Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 25 August 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. 

National Guard mobilizing in 19 states amid immigration, crime crackdown

The Pentagon has approved the deployment of up to 1,700 National Guard troops across 19 states to assist the Department of Homeland Security with immigration processing and enforcement efforts. Officials have indicated that the National Guard will focus on clerical, transport, and logistical support at ICE facilities, including tasks like fingerprinting, photographing, DNA swabbing, and gathering personal data on individuals in custody. These deployments are scheduled from late August through mid-November and will occur under Title 32 authority, meaning the troops remain under the command of their state governors, thus sidestepping restrictions imposed by the Posse Comitatus Act.

Analyst Comments: Tensions continue to increase in Washington as the presence of Federal agents and the National Guard have been widely unpopular moves with the city’s residents. Catholic churches that serve Spanish-speaking communities in the Archdiocese of Washington have reported anxiety as encounters with immigration enforcement continue to function as a major aspect of the Trump administration’s crackdown on crime in the nation’s capital. Groups have slammed the decision as “illegal”, and the decision to allow National Guard patrols to carry weapons in DC has further fanned the flames.

Last month, an ICE spokesperson told the Catholic News Agency: “While ICE is not subject to previous restrictions on immigration operations at sensitive locations, to include schools, churches, and courthouses, ICE does not indiscriminately take enforcement actions at these locations.” 

ADL: Audit of Antisemitic Incidents 2024

In 2024, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) recorded a staggering 9,354 antisemitic incidents across the United States, the highest annual total since tracking began in 1979 and reflecting 5% increase from 2023, an 893% rise over the past decade, and a 344% increase over five years. Assaults rose by 21% and vandalism surged by 20% to 2,606 incidents, while harassment edged up slightly by 0.26%, totaling 6,552 incidents. Notably, for the first time in its history, a majority (58%) of those incidents involved Israel or Zionism-related content, with many occurring at or near anti-Israel protests.

College campuses emerged as significant hotspots. 1,694 incidents were reported, an 84% year-over-year increase, comprising nearly 18% of all cases nationally. Although incidents at Jewish institutions slightly declined, they remained well above pre-October 2023 levels, as synagogues endured hundreds of bomb threats and other harassment. Geographically, incidents were reported in all 50 states plus D.C., with the highest numbers in New York, California, and New Jersey. 

Analyst Comments: The 2024 ADL audit shows an escalation in antisemitic incidents, showing how traditional prejudice and political conflict contributed to antisemitic incidents. Majority of incidents tying to Israel or Zionism for the first time highlights how international events are increasingly fueling domestic hostility toward Jewish communities. Altogether, this show that patterns suggest that antisemitism is adapting to new cultural and political contexts, which makes it harder to diffuse and isolate.

New Training Release: Responding to a Burglar Alarm at Church

Christian Warrior Training has unveiled a brand-new, free training course which can benefit any individual charged with securing their house of worship (HOW). The training provides a clear, step-by-step framework for responding to burlar alarms. Participants learn how to approach a property safely while minimizing ambush risk, how armed team members can clear with discipline and oversight, and strategies for unarmed members to respond safely. The curriculum also explores the use of drones as a force-multiplier for safer clearing, as well as post-alarm procedures, including communication, documentation, and conducting after action reviews.

Analyst Comments: This new training release reflects a practical and proactive approach to HOW safety, tackling a scenario often overlooked. Addressing the gap from other scenarios security teams focus on like active shooter it strengthens preparedness and reduces the risk of what could be dismissed. This training may be valuable to HOW teams in order to learn to treat every alarm seriously while continuously managing risk, protecting the people and property, and ensuring security efforts remain credible and effective. 

The Gate 15 Interview EP 61 – Adam Rak on CyberUSA, building communities, Vikings, Valkyries and community service

The Gate 15 Interview is a monthly interview between Gate 15’s Founder and Managing Director, Andy Jabbour and guests from throughout the homeland security risk management community addressing a wide range of all-hazards topics and issues.

In this month’s Gate 15 Interview Andy speaks with Adam Rak an Executive Director of CyberUSA, Head of Strategic Partnerships, and San Carols City Council Member and Former Mayor.

In the discussion Adam and Andy cover:

• Adam’s background
• CyberUSA, overview, members, and marketplace
• Building communities
• Selling new ideas in tech and security

Information on other Gate 15 podcasts can be found at Podcast.