe and secure event. Uh, the only thing I can base on is in recent experience during the last year of our major events, which includes the College Football National Championship, Formula One, and the Club World Cup, which was held this past summer. And we did not experience any ice enforcement activity as described.

Mister, thank you. Thank you, uh, Mister Martinez. Mister Martinez, With only roughly four months to go, some cities still report that they have not received this funding. I think you've just the chairman just asked you the that very question and you've indicated that you have not received that. The um this is completely unacceptable and certainly close to kick off. As you've pointed out, you have uh dropped a date of uh time of thirty minutes. Um, officials in the Foxborough, Massachusetts, for example, are still waiting for one million um of dollars. They say they cannot hold games if they can if they do not receive the money. Uh, Mister Martinez and Deputy Chief uh Mabin, have either of you received federal funding? And I know, Mister Martinez, you indicated that you have not. Mister uh Chief Deputy Chief Mabin, can you tell me if you have received any information with regards to the actual funding that you are in uh expected to receive. Have you received that or not?

No ma'am, we have not.

What what kind of delays or impact will that have if you do not get that? And similar to what the chairman asked, how what is your d drop dead uh time frame in order to do that? And I have like thirty four seconds, so let's do real quick.

Go quickly. Um, the drop dead date is is is immediate. Uh, we need commitments from mutual aid partners to help supplement our officers, just because of the scope, scale and duration of the games. And they need assurances that they will get reimbursed for overtime, for travel expenses, for lodging. So we need that information right now.

Is there any concern on the overtime uh of your personnel as a result of not having uh the the wherewithal to do that?

Yes, ma'am. That is a a consideration for our budget. uh we definitely need a a answer on that and to release the funds as soon as possible.

Thank you um Deputy Chief and Mister Martinez, my time has run down uh run run off. Uh thank you so very much. Are you back?

General Lady yields back. I now recognize the Chairman of the Task Force and the former Chairman of of this committee uh Mister McCall from Texas, uh for five minutes of questions.

Thank you Mister Chairman. Uh let me start out by saying I remember back uh I might share this with the the Boston Marathon bombing, just really a sporting event that went really bad. And um and it was it was avoidable, it was preventable had federal, state, and local been sharing information. Uh the FBI had information about Mister Tamerlan's trip to Dagestan where he radicalized, came back. Uh they did not share that adequately with the Jo- Joint Terrorism Task Force. Specifically the Commissioner of Boston didn't have any of that information. even though he had two agents or two officers on the task force, we changed that by law. Um, but it's all about connecting the dots. Uh, Mister Senator, you're in charge of the fusion center, which sometimes comes under criticism. We formed the fusion center to share, you know, everybody talks about connecting the dots after nine eleven. That's exactly uh what you're doing. What do you see as one of the biggest threats? As you look at the environment out there and the threat matrix, What uh keeps you up at night the most?

It's combination of things. Um, you know, the first thing in the back of my head always right now is the financial piece cuz we do need the the resources to get things going but it's it's

And I'll get to that in a minute, yeah. But it's right.

it's it's a threat um because if we don't have the right people in place to do the job,