UPDATE — AUGUST 2025: Since this story was published, the DHS AI Corps remains active and continues to grow. DHS has expanded AI pilot programs across cybersecurity, immigration, and infrastructure protection. While the Biden-era executive order that initiated the National AI Talent Surge was later revoked, the AI Corps effort has not been scrapped. The program remains a key part of DHS’s AI modernization strategy, though leadership turnover—including the departure of AI Corps Director Michael Boyce—signals some internal challenges.
ORIGINAL NEWS STORY:
DHS Launches AI Corps with First 10 Expert Hires to Enhance National Security
In a landmark move, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on June 25 the hiring of the first 10 members of its newly established “AI Corps,” a strategic initiative to integrate advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities into the homeland security enterprise. This announcement, made by Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas and Chief AI Officer Eric Hysen on June 25, 2024, marks the beginning of a broader effort to recruit 50 AI technology experts to the department.
AI Corps Role
The AI Corps will play a crucial role in leveraging AI to enhance various mission areas, including countering fentanyl trafficking, combating online child sexual exploitation, improving immigration services, fortifying critical infrastructure, and boosting cybersecurity. The inaugural members of the AI Corps come from diverse professional backgrounds, including AI and machine learning, data science, data engineering, program and product management, software engineering, and cybersecurity.
Secretary Mayorkas emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “Our Department is at the forefront of the federal government in harnessing AI’s potential to achieve the mission. To advance our leadership, we have been recruiting AI talent from around the country, drawing skilled professionals to public service. We are excited to onboard our first group of AI experts to begin the work of our new AI Corps. I look forward to growing our AI Corps in the months ahead, as we continue to introduce the safe and responsible use of AI across the broad range of missions we perform.”
Members and Leadership
The inaugural members include:
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Sadaf Asrar, formerly with the National Center for Education Statistics and Optimal Solutions.
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Zach Fasnacht, with experience at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Allstate Insurance.
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Pramod Gadde, founder of healthcare startups specializing in conversational AI.
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Sean Harvey from Google.
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Jenny Kim from McKinsey & Company.
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Babatunde Oguntade from CACI International.
Michael Boyce, appointed as the first Director, leads the Corps. He previously contributed to the President’s Executive Order on safe and trustworthy AI. Boyce called AI “the most important technology of our time” and said it will reshape how DHS serves the American people.
Broader Strategy Under Biden’s Executive Order
The AI Corps fits into DHS’s wider modernization strategy. In April 2023, DHS formed an AI Task Force to address supply chain security, cargo screening, and criminal networks. In March 2024, it released its Artificial Intelligence Roadmap, which outlines plans to advance homeland security missions while promoting AI safety.
These steps aligned with President Biden’s Executive Order on AI. The order created a National AI Talent Surge to recruit experts across government. It also directed DHS to advance AI safety standards, protect infrastructure, and reduce risks tied to AI adoption. Chief AI Officer Eric Hysen explained that the AI Corps will help DHS quickly leverage AI to safeguard the nation. He noted that many recruits are entering public service for the first time and will modernize DHS services through their diverse expertise.
Need Help?
If you’re wondering how the DHS’ and U.S. government’s AI announcements and regulations could impact you, don’t hesitate to reach out to BABL AI with your questions and concerns. Their Audit Experts are ready to provide valuable assistance.
