United States Department of Homeland Security

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a key part of the U.S. government that works to keep people safe. It is like the interior ministries found in other countries. The department has many important jobs, such as stopping attacks, helping during emergencies, managing who can come into the country, and protecting the nation's borders.

DHS started working on March 1, 2003, after the Homeland Security Act of 2002 was passed. This happened because of the September 11 attacks. With over 240,000 employees, DHS is one of the largest parts of the government, right after the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. The leader of the country works with a group called the Homeland Security Council to help make big decisions about safety. Other parts of the government, like the departments of Health and Human Services, Justice, and Energy, also help with keeping the country safe.

History

Creation

After the September 11 attacks, President George W. Bush announced plans to create an office to help coordinate efforts to keep the country safe. This office was led by Tom Ridge, the former governor of Pennsylvania. Later, Congress passed a law called the Homeland Security Act of 2002, which officially created the Department of Homeland Security. This new department brought together many different government groups that worked on safety and security into one place.

The Department of Homeland Security began working on March 1, 2003. It was a big change, similar to changes made after World War II. The creation of this department showed a new way of thinking about safety in the United States, focusing more on protecting the country from many kinds of threats.

Changes under Secretary Chertoff

In 2005, President Bush chose Michael Chertoff to lead the Department of Homeland Security. During his time, there were changes tried for how employees were paid and disciplined, but these faced legal challenges and were later changed.

Trump and Biden administrations

In 2018, a new agency was created to help protect the country’s computer systems and important structures. In 2021, the department started looking into concerns about certain beliefs among its workers. In 2023, new rules were made for people asking for safety in the United States. In February 2026, the department faced a shutdown when Congress could not agree on changes needed.

Function

The Department of Homeland Security works to keep the United States safe inside and outside its borders. Unlike the Department of Defense, which handles military actions abroad, DHS focuses on protecting the country from emergencies, especially terrorism.

On March 1, 2003, DHS took over several important jobs, including those of the U.S. Customs Service and the Immigration and Naturalization Service. It split these jobs into two new groups: Immigration and Customs Enforcement for enforcement and Citizenship and Immigration Services for helping people become citizens. The group also created Homeland Security Investigations for important investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to manage the borders, bringing together several border-related jobs. The Federal Protective Service is also part of DHS.

Organizational structure

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is led by the secretary of homeland security, who is helped by the deputy secretary. DHS has several important parts that work on different jobs.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) handles legal immigration into the United States. Remember, U.S. citizens get their passports from the U.S. Department of State, not DHS.

U.S. Coast Guard

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) protects the country's waters, helps in search and rescue, and enforces laws. During peacetime, it works under DHS. In wartime, it moves to the U.S. Department of the Navy.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) makes sure the U.S. border is safe. It stops illegal things from coming in, fights crimes that hurt the country's safety, and helps people and goods move legally across the border.

U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

The United States Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) works to keep the country’s computer systems and important buildings safe from attacks.

U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency

The United States Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) gets ready for and helps with big problems like natural disasters. It was created in 1979 and became part of DHS in 2003. FEMA has offices all over the country.

U.S. Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers

The United States Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) trains people who work for law enforcement agencies.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforces laws about borders, customs, immigration, and trade.

U.S. Secret Service

The United States Secret Service (USSS) protects the President and other important people. It also keeps the country’s money safe and stops fake money.

U.S. Transportation Security Administration

The United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) keeps travel safe, like at airports. It was created after the September 11 attacks in 2001.

DHS Management Directorate

The Department of Homeland Security Management Directorate (MGMT) handles money, people, and other important jobs to keep DHS running smoothly.

DHS Science and Technology Directorate

The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) works on new ideas and inventions to help DHS do its job better.

DHS Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office

The Department of Homeland Security Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD) works to stop bad people from using chemicals, biology, nuclear power, or radiation to attack the United States.

DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis

The Department of Homeland Security Office of Intelligence & Analysis (I&A) gathers and shares important information to help keep the country safe.

DHS Office of Homeland Security Situational Awareness

The Office of Homeland Security Situational Awareness (OSA) helps coordinate efforts and share information to keep an eye on what’s happening across the country.

DHS Office of Health Security

The Department of Homeland Security Office of Health Security (OHS) takes care of health matters for DHS workers and helps keep the public healthy.

DHS Office of Inspector General

The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (OIG) checks that DHS is doing its job right and fairly.

DHS Office of the Secretary

The Office of the Secretary of Homeland Security helps the secretary lead the whole department.

DHS Advisory Panels

DHS has special groups that give advice on different topics, like working with schools, keeping information safe, and more.

National Terrorism Advisory System

In 2011, the Department of Homeland Security changed its old way of sharing terrorism warnings to a new system with two levels: alerts and bulletins. Bulletins are used to quickly share important terrorism information that may not mean a specific danger to the United States but helps partners and the public stay prepared. Alerts are issued when there is clear and trusted information about a possible terrorist threat. Alerts have two levels: elevated and imminent. An elevated alert happens when there is trusted information about an attack but not much detail about when or where it might happen. An imminent alert is used when the threat is very specific and about to happen soon.

On March 12, 2002, an older system called the Homeland Security Advisory System was created to share information about terrorism risks with government leaders and the public. This system used colors to show different levels of risk. Starting in 2003, it was managed together with the Department of Homeland Security. Some people have made jokes about how well this system worked. After leaving his job, Tom Ridge talked about not always agreeing with decisions on changing the alert levels made by other government groups.

Main article: Homeland Security Advisory System
Further information: presidential directive

Seal

Main article: Seal of the United States Department of Homeland Security

The seal of the United States Department of Homeland Security was created with help from leaders, employees, and art experts. It shows an eagle to represent the department’s job of keeping people safe on land, at sea, and in the air. The eagle’s wings stretch out to show that the department works in new ways. The seal includes symbols for the sky, land, and oceans to represent the American home.

Headquarters

The United States Department of Homeland Security started in a big building in Washington, D.C., called the Nebraska Avenue Complex. This place used to be a naval facility and has many buildings with lots of space for work.

Later, plans were made to move the department to a new home at the St. Elizabeths Hospital campus in Anacostia, a part of Southeast Washington, D.C. This move was supported by local leaders because it would help bring jobs and growth to the area. However, some people worried that the plans would damage old buildings on the campus. Others felt the new building would not connect well with the nearby community. The new headquarters opened in 2021 after some renovations were finished.

Disaster preparedness and response

The Department of Homeland Security works to help people prepare for and respond to emergencies, such as natural disasters or other unexpected events.

After the department was created, it started a campaign called "Ready" to teach people how to get ready for emergencies. This includes making a plan for your family and keeping supplies handy. The campaign uses TV, radio, and websites like Ready.gov to share its messages. There are also special resources for businesses and for children ages 8 to 12.

The department also created systems to help governments work together during emergencies, making sure everyone follows the same rules and plans.

Immigration enforcement

Immigration raids

New York City Canal Street raid

On October 21, 2025, federal agents conducted a large operation on Canal Street in New York City. They targeted people selling fake luxury items without permission. The Department of Homeland Security reported that nine men were arrested for living in the United States without permission and for having past arrests related to selling fake goods.

Many people gathered to protest this operation near the New York City headquarters of the immigration agency. Some protesters tried to stop the agents, and a few were taken into custody for not following the law.

Chicago Little Village raid

In September 2025, operations began in the Chicago area to enforce immigration laws. On October 1, 2025, more than 800 people were arrested. Later, on October 8, the number increased to more than 1,500 people arrested. These operations took place in Chicago and Illinois.

2026 Minnesota raids

In January 2026, immigration enforcement operations took place in Minnesota. During one of these operations in Minneapolis, a struggle happened when federal agents tried to arrest someone. Sadly, during this struggle, two federal officers used their guns, and a man named Alex Jeffrey Pretti was killed. This led to public protests in Minnesota.

Border enforcement

"Smart Plan"

In 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced a new plan called the "Smart Plan" to help keep the border safe. This plan includes building fences along parts of the border between the United States and Mexico. The fences will cover 1,422 miles, starting from San Diego and going towards Texas. Special technology with sensors will be used in areas where building fences is difficult.

The plan aims to stop people from crossing the border illegally and to prevent smuggling. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency set aside money to start building these fences and roads. The plan is part of efforts to make the border safer and more secure.

Cyber-security

See also: Cyber-security regulation

The DHS National Cyber Security Division works to protect the nation's computer systems. It manages the response system, risk management, and sets requirements for cyber-security in the U.S. The division includes US-CERT and the National Cyber Alert System. The DHS Science and Technology Directorate supports both government and private users in adopting new cyber-security tools. It also funds research to improve cyber-security capabilities.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) helps the nation understand and reduce risks to both cyber and physical infrastructure. CISA shares important information about cyber defense with federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, as well as the private sector and international partners. It focuses on protecting the federal government's computer networks and coordinating efforts to secure the nation's critical infrastructure.

In January 2017, DHS recognized state election systems as critical infrastructure, making it easier for states to receive cybersecurity support from the federal government. In March 2021, DHS announced research projects to improve security for mobile devices used by government employees.

Secretaries

Main article: United States Secretary of Homeland Security § List of secretaries of homeland security

The United States Department of Homeland Security has had eight secretaries so far. They have led the department since it began in 2003. The current secretary is Markwayne Mullin, who started in March 2026.

Criticism

The Department of Homeland Security has faced many criticisms for being inefficient and wasteful. There have been concerns about mismanagement and misuse of funds, including purchases that were not practical or useful. For example, some expensive items were bought but later found to be unusable.

The department has also been criticized for how it handles information. Some tools designed to find possible threats were found to have problems, such as mistakenly linking people to crimes or terrorism. There have also been issues with how the department shares information between different government agencies.

There have been concerns about how some centers that share information between agencies have been used. Some people worry these centers might focus on groups that are not actually threats, such as activists or people with different political views.

The department has struggled to keep its employees happy and motivated. Surveys have shown that many employees are not satisfied with their jobs or how the department is run. This has made it hard to keep good workers, especially in important roles like border protection.

The department has also faced criticism for how it handles certain groups of people, such as those who support third-party political candidates or are involved in protests. Some actions have led to concerns about fairness and respect for individual rights.

In recent years, there have been debates about whether the department should be restructured or even removed entirely due to these and other issues. Some people believe it has become too focused on security at the expense of personal freedoms.