Source: News Blaze

http://newsblaze.com/story/20060919151237tsop.nb/newsblaze/TOPSTORY/Top-Stories.html

On September 25, 2006 News Blaze reported, "'Our country is more secure today because law enforcement and America's Arab, Muslim, Sikh and South Asian communities are working more closely together,' according to Homeland Security's Daniel W. Sutherland.

'We sincerely hope and expect that those relationships will deepen and strengthen as the years progress,' the officer for civil rights and civil liberties at the Department of Homeland Security said, introducing a panel on security enhancement through community involvement at the National Press Club in Washington September 15.

Addressing the group, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Wan Kim called the September 11, 2001, attacks in the United States 'a seminal event in the nation's history' and deplored post-9/11 hate crimes against Arab and Sikh Americans. Among the most effective tools to counter such incidents are outreach programs to the Arab and South Asian American community leaders, he said, adding that cooperation with federal, state and local law enforcement officials has enhanced protection of civil rights in their communities and brought criminals to justice... Since 9/11, more people have been detailed to track civil rights issues in the Homeland Security and Justice departments. The Department of Justice sponsored more than 250 town hall meetings with American Arabs, Muslims and South Asians around the country to address their concerns, Kim said, adding, 'But this is a process, not a destination. There is more work to be done.'"