Sen. Franken, who has pressed U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to step up efforts to halt ISIL recruitment in Minnesota, said the Twin Cities area is one of three in the country that will participate in the new program, which will expand outreach to at-risk communities.

"I have worked hard during my time in the Senate to ensure we counter extremist groups who want to recruit in Minnesota. This new pilot program will give us important resources and tools as we continue to fight terrorists trying to recruit here," said Sen. Franken. "It will bring together important Minnesota law enforcement, religious, and community leaders to expand outreach to Minnesotans and will be invaluable as we continue to build trust among communities."

In a recent letter, Sen. Franken told Holder that the DOJ needs to take action to prevent Americans from taking up arms with ISIL and from reentering the country if they do. He said that resources should be targeted in places like Minnesota, where terrorism recruitment efforts may be happening at a higher rate.

Since coming to the Senate, Sen. Franken has pressed the FBI and other federal agencies to work with communities affected by terrorist recruitment in Minnesota and elsewhere.