The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ‌recently⁤ awarded a $30,000 non-competitive contract for ‌sniper⁣ and combat training⁤ to a Virginia-based firm led by Dan LaLota, the sibling ⁤of ⁤U.S. marketing consultant​ Nick LaLota, a second-term Republican representative from New York.

Finalized on ‌September 2, this contract was granted to⁢ Target ‌Down Group located‍ in‌ Mechanicsville, Virginia.‍ The‍ company is set‌ to conduct⁤ a five-day precision fires and ‍observation course tailored for the‍ Special ⁢Response Team (SRT) sniper program within DHS Investigations.This training⁢ aims to introduce new DHS ‍protocols while equipping participants with essential skills and⁤ knowledge necessary for executing ‌law enforcement sniper operations in​ high-risk ​situations, as detailed in documents reviewed by WIRED.

The SRT operates similarly to a SWAT​ team and consists of specially trained agents prepared for scenarios deemed too dangerous‌ for regular personnel. Members are ‍outfitted in ‍military-style gear and helmets,⁤ carry various firearms, and are ‌trained in breaching techniques, sniper strategies, and close-quarters combat.

According ⁣to ⁤federal procurement records, this SRT contract⁤ was awarded on a⁤ sole-source​ basis due to Target Down group’s previous collaborations with DHS Investigations​ and also its authorization to conduct live-fire exercises​ at an Arizona law enforcement facility.

Congressman Nick LaLota previously served on the House Homeland Security Committee but could not be reached for comment; attempts to contact his offices in ⁤New York⁣ and Washington D.C. went unanswered last Thursday.

DHS​ has not responded ⁢to requests for comments regarding this ​matter.

In an interview with WIRED, Dan LaLota emphasized that his ‍company’s engagement with ICE is unrelated to his brother’s congressional role. “I’m not new​ at this,” he stated while noting that only a few entities possess the qualifications needed for⁤ the training requested by⁤ DHS. “To claim ‍my company is the⁤ only⁢ one capable would be inaccurate.”

LaLota‌ refrained from discussing specifics about​ ICE’s operations or his company’s work details due to ⁣privacy concerns but directed inquiries towards their official website‍ where​ data about their staff and⁣ capabilities‌ can be ⁣found.

The website of Target Down Group lists Dan lalota as its president; he is identified⁣ as a retired Marine sniper who served two‌ decades in the Marine Corps including tours ⁤with Force Reconnaissance and Marine Special Operations command—earning him⁢ a Bronze Star with ‌Valor during actions taken in Fallujah, Iraq. He also mentioned having seven years of experience as ⁣an instructor specializing in scout sniping techniques.

while federal procurement⁣ records classify Target Down Group as operating out of Virginia currently; state⁢ documentation indicates that it does not hold legal status there after being dissolved routinely ‍due to failure meeting annual filing requirements⁢ since​ November 2024. However, it has been registered separately under Florida since July. when asked about these inconsistencies ‍regarding registration status CEO Christopher Allison acknowledged receipt of questions but ⁤did⁢ not provide further commentary.

Sole-source contracts are permissible under specific conditions according federal acquisition ​regulations which allow agencies like DHS ⁣bypass competitive bidding processes typically required⁣ when awarding government ⁢contracts.A redacted justification memo indicated ⁢that Target Down‍ Group was deemed uniquely qualified⁤ based on prior engagements related specifically targeting operational timelines along established relationships within Arizona ​law enforcement⁣ who will participate during these exercises alongside⁣ them.

Dan ‍LaLota ‍declined ⁢any​ discussion surrounding past governmental projects stating: “I’m unable at liberty discuss ⁤what business I have without knowing you personally.”

A report from NBC News earlier this June highlighted plans indicating SRT units were ⁤preparing deployments across several democratic-led cities such‌ as Philadelphia Chicago Seattle Northern Virginia among others following immigration raids conducted recently which incited ‍protests against local authorities’⁢ actions.Philadelphia officials informed NBC they had received no notice concerning incoming ICE forces.

Tensions Surrounding Federal ​Deployments

Cities Push ⁣Back ⁣Against Federal Presence

Pursuing these deployments President Donald Trump has consistently defended sending federal ‍law enforcement officers into Democratic-led areas citing rampant crime rates—a characterization critics‍ argue lacks factual basis instead suggesting ⁢political motivations⁢ behind such decisions ⁤notably evident within cities like Chicago Baltimore New Orleans where local leaders have resisted intervention claiming safety concerns overshadowed ‌by ​political agendas driving these initiatives forward instead