Hubbry Logo
Michael ChertoffMichael ChertoffMain
Open search
Michael Chertoff
Community hub
Michael Chertoff
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Michael Chertoff
Michael Chertoff
Michael Chertoff
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Michael Chertoff (born November 28, 1953) is an American attorney who was the second United States secretary of homeland security to serve under President George W. Bush. Chertoff also served for one additional day under President Barack Obama. He was the co-author of the USA PATRIOT Act. Chertoff previously served as a United States circuit judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, as a federal prosecutor, and as Assistant U.S. Attorney General. He succeeded Tom Ridge as U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security on February 15, 2005.

Key Information

Since leaving government service, he co-founded the Chertoff Group, a risk-management and security consulting company. He has also worked as senior of counsel at the Washington, D.C. law firm of Covington & Burling. He is also the chair and a member of the board of trustees at the international freedom watchdog Freedom House, and sits on the bipartisan advisory board of States United Democracy Center.[1]

Early life and education

[edit]

Michael Chertoff was born to Gershon Baruch Chertoff (1915–96), a rabbi and Talmudic scholar who was the leader of Congregation B'nai Israel in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and Livia Chertoff (née Eisen), a Polish–born Israeli American who was the first flight attendant for El Al.[2][3] His paternal grandparents are Paul Chertoff, a rabbi and professor of Talmud,[4] and Esther Barish Chertoff.[5]

Chertoff attended the Jewish Educational Center in Elizabeth as well as the Pingry School. He graduated from Harvard College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1975. During his sophomore year, he studied abroad at the London School of Economics and Political Science. He then attended Harvard Law School, where he worked as a research assistant for John Hart Ely on his book Democracy and Distrust. Chertoff received a Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, in 1978.

Career

[edit]

Following his law school graduation, Chertoff served as a law clerk to Judge Murray Gurfein of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and later for United States Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan, Jr. from 1979 to 1980.

Chertoff worked in private practice with Latham & Watkins from 1980 to 1983 before being hired as a prosecutor by Rudolph Giuliani, then the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York. Chertoff worked on Mafia and political corruption–related cases. In the mid-1990s, Chertoff returned to Latham & Watkins for a brief period, founding the firm's office in Newark, New Jersey.

In September 1986, together with United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York Rudolph Giuliani, Chertoff was instrumental in the crackdown on organized crime in the Mafia Commission Trial.

In 1990, Chertoff was appointed by President George H. W. Bush as United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey.[6] Among his most important cases, in 1992 Chertoff achieved conviction of second-term Jersey City mayor Gerald McCann on charges of defrauding money from a savings and loan scam. McCann served two years in federal prison.[7]

In 1993, he was a prosecutor in the fraud case against Eddie Antar, founder of the Crazy Eddie electronics store chain.

Chertoff's Homeland Security secretary portrait

Chertoff was asked to stay in his position when the Clinton administration took office in 1993, at the request of Democratic Senator Bill Bradley.[7] He was the only United States Attorney who was not replaced due to the change in administrations. He continued to work with the U.S. Attorney's office until 1994, when he entered private practice, returning to Latham & Watkins as a partner.[7]

Despite his friendly relationship with some Democrats, Chertoff was appointed as the special counsel for the Senate Whitewater Committee studying allegations against President Clinton and his wife in what was known as the Whitewater investigation. No charges were brought against the Clintons.

In 2000, Chertoff worked as special counsel to the New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee, investigating racial profiling in New Jersey. He also did some fundraising for George W. Bush[8] and other Republicans[citation needed] during the 2000 election cycle. He advised Bush's presidential campaign on criminal justice issues.

Chertoff was appointed by Bush to head the criminal division of the Department of Justice, serving from 2001 to 2003. Chertoff was the senior Justice Department official on duty at the F.B.I. command center right after the September 11 attacks.[9] He led the federal prosecution's case against suspected terrorist Zacarias Moussaoui. In 2002 and 2003, Chertoff provided legal advice to the CIA on the use of coercive interrogation methods against terror suspects such as Abu Zubaydah.[10]

Chertoff also led the prosecution's case against accounting firm Arthur Andersen for destroying documents relating to the Enron collapse. The prosecution of Arthur Andersen was controversial, as the firm was effectively dissolved, resulting in the loss of 26,000 jobs. The United States Supreme Court overturned the conviction, and the case has not been retried.

Federal judicial service

[edit]

On March 5, 2003, Chertoff was nominated by President Bush to a seat on the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit vacated by Morton I. Greenberg. He was confirmed by the Senate 88–1 on June 9, 2003, with Senator Hillary Clinton of New York casting the lone dissenting vote; he received his commission the following day. Senator Clinton said that she had dissented to register her protest for the way Chertoff's staff mistreated junior White House staffers during the Whitewater investigation.[11] Chertoff served as a federal judge from 2003 to 2005.[12]

Secretary of Homeland Security

[edit]
President Bush discussing border security with Chertoff near El Paso, Texas, November 2005

In late 2004, Bernard Kerik was forced to decline President Bush's offer to replace Tom Ridge, the outgoing Secretary of Homeland Security. After a lengthy search to find a suitable replacement, Bush nominated Chertoff to the post in January 2005, citing his experience with post-9/11 terror legislation. He was unanimously approved for the position by the United States Senate on February 15, 2005.[13]

Hurricane Katrina occurred while Chertoff was Secretary of Homeland Security. The Department was criticized for its lack of preparation in advance of the well-forecast hurricane; most criticism was directed toward the Federal Emergency Management Agency.[14] DHS in general, and Chertoff in particular, were criticized for responding poorly to the disaster, ignoring crucial information about the catastrophic nature of the storm and devoting little attention to the federal response to what became the most costly disaster in American history.[15]

Chertoff was the Bush administration's point man for pushing the comprehensive immigration reform bill, a measure that stalled in the Senate in June 2007.[16]

Chertoff was asked by the Obama administration to stay in his post until 9 a.m. on January 21, 2009, (one day after President Obama's inauguration) "to ensure a smooth transition".[17]

Construction of border fence

[edit]

Under Chertoff's leadership, the Department of Homeland Security constructed hundreds of miles of fencing along the border between the United States and Mexico. Secretary Chertoff exercised his waiver authority on April 1, 2008, to "waive in their entirety" the Endangered Species Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Coastal Zone Management Act, the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act to extend triple fencing through the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve near San Diego.[18] On April 8, 2008, Chertoff issued additional waivers allowing the Department of Homeland Security to "bypass environmental reviews to speed construction of fencing along the Mexican border". The New York Times reported that pursuant to the Secure Fence Act of 2006, "the department was authorized to build up to 700 miles of fencing along the 2,000-mile Southwest border, where most illegal immigrants cross". Congress had granted Chertoff waiver authority in 2005,[19] but the Times described his actions as an expansion of his waiver authority.[20] According to Times columnist Adam Liptak, Chertoff's action excluded the Department of Homeland Security from having to follow laws "protecting the environment, endangered species, migratory birds, the bald eagle, antiquities, farms, deserts, forests, Native American graves and religious freedom."[21] In an editorial, the Times criticized Chertoff for his use of waiver authority, stating: "To the long list of things the Bush administration is willing to trash in its rush to appease immigration hard-liners, you can now add dozens of important environmental laws and hundreds of thousands of acres of fragile habitat on the southern border."[22]

A report issued by the Congressional Research Service, the non-partisan research division of the Library of Congress, said that the unchecked delegation of powers to Chertoff was unprecedented:

After a review of federal law, primarily through electronic database searches and consultations with various CRS experts, we were unable to locate a waiver provision identical to that of §102 of H.R. 418—i.e., a provision that contains 'notwithstanding' language, provides a secretary of an executive agency the authority to waive all laws such secretary determines necessary, and directs the secretary to waive such laws.[23]

On June 23, 2008, the Supreme Court of the United States declined to hear a constitutional challenge to the 2005 law that gave Chertoff waiver authority.[19]

Actions regarding illegal immigration

[edit]

In September 2007, Chertoff told a House committee that the DHS would not tolerate interference by sanctuary cities that would block the "Basic Pilot Program", which requires some types of employers to validate the legal status of their workers.[24]

In 2008 it was reported that the residential housekeeping company Chertoff had hired to clean his house employed undocumented immigrants.[25][26][27]

Post-DHS career

[edit]

Since leaving government service, Chertoff has worked as senior of counsel at the Washington, D.C. law firm of Covington & Burling.[28]

He formed The Chertoff Group (TCG) on February 2, 2009, to work on crisis and risk management. The firm is also led by Chad Sweet; he served as the Chief of Staff of Homeland Security while Chertoff was Secretary and also had a two-year stint at the Directorate of Operations for the CIA. The firm also employs Charles E. Allen, Larry Castro, Jay M. Cohen, General Michael V. Hayden and other former high-ranking government employees and appointees.

Chertoff was also elected as Chairman of BAE Systems for a three-year term, beginning May 1, 2012. Chertoff co-chairs the Bipartisan Policy Center's Immigration Task Force.

Chertoff was part of a legal team that represented Russian/Ukrainian Dmitro Firtash's against extradition to the United States.[29]

Chertoff is also a member of the Atlantic Council's board of directors.[30]

From 2017 to 2019, Chertoff served as a member of the Global Commission on the Stability of Cyberspace and was made a co-chair of the commission in its final year.

In a July 2020 op-ed in The New York Times, Chertoff claimed the Trump administration was hijacking the DHS for political purposes.[31]

Views

[edit]

Globalization

[edit]

At the Global Creative Leadership Summit in 2009, Chertoff described globalization as a double-edged sword. Although globalization may help raise the standard of living for people around the world, Chertoff claimed that it can also enable terrorists and transnational criminals.[32]

Body scanners

[edit]

Chertoff has been an advocate of enhanced technologies, such as full body scanners.[33] His consulting firm Chertoff Group (founded 2009) represented manufacturers of the scanners.[34][35]

Climate change

[edit]

Chertoff co-signed the preface to the report "National Security and the Accelerating Risks of Climate Change" published in 2014 where he stated that "projected climate change is a complex multi-decade challenge. Without action to build resilience, it will increase security risks over much of the planet. It will not only increase threats to developing nations in resource-challenged parts of the world, but it will also test the security of nations with robust capability, including significant elements of our National Power here at home."[36]

Political endorsements

[edit]

In the 2016 presidential election, Chertoff endorsed Hillary Clinton.[37]

In 2024, Chertoff endorsed Jon Bramnick for New Jersey Governor.[38]

Selected publications

[edit]
  • (2009) Homeland Security: Assessing the First Five Years
  • (2018) Exploding Data: Reclaiming Our Cyber Security in the Digital Age

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Michael Chertoff

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Michael Chertoff (born November 28, 1953) is an American attorney and former government official who served as the second United States Secretary of Homeland Security from 2005 to 2009 under President George W. Bush. A Harvard Law School graduate, Chertoff began his legal career as a law clerk to Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan Jr. and later as a federal prosecutor in New York, where he led prosecutions against organized crime figures, including the simultaneous trials of five Mafia family heads. As U.S. Attorney for of from 1990 to 1994, Chertoff handled cases involving and secured convictions in high-profile matters, such as the fraud trial of Jersey City mayor Gerald McCann. He subsequently served as Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division at the Department of Justice, overseeing investigations into corporate fraud and terrorism-related activities, and co-authored the USA PATRIOT Act in response to the , 2001, attacks to enhance national security measures. Nominated by President Bush, Chertoff was confirmed as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in 2003 before resigning to lead the Department of , where he managed a workforce of over 200,000 and a budget exceeding $40 billion, focusing on border enforcement, , and preparedness. Chertoff's tenure at DHS drew scrutiny for the agency's response to in 2005, amid allegations of delayed federal aid and resource allocation failures, though official reviews attributed broader systemic issues within FEMA to prior administrative structures. Post-government, he co-founded The Chertoff Group, a risk management and security consulting firm, and has advocated for data-driven approaches to cybersecurity and privacy in an era of expanding surveillance capabilities. His career reflects a consistent emphasis on prosecutorial rigor and policy, though critics have questioned the balance between security imperatives and protections under laws like the .

Early Life and Education

Family Background and Childhood

Michael Chertoff was born on November 28, 1953, in , to Gershon Chertoff and Livia Chertoff, as their only child. His father, Gershon Baruch Chertoff (1915–1996), was a Conservative ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary who led Congregation B'nai Israel, a in Elizabeth, and served as a Talmudic scholar active in the local Jewish community. Chertoff's mother, Livia (née Eisen), was born in in 1925 and later resided in before settling in Elizabeth; she managed an art gallery and had a background that included . Chertoff was raised in Elizabeth, a city with a significant Jewish population where his family's rabbinical ties fostered early immersion in Conservative Jewish traditions and community leadership. Limited public details exist on his personal childhood experiences, though his upbringing in this environment emphasized scholarly and religious values aligned with his father's vocation.

Academic and Early Professional Training

Chertoff earned an A.B. degree magna cum laude from Harvard College in 1975. He then received a J.D. degree magna cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1978. Immediately after law school, Chertoff served as a law clerk to Judge Murray I. Gurfein of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit from 1978 to 1979. He subsequently clerked for Associate Justice William J. Brennan Jr. of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1979 to 1980. Following these clerkships, he spent several years as an associate at the law firm Latham & Watkins.

Prosecutorial Career

Early Roles in Federal Prosecution

Chertoff commenced his federal prosecutorial career as an in the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York in 1983. In this role, he handled cases involving , , and financial misconduct, including embezzlements and tax frauds. A prominent achievement was his leadership in the simultaneous prosecutions of the heads of New York's five major crime families, culminating in the (United States v. Salerno et al.), which began in February 1985 and resulted in convictions on November 21, 1986, for charges including murder, extortion, and labor racketeering. Chertoff served as a lead prosecutor in this landmark RICO case, which dismantled the Mafia's governing "Commission" structure and marked the first use of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act against multiple crime family bosses in a single trial. His work emphasized aggressive application of federal statutes to combat entrenched criminal enterprises, contributing to a broader era of intensified federal efforts against in New York during the 1980s. Chertoff departed the Southern District in 1987 to assume the position of First Assistant United States Attorney in .

U.S. Attorney for New Jersey

Michael Chertoff was nominated by President and served as the for the District of from 1990 to 1994. In this role, he oversaw federal prosecutions in a district known for entrenched and , building on his prior experience as first assistant U.S. attorney in Newark since 1987. His office prioritized dismantling operations, including factions of the Gambino and Lucchese crime families active in the state. Under Chertoff's leadership, prosecutors secured convictions against key mob figures for and conspiracies, notably including a 1989 trial where three Lucchese members were found guilty of plotting to assassinate Gambino boss John , marking a significant disruption to interstate activities originating from . These efforts extended to broader takedowns, such as the prosecution of Genovese boss Anthony "Fat Tony" Salerno on charges tied to operations, contributing to weakened national La Cosa Nostra structures. Chertoff's office also targeted corporate fraud, including the case against Crazy Eddie founder Eddie Antar for involving inflated retail electronics sales, resulting in Antar's conviction after evidence of inventory manipulation and false financial reporting surfaced. On the political corruption front, Chertoff's tenure saw the 1992 conviction of Jersey City Mayor Gerald McCann for fraudulently diverting over $1 million in municipal funds to personal and campaign uses, a case that exemplified the office's aggressive pursuit of public graft in urban politics. These prosecutions emphasized evidence-based strategies, such as RICO statutes to link disparate crimes under enterprise theories, yielding high rates without reliance on controversial deals that might undermine long-term deterrence. Overall, Chertoff's four-year stint enhanced federal leverage against entrenched criminal networks, setting precedents for coordinated inter-agency efforts that persisted beyond his departure.

Special Investigations and High-Profile Cases

As for the District of from September 1990 to January 1994, Chertoff supervised numerous investigations into public , including the 1991 prosecution of City McCann for . McCann, who had served as mayor from 1981 to 1985, was accused of defrauding investors through a scheme involving a savings and loan institution, using funds for personal expenses such as payments, rare investments, and trips to events like the . Convicted on December 17, 1991, of 12 counts including , misapplication of funds, and false statements, McCann faced up to 71 years in and $1 million in fines; he was sentenced to 33 months in federal on June 24, 1992. Chertoff described McCann as an "arrogant, unrepentant liar" during sentencing arguments. Chertoff's office also pursued high-profile corruption cases beyond McCann, such as the prosecution of New York chief bridge inspector Irwin Cantor for accepting bribes from contractors in exchange for favorable inspections and contract awards. These efforts targeted systemic graft in the affecting , reflecting Chertoff's emphasis on dismantling networks of political and official misconduct. In parallel, Chertoff directed investigations into operating across state lines into , building on federal strategies to disrupt activities through racketeering charges under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). His tenure saw continued pressure on La Cosa Nostra families, including Genovese and Lucchese affiliates active in the region, though specific convictions tied directly to his oversight emphasized infiltration via informants and wiretaps to prosecute , loan-sharking, and labor . These cases contributed to broader federal successes in weakening traditional structures in the Northeast during the early . Chertoff's approach prioritized complex, multi-defendant trials requiring coordination with FBI task forces, yielding convictions in corporate schemes as well, such as those involving and financial misrepresentation by New Jersey-based firms. Overall, his office secured dozens of indictments and guilty pleas in these categories, elevating the profile of federal enforcement against entrenched criminal enterprises.

Judicial Service

Appointment to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals

President nominated Michael Chertoff on March 5, 2003, to serve as a on the Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, filling the vacancy left by Morton I. Greenberg, who had taken . At the time, Chertoff was serving as Assistant for the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice, a position he had held since June 2001, where he oversaw high-profile investigations including post-9/11 efforts. The Third Circuit has over federal cases from , , , and the , and Bush selected Chertoff for his extensive prosecutorial experience, including prior service as U.S. Attorney for the District of from 1990 to 1994. The nomination proceeded to the Judiciary Committee, which conducted hearings on May 15, 2003, focusing on Chertoff's qualifications, judicial philosophy, and record in matters. Committee members, including Chairman , praised Chertoff's legal acumen and bipartisan support from former colleagues, with no significant opposition emerging during the proceedings. The committee reported the nomination favorably, and on June 9, 2003, the full confirmed Chertoff by a vote of 88-1 (Record Vote Number: 211). The sole dissenting vote came amid broader debates on judicial nominees but did not derail the near-unanimous approval, reflecting Chertoff's reputation as a competent and experienced . Chertoff received his commission on June 11, 2003, and was sworn in shortly thereafter, beginning his tenure on the Third Circuit, where he authored opinions on , , and constitutional issues until resigning in February 2005 to accept as Secretary of Homeland Security. His brief judicial service, lasting less than two years, was marked by a textualist approach emphasizing and federal authority in enforcement matters.

Key Rulings and Judicial Philosophy

Michael Chertoff served as a on the Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit from June 10, 2003, to February 15, 2005, following his confirmation by the on a 99-0 vote to fill the seat vacated by Morton I. Greenberg. His tenure was abbreviated, lasting less than two years, during which he participated in appellate proceedings but authored few published opinions due to the timing of his resignation to assume the role of Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division. This limited record precluded extensive landmark rulings, though he contributed to panel deliberations and procedural orders in routine matters, such as amending slip opinions in civil disputes. Chertoff's judicial philosophy emphasized restraint, advocating that judges interpret statutes and precedents as enacted by elected branches rather than expanding or contracting laws to fit policy outcomes. In reflecting on his legal career, he described arguing for "" to avoid courts supplanting legislative intent with activist interpretations. This approach aligned with conservative , prioritizing and to executive and congressional authority, particularly in areas like where he had prosecutorial experience. He critiqued trends toward diminished judicial , warning that overreach could undermine democratic processes by allowing unelected judges to resolve contentious issues. In proceedings for his , Chertoff affirmed a commitment to impartial application of law, drawing from his appellate clerkship under Justice William Brennan and prosecutorial background to underscore fidelity to over personal ideology. Observers noted his record reflected a pragmatic conservatism, skeptical of expansive federal judicial power, consistent with principles he later articulated in public addresses. This philosophy influenced his brief judicial contributions, favoring narrow holdings grounded in statutory language over broad doctrinal innovations.

Secretary of Homeland Security

Appointment and Organizational Reforms

President George W. Bush nominated Michael Chertoff to serve as the second Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on January 11, 2005, following the resignation of Tom Ridge. The Senate confirmed Chertoff's nomination unanimously on February 15, 2005, by a vote of 98-0, marking his fourth Senate confirmation after prior roles as U.S. Attorney, special counsel, and federal judge. He was sworn in as Secretary on the same day, assuming leadership of the department established in 2002 to coordinate national efforts against terrorism and other threats. Shortly after taking office, Chertoff initiated a comprehensive Second Stage Review (2SR) on March 1, 2005, to assess DHS's , operations, and policies, emphasizing a shift from a reactive to a -based, intelligence-driven approach. The review concluded that the department's initial post-9/11 formation had prioritized rapid integration over efficiency, resulting in fragmented directorates and stovepiped functions. Announced on July 13, 2005, the 2SR outlined a six-point agenda to realign DHS around core missions: increasing overall , particularly for catastrophic threats; effectively prioritizing assets based on ; and integrating multiple DHS components for unity of effort. Key organizational reforms included restructuring DHS into three main directorates—Directorate for Preparedness, Directorate of Policy, and Directorate of Operations Coordination—reducing bureaucratic layers and enhancing coordination between operational components like Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and . Chertoff elevated intelligence functions by creating the Office of Intelligence and Analysis under a Chief Intelligence Officer reporting directly to the Secretary, aiming to fuse departmental and external intelligence for better threat assessment. Additional changes involved consolidating border security under CBP, rejecting a proposed merger of CBP and ICE to preserve specialized enforcement roles, and establishing a new Under Secretary for Policy to centralize strategic planning. These reforms, partially implemented through executive authority and requiring congressional approval for others, sought to streamline management by eliminating redundant senior positions and fostering accountability through performance metrics tied to risk priorities.

Counterterrorism and Intelligence Enhancements

As Secretary of from February 2005 to January 2009, Michael Chertoff initiated a comprehensive reorganization of the Department through the Second Stage Review, culminating in a six-point agenda announced on July 13, 2005. This agenda emphasized a risk-based approach to prioritize threats, including enhancements to intelligence collection and analysis to better integrate with broader efforts. A core element was strengthening intelligence functions by establishing the Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) as a centralized hub to aggregate and disseminate information from DHS components, federal partners, and state and local entities, addressing pre-existing silos that hindered post-9/11 information sharing. Chertoff elevated DHS intelligence leadership by creating the position of Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis in April 2006, formalizing it as a Senate-confirmed role to oversee strategic analysis and fusion of terrorism-related data across agencies. This structural change aimed to position DHS as a primary consumer and producer of within the Intelligence Community, facilitating better coordination with the and improving predictive assessments of domestic threats. In September 2007, Chertoff issued a directing all DHS components to ensure access to terrorism, law enforcement, and information, further institutionalizing inter-component data flows to support operational decisions. To extend intelligence reach beyond federal levels, Chertoff expanded the network of state and local s, which serve as hubs for real-time sharing of threat indicators among , , and federal agencies. By June 2007, he committed to building a national network, deploying DHS personnel and secure data systems like the Homeland Secure Data Network to over 20 centers by the end of 2007, with plans for up to 35 by the following year; this initiative enhanced early detection of plots by fusing local observations with national . Additionally, in 2007, Chertoff authorized the National Applications Office to coordinate domestic use of overhead for and disaster response, notifying the in March 2006 to align with legal constraints on assets, though the office faced subsequent scrutiny over implications. These measures collectively shifted DHS toward proactive, intelligence-driven , emphasizing empirical threat prioritization over uniform .

Border Security and Immigration Enforcement

As Secretary of Homeland Security from February 2005 to January 2009, Michael Chertoff prioritized enhancing border security through a multi-layered strategy that emphasized increased personnel, physical barriers, technological , and interior to deter and mitigate risks. This approach aligned with President George W. Bush's comprehensive efforts, which sought to secure borders while addressing underlying migration drivers, though legislative comprehensive reform failed in . Chertoff reorganized DHS components like Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs (ICE) to streamline operations, treating as an integrated "pipeline" from apprehension to removal to prevent bottlenecks. Under Chertoff's leadership, CBP significantly expanded its Border Patrol workforce along the southwest border, growing from approximately 11,000 agents in 2005 to over 18,000 by 2009, a more than two-thirds increase that aimed to achieve operational control over high-traffic areas. Congress provided $940 million in additional funding in 2005 for DHS law enforcement, enabling recruitment of 1,500 new agents that year alone, boosting the force by 30 percent. ICE also received resources for 250 new investigators, 400 enforcement agents, 100 deportation officers, and 2,000 additional detention beds to handle rising apprehensions and removals. The Secure Border Initiative (SBI), launched in 2005, integrated , sensors, cameras, and aerial surveillance with personnel deployments to create a "virtual " in populated corridors. Following the , which mandated up to 700 miles of barriers, Chertoff oversaw construction of double-layer and vehicle barriers, completing hundreds of miles by waiving 36 environmental and cultural laws in 2007 and 2008 to accelerate projects amid legal delays. These measures contributed to measurable declines in illegal crossings, with southwest border apprehensions dropping 8 percent to about 1.1 million in 2006 and an additional 20 percent in 2007, which Chertoff attributed to deterrence from heightened rather than solely economic factors. Chertoff intensified interior immigration enforcement, directing ICE to target worksite violations and fugitive absconders, with over 450,000 outstanding removal orders in 2005 growing by 40,000 annually. High-profile operations included the 2006 Swift & Company raids across six states, arresting nearly 1,300 unauthorized workers for identity theft and document fraud, and similar actions against employers like IFCO Systems. In fiscal year 2007, ICE conducted operations yielding 4,077 administrative arrests and 863 criminal arrests at worksites, alongside increased deportations of criminal aliens. These efforts focused on removing threats like gang members and drug traffickers, though critics argued they disrupted industries without addressing root causes of illegal hiring. Chertoff maintained that such targeted enforcement complemented border measures, asserting illegal immigration posed direct risks to public safety and security.

Response to Natural Disasters

As Secretary of Homeland Security from February 2005 to January 2009, Michael Chertoff directed the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) oversight of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) during major natural disasters, with Hurricane Katrina serving as the most scrutinized event. Katrina made landfall near New Orleans, Louisiana, on August 29, 2005, causing catastrophic flooding due to levee failures that submerged 80% of the city and resulted in over 1,800 deaths across affected states. On August 30, Chertoff issued the first-ever declaration of an Incident of National Significance under the National Response Plan, which empowered DHS to coordinate federal assets including military support, though critics noted this came after initial state requests for aid and amid ongoing levee breaches reported earlier that day. The federal response faced bipartisan congressional rebuke for logistical delays, such as slow deployment of search-and-rescue teams and supplies, with a report citing DHS's post-9/11 reorganization of FEMA as contributing to fragmented authority and underpreparedness for a non-terrorism catastrophe. Chertoff, in October 2005 testimony before the House Select Committee, defended the effort by emphasizing legal constraints requiring state-initiated requests before full federal intervention and attributing primary failures to Louisiana's delayed evacuation orders and deployment issues, while conceding communication silos within DHS exacerbated . He rejected claims of complacency, pointing to pre-staged equipment and over 40,000 federal personnel eventually mobilized, though aid distribution bottlenecks persisted for days. Chertoff responded with structural overhauls to FEMA announced on February 13, 2006, including a unified chain of command under a single administrator for response operations, recruitment of 1,500 additional full-time staff for surge capacity, and upgraded systems to prioritize professional responders over volunteers in acute phases. These reforms were tested in Hurricanes Rita (September 2005) and Wilma (October 2005), where enhanced pre-positioning and interagency coordination enabled faster evacuations and resource delivery, averting Katrina-scale chaos despite similar Gulf Coast threats. By 2008, DHS evaluations credited the integrated model for effective handling of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, with FEMA delivering over $500 million in initial aid for Ike alone through streamlined federal-state partnerships and military airlifts for medical evacuations, drawing fewer operational criticisms than Katrina.

Major Policy Initiatives and Controversies

As Secretary of , Chertoff launched the Second Stage Review (2SR) shortly after assuming office on February 15, 2005, a comprehensive internal assessment aimed at evaluating departmental operations, policies, and to address inefficiencies inherited from the DHS's creation. The review, completed by July 13, 2005, rejected proposals to merge Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), instead emphasizing enhanced intelligence integration and operational autonomy for border and enforcement agencies. It culminated in a reorganization that streamlined management lines, consolidated support functions, and prioritized mission performance over bureaucratic silos. The 2SR directly informed Chertoff's Six-Point Agenda, announced on July 13, 2005, which outlined priorities including increasing preparedness for catastrophic events through better resource allocation and exercises; developing layered transportation security systems for , mass transit, and cargo without unduly impeding mobility; bolstering border security and interior enforcement via technology and personnel; fostering shared across federal, state, and local levels; improving internal management in finance, procurement, , and IT; and realigning the department's structure to eliminate redundancies. This agenda facilitated the creation of new entities like the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office and enhanced fusion centers for intelligence sharing, with a reported $50 billion annual budget overseeing 218,000 personnel. Chertoff championed a risk-based framework for , articulated as early as March 16, 2005, which prioritized allocating resources according to assessments of , vulnerabilities, and potential consequences rather than uniform spending. This approach influenced grant distributions, strategies, and readiness, aiming to mitigate high-impact like nuclear or mass-casualty attacks through data-driven decisions over reactive measures. Implementation included expanding the National Asset Database for prioritization and integrating metrics into DHS budgeting, though critics argued it sometimes justified expansive without sufficient empirical validation of probabilities. Chertoff's policies drew controversy over implications, particularly from organizations like the ACLU, which highlighted ongoing detention practices and data-sharing expansions under programs inherited from post-9/11 initiatives, such as the NSEERS registration system targeting nationals from predominantly Muslim countries. criticized his prior advisory role on CIA techniques, including memos permitting methods later deemed coercive, as indicative of a pattern prioritizing security over detainee protections that persisted into DHS oversight of immigration enforcement. In 2008, Chertoff invoked waiver authority under the 1996 Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act to bypass over 30 environmental and cultural preservation laws, expediting construction of approximately 700 miles of border fencing mandated by the ; environmental groups contended this undermined statutory protections without adequate risk-benefit analysis. These actions, while defended as necessary for rapid threat mitigation, fueled debates on executive overreach and the trade-offs between efficacy and legal constraints.

Post-Government Activities

Private Sector Leadership

Following his tenure as Secretary of , which ended on January 21, 2009, Chertoff launched a consulting approximately two months later, co-founding The Chertoff Group as a and firm. He serves as the firm's Co-Founder and Executive Chairman, directing its efforts in global and growth advisory services. The Chertoff Group specializes in cybersecurity, physical and geopolitical , , , and strategic counsel for corporations and governments to mitigate threats without impeding operations. Under his leadership, the firm has expanded to include senior advisors with expertise in geopolitical risk and corporate , and it marked its 15th anniversary in February 2024, having consistently employed a team and met payroll obligations for over 300 cycles. In addition to his role at The Chertoff Group, Chertoff has held senior positions in law and defense. He joined Covington & Burling LLP as senior of counsel, focusing on legal advisory in white-collar defense and related areas. In the defense sector, he was appointed to the Board of Directors of BAE Systems, Inc. on May 25, 2010, and elected Chairman on April 18, 2012, contributing his security domain experience to the company's strategic direction in the U.S. market. These roles leverage his government background to bridge public policy with private enterprise needs in risk mitigation and national security technologies.

Advisory Roles and Public Commentary

Following his departure from the Department of in January 2009, Chertoff co-founded The Chertoff Group, a security and , and has served as its executive chairman, advising clients on cybersecurity, geopolitical risks, and federal market strategies. The firm, established in March 2009, provides strategic counsel to corporations and governments on threat mitigation and resilience. Chertoff has held multiple board and advisory positions focused on security and policy. He joined the board of directors of , a U.S. of the defense contractor, in May 2010 and was elected chairman in April 2012, leveraging his expertise in to guide the company's operations. He serves on the board of trustees of , an organization monitoring global democratic freedoms, and the board of directors of the Atlantic Council, a on international affairs. Additionally, he is a member of the , which promotes policy cooperation among , , and Asia, and sits on the advisory council of the German Marshall Fund of the United States, focused on transatlantic relations. In specialized roles, Chertoff advises the American Bar Association's Task Force on legal implications of AI and co-chairs the Transatlantic Commission on Election Integrity, addressing threats to democratic processes. In public commentary, Chertoff has emphasized cybersecurity vulnerabilities, authoring Exploding Data: Reclaiming Our Cyber Security in the Digital Age to argue for proactive defenses against data proliferation risks. He has warned of cyber threats from state actors like and , advocating protections for and election systems while balancing privacy concerns. In August 2020, Chertoff discussed post-COVID security challenges, including disruptions and heightened risks from global instability. More recently, in April 2025, he critiqued U.S. strategies, urging prioritization of and alliances to counter 's advancements in AI and semiconductors. In September 2025, he participated in a forum on evolving threats, stressing adaptive sharing. Chertoff has also called for comprehensive strategies to dismantle terrorist networks, drawing on lessons from post-9/11 reforms.

Recent Engagements on Security Threats

In 2024, Chertoff participated in discussions on converging cyber and physical risks, highlighting cyber threats as the primary global challenge and emphasizing the need for integrated defenses against state actors like and . He addressed securing large-scale events, such as the Paris Olympics, by advocating for layered measures including intelligence sharing and threat assessment to counter and cyber disruptions. In June 2024, he described as the "new battleground," urging organizations to adopt resilient strategies over perimeter defenses, given the inevitability of breaches by sophisticated adversaries. Chertoff keynoted the CREATE Center's 20th Anniversary Symposium in April 2024, focusing on emerging threats including geopolitical tensions and technological vulnerabilities. Earlier, in a November 2023 statement to the AI Forum, he warned of adversarial use of AI for influence operations and , recommending threat-informed defenses that prioritize on hostile actors over generic safeguards. By April 2025, Chertoff delivered remarks on U.S. technology strategy, stressing priorities to counter China's advancements in AI and as existential security risks, while advocating for export controls and domestic innovation incentives. In September 2025, he joined a panel on threats, discussing persistent dangers from , cyber espionage, and border vulnerabilities in the context of his prior DHS experience. Through his role at The Chertoff Group, these engagements underscore his emphasis on proactive, intelligence-driven risk management amid evolving threats from non-state actors and peer competitors.

Views and Public Positions

National Security and Civil Liberties

Michael Chertoff, as Assistant for the Criminal Division from 2001 to 2003, co-authored key provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act, which expanded government surveillance and information-sharing authorities to combat terrorism following the . He has defended the Act as primarily facilitating the sharing of information already held by government agencies, rather than introducing wholly new collection powers, arguing it was essential for preventing attacks without fundamentally altering constitutional protections. During his 2005 confirmation hearing for Secretary of , Chertoff pledged to uphold while prioritizing , emphasizing that measures like post-9/11 detentions were lawful and necessary to address immediate threats. In his DHS role from 2005 to 2009, Chertoff supported reauthorization of the PATRIOT Act, contending it bolstered operations against terrorist financing and border threats without infringing core rights, and he advocated for oversight mechanisms to mitigate abuses. He has maintained that national security requires a "new legal architecture" for counterterrorism, including enhanced intelligence tools, but must preserve the rule of law and individual liberties as foundational to American security. Civil liberties organizations, such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), have criticized Chertoff's record, alleging he advanced expansive executive powers that strained Bill of Rights limits in the name of security, including support for warrantless surveillance elements. Post-government, Chertoff has addressed evolving tensions in the digital era through his 2018 book Exploding Data: Reclaiming Our Cybersecurity in the Digital Age, arguing that traditional expectations are untenable amid vast proliferation, where individuals themselves contribute to via on platforms. He posits that absolute protection is impossible—"the ship has essentially sailed"—and instead calls for frameworks emphasizing control, judicial oversight (e.g., storing metadata with private companies pending warrants), and of tech monopolies to safeguard both security and autonomy. Chertoff warns that unchecked risks undermine more than overreach, urging proactive steps like EU-inspired laws to balance cyber threats with democratic values.

Immigration and Border Control

Michael Chertoff has consistently advocated for robust as essential to and preventing illegal migration. During his tenure as Secretary of Homeland Security from 2005 to 2009, he emphasized gaining operational control of U.S. borders through a combination of increased personnel, advanced , and physical . In testimony before on October 18, 2005, Chertoff outlined three core pillars for : achieving , establishing effective interior enforcement, and creating a temporary worker program to address labor needs while reducing unauthorized entries. He argued that uncontrolled borders posed risks of security breaches alongside economic and humanitarian challenges. Chertoff's policies focused on measurable outcomes, including the expansion of detention capacity to end the "catch-and-release" practice, enabling the detention of all undocumented immigrants apprehended at the . This shift, implemented under his leadership, contributed to a reported 40 percent reduction in apprehensions between 2005 and 2008, which he attributed to enhanced presence and deterrence efforts. Deportations rose significantly, reaching nearly 350,000 in 2008, supported by quintupling Operations Teams from 15 to 75, which targeted and removed individuals who had failed to depart after orders. The Secure Border Initiative, launched in November 2005, integrated personnel deployment, surveillance technology, and barrier construction to systematically reduce illegal crossings. A key initiative under Chertoff was the implementation of the , which authorized approximately 700 miles of fencing and barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border. To accelerate construction amid legal delays, he invoked waiver authority in October 2007 to bypass certain environmental and other statutes, prioritizing security infrastructure over procedural hurdles. This approach reflected his view that physical barriers, combined with technological aids like sensors and cameras, formed a critical layer of defense, though he also stressed the need for complementary interior enforcement to address overstays and workplace violations. Post-tenure, Chertoff has continued to promote data-driven border security, chairing a Bush Institute working group in to develop policy recommendations emphasizing metrics for evaluating enforcement effectiveness, such as apprehension rates and . He has critiqued overly simplistic measures, advocating integrated strategies that balance enforcement with legal pathways to manage flows realistically, while warning against policies that incentivize without adequate controls. In public discussions, he underscores the causal link between weak border management and increased risks of , trafficking, and , urging investments in both technology and personnel for sustainable control.

Climate Change as a Security Risk

Michael Chertoff has framed primarily as a "threat multiplier" that exacerbates existing vulnerabilities rather than a standalone existential danger, emphasizing its role in amplifying instability through resource scarcity, , and human displacement. In the forward to the 2014 CNA Corporation report National Security and the Accelerating Risks of , co-signed with former Senator , Chertoff endorsed the analysis that projected climate impacts—such as rising sea levels, droughts, and storms—would intensify conflicts and migration pressures in fragile states, particularly in the , , and , without implying irreversible catastrophe absent mitigation. This perspective aligns with military assessments viewing climate variability as compounding geopolitical tensions, though empirical attribution of specific events to anthropogenic forcing remains contested in peer-reviewed climate science. Chertoff's concerns have centered on climate-driven migration as a direct challenge, arguing that environmental degradation could trigger uncontrolled cross-border movements destabilizing regions like and the U.S. southern border. During a July 2023 on The Burn Bag , he described how phenomena including floods, wildfires, heatwaves, and droughts—potentially intensified by climate shifts—generate "peril" through mass displacements, straining immigration systems and fostering ungoverned spaces conducive to extremism. He advocated proactive policy integration of climate forecasting into security planning, citing historical precedents like Hurricane Katrina's exposure of infrastructure weaknesses, but stressed over alarmism, noting that unmanaged migration poses greater risks than the environmental drivers themselves. In more recent commentary, Chertoff linked extreme events to layered security threats, as in his January 2025 discussion of the wildfires, where he highlighted how drier conditions possibly linked to trends heighten vulnerabilities to , , and secondary migration surges, urging bipartisan resilience measures like enhanced monitoring and preparedness. At a event hosted by the Center for , he reiterated that unaddressed stressors could catalyze conflicts in resource-poor areas, drawing from his tenure experience with to underscore the need for intelligence-driven anticipatory actions rather than reactive containment. Chertoff's positions consistently prioritize empirical —grounded in observable patterns of variability and human response—over speculative long-term models, reflecting a practitioner's focus on verifiable causal chains from environmental stress to societal breakdown.

Political Endorsements and Democracy Advocacy

In 2016, Chertoff endorsed Democratic presidential candidate , stating that her experience outweighed concerns about Donald Trump's fitness for office despite his own prior role prosecuting the Clintons during the Whitewater investigation. In 2022, he joined other former Republican officials in endorsing Democrat 's successful gubernatorial campaign in , emphasizing the need for competent leadership amid national challenges. More recently, in January 2024, Chertoff endorsed Republican Jon Bramnick's candidacy for , praising Bramnick's commitment to the and fiscal responsibility as a native New Jerseyan. Chertoff has actively participated in bipartisan efforts to safeguard election integrity and democratic institutions. He co-chairs the Transatlantic Commission on Election Integrity, which addresses foreign interference and threats to elections in Western democracies. In October 2020, he headlined the launch of the National Council on Election Integrity, a group of over 40 former officials that advocated for counting all legal votes, a peaceful , and defenses against election-related violence or subversion. The council specifically urged recognition of as president-elect to enable a secure transition, citing risks to from delays. Chertoff serves as a key advisor at the States United Democracy Center, a nonpartisan organization focused on upholding the , protecting elections, and countering threats to democratic governance. In a December op-ed co-authored with , he argued that unsubstantiated claims of election fraud by Trump and allies eroded public trust in institutions, fostering paranoia and potential future disruptions to electoral processes. Following the , 2021, Capitol attack, Chertoff warned of persistent domestic threats, urging vigilance against extremism while criticizing intelligence failures in anticipating the violence.

Legacy

Key Achievements and Contributions

As Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division from 2001 to 2003, Chertoff oversaw the creation of the Enron Task Force, which prosecuted corporate fraud cases stemming from the , resulting in multiple convictions including that of Enron CEO . He also played a key role in enacting the , which expanded federal surveillance and investigative powers to combat terrorism following the . In this capacity, his division handled initial investigations into activities, contributing to the legal framework for post-9/11 counterterrorism efforts. During his tenure as the second Secretary of from February 15, 2005, to January 21, 2009, Chertoff led the department's Second Stage Review, a comprehensive that resulted in the largest reorganization of the federal civilian workforce since , streamlining operations across 22 agencies with a exceeding $50 billion and 218,000 personnel. This reform emphasized a risk-based approach to security, enhancing , infrastructure protection, and border enforcement, which blocked numerous potential terrorists from entering the . He advanced the construction of physical barriers along the U.S.- border and implemented policies that increased deportations and workplace enforcement against . Chertoff transformed the (FEMA) in the aftermath of in 2005, integrating it more effectively within DHS to improve capabilities through better coordination and protocols. His leadership also focused on and transportation , deploying risk-management systems that incorporated technology, inspections, and canine units to mitigate threats in supply chains. These initiatives contributed to thwarting plots such as the 2006 transatlantic aircraft bombing attempt through enhanced intelligence sharing and screening measures. Post-tenure, Chertoff co-founded The Chertoff Group in , advising governments and corporations on global risks, further extending his influence in strategies.

Criticisms and Debates

Chertoff's tenure as Secretary of drew significant criticism for the department's response to in August 2005, with congressional reports and hearings highlighting delays in coordination and inadequate logistics. A Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing in February 2006 featured testimony from Chertoff admitting that DHS's capabilities were "woefully inadequate" for disaster relief, including failures in supply movement and communications systems. A House select committee report criticized Chertoff's management, noting he delayed activating internal disaster response mechanisms and appointing a principal federal official until after the levees breached on August 29, 2005. Chertoff defended his actions by emphasizing he was not a "hurricane operator" and had relied on FEMA Director Michael Brown, though he later overhauled FEMA's structure in response. Critics, including advocates, targeted Chertoff's role in drafting and defending the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, arguing it expanded powers at the expense of constitutional protections. The (ACLU), citing Chertoff's involvement as Assistant for the Criminal Division, described his record as "alarming" for pushing boundaries on permissible under national security pretexts, such as enhanced data-sharing between and agencies. Commentators noted his "zeal" for the Act's provisions, including roving wiretaps and business records searches, fueled bipartisan concerns over erosion post-9/11. Chertoff countered that the Act balanced security needs with oversight, rejecting false choices between liberties and safety. Debates also arose over Chertoff's involvement in detainee policies, including Guantanamo Bay interrogations and support for "enhanced techniques" like authorized under the Bush administration. Human Rights Watch reports implicated senior officials, including those in Chertoff's orbit at , in approving methods later deemed by critics, with FBI observations of abusive practices at Guantanamo raising internal concerns during his tenure. He defended military commissions for Guantanamo detainees in 2008, insisting on fair trials despite techniques involving and prolonged questioning applied to figures like the "Guantanamo six." Advocacy groups criticized this as justifying CIA programs that yielded unreliable intelligence, per later Senate Intelligence Committee findings. Post-tenure, Chertoff faced accusations of conflicts of interest for promoting full-body airport scanners after the 2009 "underwear bomber" attempt, while his consulting firm, Chertoff Group, received about $1 million from Rapiscan Systems, a manufacturer of the devices. Lawmakers and media outlets, including Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX), alleged he abused public trust by touting scanners in interviews without disclosing financial ties, potentially influencing TSA contracts worth hundreds of millions. Chertoff maintained his advocacy stemmed from security imperatives, not personal gain, amid broader debates on scanner efficacy and privacy risks like radiation exposure glossed over in early rollouts. Overall DHS performance under Chertoff was faulted in a 2007 auditors' report for meeting fewer than half of its goals across four years, including inefficiencies in grant allocation and border security metrics. These shortcomings fueled debates on bureaucratic reorganization, with Chertoff's Second Stage Review in 2005 aiming to streamline operations but drawing skepticism for not fully resolving pre-existing inherited from the department's creation.

References

  1. https://www.dhs.gov/michael-chertoff
  2. https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/government/chertoff-bio.html
  3. https://chertoffgroup.com/michael-chertoff-co-founder-and-executive-chairman/
  4. https://fedsoc.org/bio/michael-chertoff
  5. https://www.justice.gov/criminal/history/assistant-attorneys-general/michael-chertoff
  6. https://hls.harvard.edu/today/michael-chertoff-78-what-are-we-going-to-do-to-make-sure-it-doesnt-arise-again/
  7. https://www.fjc.gov/history/judges/chertoff-michael
  8. https://www.cnn.com/2013/09/15/us/michael-chertoff-fast-facts
  9. https://opensiddur.org/profile/gershon-chertoff/
  10. https://www.jta.org/archive/a-rabbis-son-with-sense-of-balance-nominated-to-head-homeland-security
  11. https://pt.findagrave.com/memorial/176914514/livia-chertoff
  12. https://www.nndb.com/people/587/000086329/
  13. https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/michael-chertoff
  14. https://hls.harvard.edu/today/guardian/
  15. https://www.acfe.com/fraud-magazine/all-issues/issue/article?s=2009-marapr-michael-chertoff-interview
  16. https://docs.house.gov/meetings/AS/AS00/20180411/108077/HHRG-115-AS00-Bio-ChertoffM-20180411.pdf
  17. https://www.trilateral.org/people/michael-chertoff/
  18. https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp/632/529/2260604/
  19. https://www.law.com/nationallawjournal/almID/900005421578/
  20. https://www.nytimes.com/1992/04/08/nyregion/officers-vow-to-keep-pressure-on-mob-after-gambino-trial.html
  21. https://www.deseret.com/1989/6/27/18813062/3-mafia-convictions-in-n-j-called-major-setback-for-mob/
  22. https://www.nytimes.com/1989/06/27/nyregion/3-mobsters-found-guilty-of-plotting-to-kill-gotti.html
  23. https://www.wral.com/michael-chertoff-fast-facts/17127878/
  24. https://www.nytimes.com/1991/12/18/nyregion/jersey-city-mayor-is-convicted-in-fraud-case-and-faces-ouster.html
  25. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/06/24/Former-Jersey-City-mayor-gets-33-months-for-bank-fraud/3388709358400/
  26. https://www.nj.com/hudson/2017/04/20_years_ago_gerry_mccann_tried_to_make_it_a_comeb.html
  27. https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna6813011
  28. https://ballotpedia.org/Michael_Chertoff
  29. https://www.congress.gov/nomination/108th-congress/394
  30. https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1081/vote_108_1_00211.xml
  31. https://www.law.com/almID/900005541856/
  32. https://www2.ca3.uscourts.gov/opinarch/031556a.pdf
  33. https://fedsoc-cms-public.s3.amazonaws.com/update/pdf/Wz6BsRpf6W8H9oR39kd6bAzDRN7e6zrU08jm9rnv.pdf
  34. http://www.rutgerslawreview.com/wp-content/uploads/archive/vol63/Issue4/Chertoff_Speech_PDF.pdf
  35. https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2005/01/20050111-2.html
  36. https://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/15/politics/senate-easily-confirms-nominee-for-homeland-security.html
  37. https://www.govexec.com/defense/2005/03/new-dhs-secretary-launches-total-review-of-operations/18679/
  38. https://www.everycrsreport.com/reports/RL33042.html
  39. https://www.dhs.gov/department-six-point-agenda
  40. https://www.dhs.gov/creation-department-homeland-security
  41. https://www.npr.org/2005/07/13/4752545/chertoff-outlines-changes-at-homeland-security
  42. https://www.heritage.org/homeland-security/report/chertoff-takes-charge
  43. https://www.govtech.com/dc/articles/Homeland-Security-Secretary-Michael-Chertoff-Announces.html
  44. https://www.ehstoday.com/archive/article/21910791/chertoff-announces-six-point-agenda-for-department-of-homeland-security
  45. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GOVPUB-HS-PURL-LPS118010/pdf/GOVPUB-HS-PURL-LPS118010.pdf
  46. https://irp.fas.org/congress/2007_hr/091007chertoff.pdf
  47. https://www.hsdl.org/c/view?docid=474439
  48. https://www.route-fifty.com/management/2006/10/chertoff-lays-out-plan-to-police-chiefs/298473/
  49. https://irp.fas.org/news/2007/08/dhs081507.html
  50. https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2005/11/20051128-7.html
  51. https://www.govexec.com/defense/2005/07/new-dhs-policy-shop-will-tackle-border-security-illegal-immigration/19752/
  52. https://www.vox.com/2014/11/10/7178549/border-patrols-in-danger-of-spiraling-even-more-out-of-control
  53. http://www.judiciary.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/chertoff_testimony_10_18_05.pdf
  54. https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/ask/text/20051130.html
  55. https://www.scotusblog.com/2008/04/analysis-the-court-and-the-secure-fence/
  56. https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna21432742
  57. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2006/10/31/immigration-arrests-down-8-for-year-span-classbankheaddhs-credits-deterrent-effect-of-enforcement-tactics-but-analysts-are-skepticalspan/fc5e503a-37cc-4aca-aeb0-b2311430bd1a/
  58. https://www.aila.org/files/o-files/view-file/2891E972-AB88-4E28-A104-3E7E92296895
  59. https://www.govtech.com/archive/Homelands-Secure-Border-Initiative.html
  60. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/feds-eye-firms-using-illegal-workers/
  61. https://www.heritage.org/border-security/commentary/catching-immigration-criminals-not-enough
  62. https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/reports/katrina-lessons-learned/chapter4.html
  63. https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2005/08/20050831-4.html
  64. https://www.hsgac.senate.gov/media/dems/secretary-chertoff-testifies-about-dhs-failures-in-response-to-hurricane-katrina/
  65. https://biotech.law.lsu.edu/katrina/govdocs/katrina-lessons-learned.pdf
  66. https://www.govexec.com/defense/2005/10/dhs-chief-describes-confusion-in-katrina-response/20446/
  67. https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/ask/20050901.html
  68. https://www.govexec.com/defense/2006/02/chertoff-announces-major-changes-for-fema/21159/
  69. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/chertoff-announces-changes-for-fema
  70. https://www.policyarchive.org/download/3018
  71. https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/cfo_citizensfy2008.pdf
  72. https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/122566/chertoff-air-force-guard-vital-to-hurricane-relief-efforts/
  73. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metacrs9942/
  74. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CHRG-109shrg23159/html/CHRG-109shrg23159.htm
  75. https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/CISOmbudsman_AnnualReport_2006_II-G-Funding_of_USCIS.pdf
  76. https://www.dvidshub.net/news/531815/chertoff-sustainable-security-needs-risk-based-approach
  77. https://www.congress.gov/crs_external_products/RL/PDF/RL33858/RL33858.4.pdf
  78. https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/chertoff-shows-no-remorse-round-arab-muslim-and-south-asian-men-dodges-tough
  79. https://www.hrw.org/news/2005/01/31/nominee-us-secretary-homeland-security-has-troubling-record
  80. https://www.aclu.org/documents/aclus-memo-interested-persons-civil-liberties-record-designate-michael-chertoff
  81. https://www.dvidshub.net/news/537835/chertoff-outlines-changes-homeland-security-department
  82. https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=7631187&page=1
  83. https://chertoffgroup.com/
  84. https://chertoffgroup.com/the-chertoff-group-grows-cadre-of-senior-advisors-with-geopolitical-risk-and-corporate-security-expertise/
  85. https://chertoffgroup.com/chertoff-group-celebrates-15-years-in-business/
  86. https://www.cov.com/en/professionals/c/michael-chertoff
  87. https://www.baesystems.com/en-us/article/the-honorable-michael-chertoff-elected-chairman-of-bae-systems-inc-board-of-directors
  88. https://www.gmfus.org/advisory-council
  89. https://www.bushcenter.org/catalyst/global-challenges/chertoff-cyber-hacking-privacy-democratic-freedom-in-information-age/
  90. https://www.csis.org/analysis/former-dhs-secretary-michael-chertoff-post-covid-security-challenges
  91. https://chertoffgroup.com/michael-chertoff-on-u-s-tech-strategy-and-priorities/
  92. https://www.thecommongoodus.org/past-events/national-security-threats-with-jane-harman-and-michael-chertoff
  93. https://www.securityinfowatch.com/podcasts/podcast/55089519/podcast-recap-meeting-evolving-global-security-challenges-with-michael-chertoff
  94. https://chertoffgroup.com/michael-chertoff-interviewed-by-the-washington-post-on-paris-olympic-security/
  95. https://chertoffgroup.com/cyber-is-the-new-battleground/
  96. https://create.usc.edu/michael-chertoff-to-keynote-creates-20th-anniversary-symposium-on-april-19-emerging-threats-to-homeland-security/
  97. https://www.npr.org/2018/07/12/628315199/michael-chertoff-on-privacy-in-the-digital-age
  98. https://www.npr.org/series/4474611/chertoff-vows-to-balance-rights-security
  99. https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB110735930859843671
  100. https://www.govexec.com/defense/2005/12/homeland-security-officials-back-patriot-act-reauthorization/20861/
  101. https://www.hsaj.org/articles/584
  102. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/fighting-terrorism-preserving-the-rule-of-law/
  103. https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/aclu-examines-chertoffs-troubling-civil-liberties-record-nominee-had-key-role
  104. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/michael-chertoff-former-dhs-secretary-on-data-privacy-new-book/
  105. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/george-w-bush-republican-wants-import-european-flavored-privacy-laws-205057466.html
  106. https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/chertoff_testimony_10_18_05.pdf
  107. https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/ask/20051130.html
  108. https://www.govexec.com/oversight/2008/12/homeland-security-chief-lists-fema-overhaul-among-achievements/28247/
  109. https://www.deseret.com/2008/11/7/20284757/chertoff-reports-big-strides-in-immigration-this-year/
  110. https://www.migrationpolicy.org/pubs/DHS_Feb09.pdf
  111. https://www.bushcenter.org/publications/secretary-chertoff-explains-how-the-u-s-can-address-border-security/
  112. https://bipartisanpolicy.org/blog/sec-chertoff-and-expert-panel-discuss-border-security-metrics/
  113. https://www.cna.org/archive/CNA_Files/pdf/mab_5-8-14.pdf
  114. https://chertoffgroup.com/climate-migration-as-a-national-security-issue-michael-chertoff-interviews-with-the-burn-bag-podcast/
  115. https://mpichangingclimatechangingmigration.podbean.com/e/is-climate-migration-a-homeland-security-threat/
  116. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0DereJ785M
  117. https://climateandsecurity.org/2019/10/former-homeland-security-secretaries-talk-climate-and-security/
  118. https://www.wilsoncenter.org/event/national-security-and-the-accelerating-risks-climate-change
  119. https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2016-10-03/clinton-s-former-prosecutor-michael-chertoff-endorses-her
  120. https://news.yahoo.com/7-more-republican-leaders-endorse-100000407.html
  121. https://www.insidernj.com/former-us-secretary-of-homeland-security-chertoff-endorses-bramnick/
  122. https://copenhagendemocracysummit.com/2022/speakers/2211/michael-chertoff
  123. https://issueone.org/articles/secretaries-chertoff-hagel-and-panetta-headlined-virtual-launch-event-for-bipartisan-national-council-on-election-integrity/
  124. https://www.cbsnews.com/video/madeleine-albright-michael-chertoff-on-importance-of-peaceful-transfer-of-power/
  125. https://statesunited.org/our-team/michael-chertoff/
  126. https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2020/12/14/trumps-behavior-threatens-american-democracy-albright-chertoff-column/6508765002/
  127. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/former-homeland-security-secretary-michael-chertoff-on-capitol-attack-buckle-up/
  128. https://intelligence.house.gov/sites/intelligence.house.gov/files/documents/biochertoff01182012.pdf
  129. https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/ask/text/20060911.html
  130. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSuIx6s0gfU
  131. https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/HurricaneKatrina/story?id=1621854&page=1
  132. https://www.npr.org/2006/02/15/5213523/chertoff-defends-agencys-response-to-katrina
  133. https://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/16/politics/16katrina.html
  134. https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna11325036
  135. https://www.heraldnet.com/news/chertoffs-zeal-for-patriot-act-troubles-critics/
  136. https://www.hrw.org/report/2011/07/12/getting-away-torture/bush-administration-and-mistreatment-detainees
  137. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/feb/12/guantanamo.september111
  138. https://www.intelligence.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sites-default-files-documents-crpt-113srpt288.pdf
  139. https://www.deseret.com/2010/1/2/20362165/homeland-security-secretary-michael-chertoff-benefiting-from-scanner-sales/
  140. https://www.democracynow.org/2012/3/28/lawsuit_seeks_halt_to_tsas_use
  141. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/fear_pays_chertoff_n_787711
  142. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/national/2010/01/01/chertoff-accused-of-abusing-public-trust-by-touting-body-scanners/25702b72-37d2-40c3-ab18-544cd4827a49/
  143. http://www.allgov.com/news/controversies/chertoff-joins-defense-firm-that-defrauded-us?news=840572
  144. https://www.propublica.org/article/u.s.-government-glossed-over-cancer-concerns-as-it-rolled-out-airport-x-ray
  145. https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/06/us/06homeland.html
  146. https://federalnewsnetwork.com/all-news/2008/12/chertoff-reflective-defensive-about-his-term-1/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.