Feds warn of terrorist activity on US soil amid Iran conflict; Houston law enforcement responds

U.S. Homeland threats from Israel-Iran conflict

At this time, there is no credible threat of imminent violence on U.S. Soil. But the warning is very real. So much so that the U.S. is now at a heightened terrorism threat environment, according to Homeland Security.

HOUSTON - A new terrorism advisory from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security warns that the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran has created a "heightened threat environment" across the country, prompting federal and local authorities to increase security coordination, and encourage public vigilance.

A terrorism advisory on U.S. soil 

The National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin, issued on June 22, outlines concerns that the recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and Iran’s retaliatory missile attack on a U.S. base in Qatar could fuel retaliatory attacks on U.S. soil—either by state-aligned actors, pro-Iranian Hacktivits, or domestic violent extremists inspired by the conflict.

Federal officials emphasized there are no specific, credible threats at this time. 

But they warned, "If Iranian leadership were to issue a religious ruling calling for retaliatory violence against specific targets in the Homeland, it could increase the likelihood that a supporter of the Iranian regime is inspired to commit an act of violence."

Key concerns cited in the bulletin include:

• Cyberattacks targeting U.S. networks and infrastructure
• Anti-Semitic or anti-Israel violence
• Threats to U.S. government officials
• Domestic violent extremism inspired by the international conflict

Local response 

In Harris County, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez issued a public statement Monday urging residents to remain alert.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) echoed that message, saying it is working with partners across government and industry to bolster cyber defenses and distribute threat intelligence.

CISA added that it remains "fully engaged" in helping organizations defend against and recover from malicious cyber activity, particularly in light of elevated global tensions.

The NTAS Bulletin will remain in effect through September 22, 2025, unless extended or updated. 

Resources to safety 

• DHS’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) offers cybersecurity best practices for securing US networks.
• The Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) Initiative (NSI) is a collaborative effort by DHS, the FBI, and law enforcement partners to identify and report threats of terrorism and other related criminal activity.
• If You See Something, Say Something® Report suspicious activity and threats of violence, including online threats, to local law enforcement, FBI Field Offices, or your local Fusion Center. Call 911 in case of emergency.