DHS to reorient seal, signaling daily battle against evolving threats

Markwayne Mullin told listeners on "The Sunday Briefing" that the Department of Homeland Security will alter its official seal, turning the eagle's gaze toward the bundle of arrows rather than the palm leaf. He said this visual shift captures the department’s belief that it is engaged in a daily war against a fluid mix of threats, ranging from traditional terrorism to drug cartels, cyber intrusions, and drone assaults.

Mullin emphasized that terrorism still tops the threat list, but its actors now cooperate with Mexican cartels, amplifying the danger. He cited the surge in fentanyl deaths and the addition of cartels to the U.S. terrorist designations as evidence of the evolving risk. The secretary also warned that cheap, readily available drones purchased online pose a new aerial threat, prompting the agency to reconsider protective measures beyond fences and guards. Finally, Mullin stressed the need for constant adaptability as adversaries continually change tactics across land, sea, air and cyberspace.