On October 11, 2019, Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Kevin McAleenan announced that he was stepping down from his post. McAleenan has served as acting Secretary since April 11, 2019 [see blog]. He had previously served as the Commissioner of the U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP). We will update the website with more information on the Department of Homeland Security leadership situation when it becomes available.

Ksena Karelina Freed From Russian Prison
Ksena Karelina, a dual U.S.-Russia citizen, was freed from Russian prison in a prisoner exchange after she had received a lengthy sentence for making a $52 donation to a charity conducting humanitarian work in Ukraine.