PREPARED CITIZEN INTELLIGENCE BRIEF
July 9, 2025 | 0927 CDT
1. Domestic Security & Civil Unrest
No major protests, unrest, or active shooter incidents reported in the past 24 hours.
However:
Van Nuys, CA – Four individuals were arrested for attempting to flatten the tire of a Border Patrol vehicle during an ICE raid. The group interfered with federal operations on scene.
DHS Bulletin: Sleeper Cell Risk – A DHS terrorism advisory warns of increased risk for retaliatory violence by Iranian-linked operatives after U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Former FBI agent Jonathan Gilliam warned sleeper cells may already be in rural U.S. areas, “hiding in plain sight.” ICE has arrested over 130 Iranian nationals since June 18; 670 are now in custody. Vulnerable targets may include outdoor venues and vacation areas.
Georgia – Authorities arrested several farmworkers on suspicion of crimes against children. DHS later issued immigration detainers. Local reporting suggests the immigration actions followed rather than preceded the arrests.
Lamar County, GA – A Georgia DNR game warden shot and killed 28-year-old Dante Smith on July 8. According to initial reports, Smith charged the officer with a knife during a trespassing response. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is investigating; an autopsy is pending.
2. Infrastructure & Grid Alerts
Texas Power Grid – ERCOT has issued a conservation notice due to sustained high demand amid this week’s extreme heat. While no major outages are reported, local energy systems are under stress, making load management crucial.
AT&T Service Disruptions – Intermittent AT&T outages have been recorded across parts of the southern U.S. in the past day. The cause remains unclear; there’s no evidence of a cyberattack or weather-related origin.
Cyber Threat Advisory – CISA, FBI, DC3, and NSA jointly warned on June 30 about rising cyber threats from Iranian-affiliated actors targeting U.S. critical infrastructure and OT systems. They recommend disconnecting internet-facing OT devices, enforcing strong credentials, applying patches, and enabling phishing-resistant MFA .
OT Cybersecurity Maturation – 52% of companies now assign OT security responsibility to CSOs or CISOs…an increase from 16% in 2022. This shift correlates with reduced phishing-related incidents and fewer operational disruptions.
3. Extreme Weather & Natural Hazards
Ruidoso, NM – Flash floods surged rivers by 20 feet in 30 minutes. Homes destroyed and rescues ongoing.
Arkansas – Six inches of rain in 12 hours triggered evacuations in low-lying areas.
Chicago, IL – Widespread flooding impacted Cook County following back-to-back storms. Storm drains were overwhelmed, with multiple road closures and localized evacuations reported. Flash flood warnings extended through the evening.
Southeast, Appalachians – Flood risk continues today. Mid-Atlantic regions are under excessive rainfall alerts.
Miami, FL – Heat index reached 110°F. Residents are advised to remain indoors and hydrated.
San Bernardino, CA – A 4.2 magnitude earthquake was recorded. No damage reported.
Mount Rainier, WA – A swarm of hundreds of small earthquakes began early July 8, marking the largest such event since 2009. The strongest quake was magnitude 1.7, occurring 1–4 miles beneath the summit. USGS confirms no surface impact and the volcano remains at a normal alert level
4. Border & Immigration
Arizona (Sasabe/Lukeville) – Over 200 migrants apprehended in 24 hours. Border Patrol remains active with no cartel-linked violence reported.
ICE Interference – Van Nuys tire-deflation incident signals continued activist interference during federal operations.
5. Church, Mission, & Civilian Safety
Kaduna, Nigeria – A church was vandalized. No injuries reported. Investigation ongoing.
South Sudan – U.S. missionary team evacuated due to tribal conflict near their outpost. No direct attacks reported.
6. International Flashpoints
Russia–Ukraine – Russia launched a record 728 drone attack. Ukraine intercepted most via electronic jamming. Lutsk (near Poland) hit hard; Poland scrambled fighter jets in response.
Israel–Iran – Iranian-linked cyberattacks have intensified. Hacktivists disrupted emergency alerts and GPS navigation. Israeli group Predatory Sparrow retaliated with cyberattacks on Iranian financial institutions.
Albania – Iranian group Homeland Justice reportedly breached city servers in Tirana in retaliation for sheltering opposition groups.
Red Sea – Houthis released footage of maritime attacks that sunk the Magic Seas cargo vessel. Multiple fatalities confirmed. In a separate incident, the European Naval Force rescued six more crew members from the Liberian-flagged Eternity C, which was also attacked and sunk by Houthi forces. The U.S. and allies continue to monitor the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint for additional threats to shipping.
7. Signals to Monitor
Record-setting 728-drone strike by Russia marks escalation despite ongoing ceasefire talks
Rising anti-ICE activism, including physical sabotage during raids
High flood alerts across Mid-Atlantic and Appalachian states
Iranian cyber ops now targeting GPS and civilian infrastructure globally
Iranian sleeper cell threats prompt ICE arrests (130+ since June 18); rural venues flagged as soft targets
8. Preparedness Action Items
Charge backup devices and limit electricity use during peak hours in Texas and surrounding states
If in flood-prone areas (Mid-Atlantic/Appalachia), review evacuation plans and prep bags now
Review soft-target security if hosting large outdoor events in rural areas
Secure personal data and webcams following Iranian cyber activity
Avoid flood zones in Chicagoland and Appalachia
Avoid all non-essential travel through Red Sea maritime routes or Ukraine border regions
Secure personal devices and update passwords if in industries with U.S.–Israeli ties
Check mission team travel plans against current tribal violence reports in East Africa
9. Preparedness Focus of the Day
Flood Awareness: If rivers, creeks, or culverts are nearby, know your elevation and how quickly rising water can reach you. A foot of fast water can carry away vehicles.
Analyst Insight
The U.S. remains in a period of reactive calm…no immediate flashpoints domestically, but signals suggest mounting tension globally.
Experts note the October 7-style attacks on rural soft targets abroad may serve as a playbook for asymmetric retaliation against U.S. communities. Awareness, layered defense, and secure access control remain critical for churches, events, and outdoor venues.
The intersection of cyber escalation and physical maritime attacks hints at broader proxy conflict strategies. Meanwhile, the flooding crisis and storm aftereffects across the southern U.S. deserve continued watch.
Infrastructure, cyber resilience, and situational awareness remain key posture pillars this week. Remain alert to sudden shifts…especially in rural or infrastructure-critical regions.
Stay safe. Be dangerous.