MIAMI – During his visit to Miami, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said on Thursday that the Justice Department is monitoring an increase in reported threats against Jewish, Muslim and Arab communities in the United States tied to Israel’s war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
“The entire Justice Department remains vigilant in our efforts to identify and respond to hate crimes, threats of violence, or related incidents, with particular attention to threats to faith communities,” Garland said at a news conference Thursday.
Garland said last week he had directed the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. attorneys’ offices to work with state and local law enforcement agencies to respond to threats, and urged federal prosecutors to be in contact with faith and community leaders.
He also asked his offices across the country to reach out to religious communities — something we’re seeing local police agencies do as well.
You’ll also find more police presence in sensitive areas like Jewish neighborhoods, parks, schools, and places of warship.
“Our partnerships with federal, state and local law enforcement in the communities they serve are at the center to keep our country and our communities safe,” said Garland.
He also addressed the trafficking of fentanyl, in which he described as the “deadliest drug threat this country has ever faced.”
Garland reminded us of the recent indictments and sanctions against Chinese companies and executives blamed for importing chemicals used to make the deadly drug — targeting the supply chain.
The investigation, led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, included agents from South Florida.