ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - February 4, 2025

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - February 4, 2025

ZeroFox physical security experts collect, curate, and analyze information derived from open and proprietary sources for comprehensive context of the circumstances surrounding global events. Here is today’s daily roundup of major developments.

Brief Highlights

• DHS Heightens Super Bowl LIX Security Against Potential Physical Threats
• Trump Pauses Ukraine Weapons Shipments, Suggests Aid Could Be Conditionalized on Rare Earth Metals
• Panama Agrees to Reduce Ties with China after U.S. Pressure

DHS Heightens Super Bowl LIX Security Against Potential Physical Threats

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has assessed this year’s Super Bowl as a Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) Level 1 event. Although no specific, credible threats related to this year’s game have been identified, the United States remains in a heightened threat environment, as evidenced by the recent terror attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day. Security efforts include the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CPB) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) to enforce temporary flight restrictions around Caesars Superdome, providing “eye in the sky” intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance flight operations in and around key venues, including the Superdome, airport, and more. Additionally, the CBP will provide video surveillance capabilities and non-intrusive inspections by scanning the cargo entering the stadium for contraband narcotics, weapons, and explosives. Among other measures, authorities will staff the Fusion Watch Center during the event and will use its National Deployment Force to increase the number of transportation security officers working at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to screen the increased number of departing passengers after the Super Bowl.

Trump Pauses Ukraine Weapons Shipments, Suggests Aid Could Be Conditionalized on Rare Earth Metals

During an exchange with reporters on February 3, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested the United States will seek access to Ukrainian rare earth metals in exchange for continued U.S. aid. President Trump did not offer further details about the possibility of such an arrangement. Meanwhile, the United States reportedly briefly paused weapons shipments to Ukraine, before resuming over the weekend, as the Trump administration debated its policy towards Ukraine. Trump's remarks and brief pause on assistance align with previous statements suggesting he would limit or conditionalize U.S. aid to Ukraine.

Panama Agrees to Reduce Ties with China after U.S. Pressure

President José Raúl Mulino announced Panama would withdraw from China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) infrastructure project, following a meeting with the new U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. BRI is a loan program where China funds projects like roads and bridges. Critics accuse China of using BRI to secure political alliances, with loan recipients unlikely to criticize the Chinese government. From a supply chain perspective, there are unlikely to be major changes. Panama could likely change the fees it charges ships to use the canal.