Eleanor Finch
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal executive department of the US government responsible for public security. It was established by the Homeland Security Act of 2002 in response to the September 11 attacks and is headed by the secretary of homeland security. The department's missions include anti-terrorism, border security, immigration and customs, cybersecurity, and disaster prevention and management. The DHS is the third-largest Cabinet department, employing over 240,000 people.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Established by | Homeland Security Act of 2002 |
| Reason for establishment | Terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 |
| Type of department | Federal executive department |
| Department head | Secretary of Homeland Security |
| Department size | Third-largest Cabinet department with 216,000-260,000 employees |
| Department components | 22 executive branch agencies, including TSA, Customs and Border Protection, CISA, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, FEMA, the Coast Guard, Secret Service, Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers, and the Science and Technology Directorate |
| Missions | Prevent and disrupt terrorist attacks, protect critical infrastructure and key resources, respond to and recover from incidents, safeguard the nation, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, aviation security, border security, port security, maritime security, administration and enforcement of immigration laws, and protection of national leaders |
| Powers | The power to sign legislation into law or veto bills enacted by Congress |
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What You'll Learn
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal executive department
The DHS is tasked with a range of missions, including counterterrorism, cybersecurity, border security, port and maritime security, and the administration and enforcement of immigration laws. It also plays a role in safeguarding national leaders and critical infrastructure. To achieve these goals, the DHS incorporates 22 agencies, including the U.S. Customs Service, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Transportation Security Administration, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The department's structure includes operational components that execute specific missions, support components that aid the DHS mission, and components within the Office of the Secretary, which support leadership and establish policies. The Office of Intelligence & Analysis (I&A) acts as the intelligence arm of the DHS, disseminating information to various partners. The Office of Homeland Security Situational Awareness (OSA) provides operations coordination, information sharing, and executes the Secretary's responsibilities.
The DHS is a significant component of the executive branch, which is led by the President of the United States, who acts as the head of state and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. The President is responsible for enforcing laws and appointing the heads of federal agencies, including the Cabinet. The Vice President is also part of the executive branch and assumes the Presidency if necessary. The Cabinet and independent federal agencies are responsible for the day-to-day enforcement of federal laws. The President's Cabinet includes the Vice President, heads of executive departments, and the Attorney General.
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DHS was formed in 2002 in response to the September 11 attacks
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was established in 2002, largely in response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The creation of the DHS was a significant reorganization of the U.S. government, consolidating 22 different federal departments and agencies into a unified, integrated Cabinet agency.
Eleven days after the 9/11 attacks, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge was appointed as the first Director of the Office of Homeland Security in the White House. The office was tasked with overseeing and coordinating a comprehensive national strategy to safeguard the country against terrorism and respond to any future attacks.
On November 25, 2002, the Homeland Security Act was passed by Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush. This act formally established the Department of Homeland Security as a stand-alone, Cabinet-level department to further coordinate and unify national homeland security efforts. The DHS officially began operations on January 24, 2003, and most of its component agencies were transferred to the new department by March 1, 2003.
The new department consolidated 22 executive branch agencies, including the U.S. Customs Service, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Secret Service, the Transportation Security Administration, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The DHS employs over 200,000 people and is responsible for patrolling borders, protecting travelers and transportation infrastructure, enforcing immigration laws, and responding to disasters and emergencies.
In the lead-up to the creation of the DHS, there was controversy surrounding the bill that would eliminate certain union-friendly civil service and labour protections for department employees. Without these protections, employees could be reassigned or dismissed on grounds of security, incompetence, or insubordination, and the DHS would not be required to notify union representatives. Despite this controversy, the establishment of the DHS represented a significant effort to coordinate and unify national homeland security efforts in the wake of the September 11 attacks.
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DHS is headed by the secretary of homeland security
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal department tasked with ensuring public safety in the United States. It was established by the Homeland Security Act of 2002, largely in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The DHS consolidated 22 executive branch agencies, including the U.S. Customs Service, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Secret Service, the Transportation Security Administration, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The DHS employs over 200,000 people in its mission to patrol borders, protect travelers and transportation infrastructure, enforce immigration laws, and respond to disasters and emergencies.
The DHS is headed by the Secretary of Homeland Security, who is a member of the Cabinet of the United States. The Secretary is responsible for overseeing the various functions and responsibilities of the department, including counterterrorism, border security, and emergency response. The position of Secretary of Homeland Security was created by the Homeland Security Act in 2002, following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The creation of the position reflected the need for a centralized coordination of homeland security efforts across multiple agencies.
The Secretary of Homeland Security plays a crucial role in shaping the policies and strategies related to homeland security. They work closely with other members of the Cabinet and federal agencies to ensure a coordinated response to potential threats and emergencies. The Secretary also oversees the management and operations of the DHS, including its various offices and directorates. They are responsible for appointing key personnel within the department and ensuring the effective utilization of resources to achieve the department's objectives.
The Secretary of Homeland Security is part of the President's Cabinet and serves as the principal advisor to the President on matters related to homeland security. They are responsible for providing regular briefings and updates to the President on potential risks and threats to the nation. The Secretary also attends National Security Council meetings and participates in the development of policies and strategies to safeguard the country.
The position of Secretary of Homeland Security has been held by several individuals since its establishment. The first Secretary of Homeland Security was Tom Ridge, who was appointed by President Bush in 2003. Other notable individuals who have served in this role include Janet Napolitano, Raymond Kelly, and the current secretary, Kristi Noem, who assumed office in January 2025.
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DHS's mission involves anti-terrorism, border security, and disaster prevention
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was established by the Homeland Security Act of 2002, in response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The DHS is part of the executive branch of the US government, which is overseen by the President, who acts as head of state and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. The President is responsible for enforcing the laws written by Congress and appoints the heads of the federal agencies, including the Cabinet.
The DHS's mission is to prevent and disrupt terrorist attacks, protect American citizens and critical infrastructure, and respond to and recover from incidents. To achieve this, the DHS employs over 200,000 people in various roles, including border security, emergency response, and cybersecurity. The department also works to secure the nation's borders and transportation systems, enforce immigration laws, and respond to disasters and emergencies.
One of the DHS's key priorities is to protect Americans from terrorism and other homeland security threats. This includes securing the nation's air, land, and sea borders to prevent illegal activity while facilitating lawful travel and trade. The DHS also plays a role in ensuring America's economic security by safeguarding international trade, national transportation systems, maritime activities, and financial systems.
In addition to counter-terrorism and border security, the DHS is also committed to responding to and recovering from natural and man-made disasters. This includes providing support to citizens and first responders, promoting preparedness, and ensuring the resilience of critical infrastructure. The DHS's mission areas cover a wide range of responsibilities, reflecting the diverse nature of the executive branch's agencies and departments.
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DHS employs over 200,000 people
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal government agency that employs over 200,000 people. It is the third-largest employer in the federal government, after the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The DHS was established by the Homeland Security Act of 2002 in response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The department's mission is to secure the nation from various threats and ensure the safety and security of the American homeland.
The DHS workforce consists of a mix of federal employees and contracted staff, with approximately 100,000 contractors estimated to work for the department in 2011. The federal employees of the DHS play a vital role in securing the country and preserving its freedoms. They work in a wide range of jobs, including aviation and border security, emergency response, cybersecurity analysis, and chemical facility inspection.
The DHS is often referred to as a "guns, guards, and gates" organization due to its heavy focus on border security and critical infrastructure protection. About half of its workforce is made up of law enforcement and security personnel, with a significant number employed by the CBP, ICE, and the National Protection and Programs Directorate. The number of law enforcement officers at the DHS is only slightly smaller than the number employed by the Department of Justice.
The large size of the DHS workforce presents challenges in maintaining morale and ensuring the well-being of employees. Low morale has plagued the department, with issues such as overwork, understaffing, and poor treatment from management contributing to dissatisfaction among employees. The AFGE, which represents nearly 100,000 employees across several DHS agencies, has highlighted these concerns and advocated for improvements in workplace conditions and employee treatment.
The DHS, as a federal agency, is a part of the Executive Branch of the United States government. The Executive Branch is led by the President, who acts as the head of state and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. The President appoints the heads of federal agencies, including the DHS, and is responsible for enforcing the laws written by Congress. The Vice President is also part of the Executive Branch and is next in line to assume the Presidency if needed.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is the federal executive department responsible for public security. It was established by the Homeland Security Act of 2002.
The Department of Homeland Security is responsible for anti-terrorism, border security, immigration and customs, cybersecurity, and disaster prevention and management.
The Department of Homeland Security employs between 216,000 and 260,000 people. It is the third-largest Cabinet department.
The Department of Homeland Security is headed by the secretary of homeland security, who is assisted by the deputy secretary. The current secretary is Kristi Noem.
Other executive departments include the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Social Security Administration.
