On July 28, 2011, CAIR-WA Executive Director Arsalan Bukhari and Grant Writing Volunteer Kelly Pierce-Bulger attended a recent 'Community Engagement Round table' convened by the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL).  The 2.5 hour event was held at'CASA Latina' in Seattle.  

The agenda was drafted based on input from the community organizations who were invited to participate. The first-hour of the round table was co-hosted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and included a presentation and discussion addressing ICE-specific policies and practices including the controversial 'Secure Communities' program and other enforcement and detention policies.   

The second-hour included a presentation and discussion about 'Impact assessments' being conducted by the DHS CRCL, as an issue identified by several community leaders as being of interest earlier this year during the round table held in January, 2011.  Kara Dansky from CRCL's Impact Assessment section attended the meeting.  Ms. Dansky gave an overview of current impact assessments, described the process for conducting impact assessments. She also gathered feedback from the community leaders and advocates on potential future impact assessment topics. 

David Myers, Director of the DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships was also in attendance. Mr. Myers spoke about the role of the Center and how neighborhood groups may become involved in disaster preparedness, as well as potential grant opportunities for these groups. 

Kosar Jahani, a staff member of the U.S. Senate Homeland Security Committee traveled from Washington, DC to attend the meeting.  She spoke with many community members to obtain feedback which she will convey to the Senate Homeland Security Committee.