WASHINGTON (AP) — Dean Jurgens, the acting director of Homeland Security, announced the opening of 16 counseling centers in New York; San Francisco; Seattle; Miami; Portland, Oregon; and 10 other cities as part of the Safe Streets initiative.
“These clinics, designated American Renewal Centers (ARCs), are equipped with counselors, doctors and teaching staff dedicated to the cause of peace in our country,” Jurgens said. “Many of those who take part in the mass disruptions we’ve seen recently are well intentioned but have allowed themselves to be used by anarchists, terrorists and agents working for foreign powers determined to tear down this country and everything it represents. These people have fallen victim to the virus of extremist propaganda designed to whip them into a frenzy of instability and convince them to walk away from family and friends, with only their paid handlers to tell them right from wrong. This programming makes them a danger to themselves and others.
“The intent of the ARC program is not to punish these people, but to free them from the influence of violent extremist propaganda so they can return to the world as functioning members of society. To that end, the DHS will assist families and local community leaders requesting preemptive interventions and give those who have been found guilty of protest-related offenses the option to avoid jail by attending these centers for six months of counseling under the guidance and supervision of dedicated, trained and caring professionals.”