Department of Homeland Security

Department of Homeland Security

DHS
Agency overview
Formed	November 25, 2002
Jurisdiction	United States
Headquarters	Washington, D.C.
Employees	240,000 (2023)
Annual budget	$92 billion (2023)
Agency executive	Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal government agency in the United States dedicated to public security, roughly equivalent to the interior or home ministries of other countries. Its stated missions involve anti-terrorism, border security, immigration and customs, cyber security, and disaster prevention and management.

History

DHS was created in response to the September 11 attacks and is the youngest U.S. cabinet department. It officially began operations on January 24, 2003, to consolidate domestic security under one department. Its creation was the largest U.S. government reorganization since the formation of the Department of Defense in 1947.

Structure

DHS is structured into several divisions, each with specific roles and responsibilities:

• United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) - oversees lawful immigration to the United States.
• United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) - responsible for border security and trade.
• United States Coast Guard (USCG) - provides coastal and maritime security.
• United States Secret Service (USSS) - safeguards the nation's financial infrastructure and protects national leaders.
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) - manages response to and recovery from disasters.
• Transportation Security Administration (TSA) - ensures secure travel across all transportation sectors.

Functions

DHS's primary functions include:

• Preventing terrorist attacks within the United States.
• Reducing the vulnerability of the United States to terrorism.
• Minimizing the damage from potential attacks and natural disasters.
• Managing the United States' borders.
• Administering immigration laws.
• Securing cyberspace and critical infrastructure.

Controversies and Criticism

DHS has faced various controversies, including debates over U.S. immigration policy, the effectiveness and impact of TSA procedures, and concerns over privacy and civil liberties.

Leadership

The head of DHS is the Secretary of Homeland Security, a position currently held by Alejandro Mayorkas. The Secretary is a member of the Cabinet of the United States and reports directly to the President of the United States.

See also

• National Security
• Homeland security