The FBI has announced a significant shift as the Terrorist Screening Center is now the Threat Screening Center, a move that reflects its broader objectives. Citing the evolution of national security threats and the need to encompass more than just terrorism watchlisting, the renamed center aims to integrate strategies against transnational organized crime (TOC).
Reflecting this change, the TSC has recently included eight drug cartels and gangs in its list of foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs), "positioned to significantly increase its available identity information on transnational organized crime actors," according to a recent report from the FBI. This expansion into TOC underscores the center's commitment to adapt to the shifting landscape of threats that plague U.S. security.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the significance of this transition in a statement released by the FBI. "Border security is essential to protecting our country and providing safer communities for our citizens," he said. "We're expanding the watchlist to include cartel and gang members from newly designated foreign terrorist organizations. This change will assist our law enforcement and intelligence community partners as we work together toward the goal of eliminating violent crime within our borders."
Adding to Patel's remarks, TSC Director Michael Glasheen pointed out the necessity of this rebranding. "With expanding and growing threats, we are reflecting that in our name," Glasheen told the FBI. "Transnational organized crime watchlisting plays an important role in U.S. security interests, while we continue to prevent terrorist attacks. The name change is a signal to the American people that the TSC is a powerful tool that can be used to fight all national security threats."
