Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 20 June 2025

These updates are shared to help raise the situational awareness of Faith-Based organizations to best defend against and mitigate the impacts from all-hazards threats including physical security, cybersecurity, and natural disasters. 

8 Experts on What Happens if the United States Bombs Iran

U.S. officials are heightening preparations amid escalating Israeli-Iranian conflict, prompting a multifaced response from Washington. According to Politico, experts caution that a unilateral U.S. strike on Iran could trigger a broader confrontation. Former U.S. ambassador Ryan Crocker warns that while military strikes might cripple enrichment facilities, they won’t eliminate Iran’s nuclear knowledge which may likely prompt either negotiations or retaliation. Still, Trump has warned that “nothing is off the table,” demanding Iran “make a deal” before “there is nothing left”. Alongside, a cybersecurity firm is raising alerts for organizations, warning that Iran-linked threat actors, including APT34/Oilrig are likely to ramp up digital espionage targeting government infrastructure and private sectors.

Analyst Comments: A U.S. strike on Iran could spark significant retaliation, especially if perceived as broad or aimed at change. The U.S. should be prepared for any military action against Iran which could lead to rapid escalation. Additionally, it is important to be aware of potential cyberattacks and disruptions impacting the economy and security worldwide. Being prepared ensures the U.S. can respond effectively to threats. We encourage members of the community to engage in the ongoing conversation in FB-ISAO Slack related to the threat from the Israel/Iran confrontation. Additionally, members can access the recording from Wednesday’s community call about potential threats in FB-ISAO Slack in the #fb-isao_recordings channel.

ICE raids and their uncertainty scare off workers and baffle businesses

Ice is expanding its surveillance capabilities while continuing aggressive enforcement of immigration laws. A recent procurement notice reveals ICE is seeking proprietary data and tools to monitor up to a million people using sources like social media, blockchain, property records, and dark web activity. The goal is to detect potential criminal or fraudulent behavior before it happens, reflecting a shift toward tech-driven, preemptive enforcement. At the same time, ICE continues workplace raids targeting undocumented workers. Although briefly paused under Trump due to pressure from business groups, the raids resumed and have led to major labor shortages in sectors like agriculture and food service.

Analyst Comments Immigration enforcement continues to evolve and current tactics remain highly controversial. As faith-based organizations often provide sanctuary for immigrant communities, leaders are encouraged to remain vigilant on the latest updates. Members are encouraged to consult with legal counsel on the best ways to navigate interactions with ICE agents should they occur on HOW campuses.

Threatening Letters Mailed to U.S. Houses of Worship

A local U.S. fusion center has reportedthat multiple threatening letters were sent on June 16^th to U.S. houses of worship. This comes after a Maryland man was charged with mailing threatening communications to Jewish organizations. We have shared the FOUO information in Slack for members to read.

Analyst Comments: The wave of threatening letters reflects ongoing attempts to intimidate faith-based communities and may be part of a broader pattern of hate-driven harassment. It is important to report any suspicious mail or activity to local law enforcement and their regional fusion centers and always review and update security protocols. Alongside community leaders should communicate clearly as well as partner with any networks or local officials to strengthen support systems.

If your place of worship has received a threatening letter in the mail, it is important to report it immediately to local law enforcement and your regional fusion center. Additionally, please continue to share details about these incidents in FB-ISAO Slack to help keep other informed, Sharing information, such as the date received, postmark details, and any identifying features can assist in identifying patterns and supporting a coordinated response. By staying connected and transparent, we can better protect our communities and support one another.