Hubbry Logo
United States Department of Homeland SecurityUnited States Department of Homeland SecurityMain
Open search
United States Department of Homeland Security
Community hub
United States Department of Homeland Security
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
United States Department of Homeland Security
United States Department of Homeland Security
United States Department of Homeland Security
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

United States Department of Homeland Security
Seal of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Flag of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Map

Headquarters of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in Washington D.C.
Agency overview
FormedNovember 25, 2002 (2002-11-25)
JurisdictionU.S. federal government
HeadquartersSt. Elizabeths West Campus, Washington, D.C., U.S.
38°51′17″N 77°00′00″W / 38.8547°N 77.0000°W / 38.8547; -77.0000
Employees240,000 (2018)[1]
Annual budget$103.2 billion (FY 2024)[2]
Agency executives
Child agency
Key document
Websitedhs.gov
Agency ID7000

"The DHS March"

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is the U.S. federal executive department responsible for public security, roughly comparable to the interior, home, or public security ministries in other countries. Its missions involve anti-terrorism, civil defense, immigration and customs, border control, cybersecurity, transportation security, maritime security and sea rescue, and the mitigation of weapons of mass destruction.[3]

It began operations on March 1, 2003, after being formed as a result of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, enacted in response to the September 11 attacks. With more than 240,000 employees,[1] DHS is the third-largest Cabinet department, after the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.[4] Homeland security policy is coordinated at the White House by the Homeland Security Council. Other agencies with significant homeland security responsibilities include the departments of Health and Human Services, Justice, and Energy.

History

[edit]

Creation

[edit]
A video released in 2016 by the DHS, detailing its duties and responsibilities

In response to the September 11 attacks, President George W. Bush announced the establishment of the Office of Homeland Security (OHS) to coordinate "homeland security" efforts. The office was headed by former Pennsylvania governor Tom Ridge, who assumed the title of Assistant to the President for Homeland Security. The official announcement states:

The mission of the Office will be to develop and coordinate the implementation of a comprehensive national strategy to secure the United States from terrorist threats or attacks. The Office will coordinate the executive branch's efforts to detect, prepare for, prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from terrorist attacks within the United States.[5]

Ridge began his duties as OHS director on October 8, 2001.[6] On November 25, 2002, the Homeland Security Act established the Department of Homeland Security to consolidate U.S. executive branch organizations related to "homeland security" into a single Cabinet agency. In January 2003, the office was superseded, but not replaced by the Department of Homeland Security and the White House Homeland Security Council, both of which were created by the Homeland Security Act of 2002. The Homeland Security Council, similar in nature to the National Security Council, retains a policy coordination and advisory role and is led by the assistant to the president for homeland security.[5] The Gilmore Commission, supported by much of Congress and John Bolton, helped to solidify further the need for the department. The DHS incorporated the following 22 agencies.[7]

List of incorporated agencies

[edit]
Original agency Original department New agency or office after transfer
U.S. Customs Service Treasury U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Immigration and Naturalization Service Justice U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Federal Protective Service General Services Administration Management Directorate
Transportation Security Administration Transportation Transportation Security Administration
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Treasury Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
(part)		 Agriculture U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Federal Emergency Management Agency none Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Strategic National Stockpile Health and Human Services Originally assigned to FEMA, but returned to HHS in July 2004
National Disaster Medical System Health and Human Services Originally assigned to FEMA, but returned to HHS in August 2006
Nuclear Incident Response Team Energy Responsibilities distributed within FEMA
Domestic Emergency Support Team Justice Responsibilities distributed within FEMA
Center for Domestic Preparedness Justice (FBI) Responsibilities distributed within FEMA
CBRN Countermeasures Programs Energy Science & Technology Directorate
Environmental Measurements Laboratory Energy Science & Technology Directorate
National Biological Warfare
Defense Analysis Center		 Defense Science & Technology Directorate
Plum Island Animal Disease Center Agriculture Science & Technology Directorate
Federal Computer Incident Response Center General Services Administration US-CERT, Office of Cybersecurity and Communications
National Programs and Preparedness Directorate (now CISA)
National Communications System Defense Office of Cybersecurity and Communications
National Programs and Predaredness Directorate
National Infrastructure Protection Center Justice (FBI) Office of Operations Coordination
Office of Infrastructure Protection
Energy Security and Assurance Program Energy Office of Infrastructure Protection
U.S. Coast Guard Transportation U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Secret Service Treasury U.S. Secret Service

According to political scientist Peter Andreas, the creation of DHS constituted the most significant government reorganization since the Cold War[8] and the most substantial reorganization of federal agencies since the National Security Act of 1947 (which had placed the different military departments under a secretary of defense and created the National Security Council and Central Intelligence Agency). Creation of DHS constitutes the most diverse merger ever of federal functions and responsibilities, incorporating 22 government agencies into a single organization.[9] The founding of the DHS marked a change in American thought towards threats. Introducing the term "homeland" centers attention on a population that needs to be protected not only against emergencies such as natural disasters but also against diffuse threats from individuals who are non-native to the United States.[10]

Prior to the signing of the bill, controversy about its adoption was focused on whether the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Central Intelligence Agency should be incorporated in part or in whole (neither was included). The bill was also controversial for the presence of unrelated "riders", as well as for eliminating certain union-friendly civil service and labor protections for department employees. Without these protections, employees could be expeditiously reassigned or dismissed on grounds of security, incompetence or insubordination, and DHS would not be required to notify their union representatives. The plan stripped 180,000 government employees of their union rights.[11] In 2002, Bush officials argued that the September 11 attacks made the proposed elimination of employee protections imperative.[12]

In an August 5, 2002, speech, President Bush said: "We are fighting ... to secure freedom in the homeland."[13] Prior to the creation of DHS, U.S. Presidents had referred to the U.S. as "the nation" or "the republic" and to its internal policies as "domestic".[14] Also unprecedented was the use, from 2002, of the phrase "the homeland" by White House spokespeople.[14]

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer addresses Vice President Dick Cheney (center); Saxby Chambliss (center right), a U.S. Senator from Georgia; and Michael Chertoff (far right), the second head of the DHS; in 2005

Congress ultimately passed the Homeland Security Act of 2002, and President Bush signed the bill into law on November 25, 2002. It was the largest U.S. government reorganization in the 50 years since the United States Department of Defense was created.

Tom Ridge was named secretary on January 24, 2003, and began naming his chief deputies. DHS officially began operations on January 24, 2003, but most of the department's component agencies were not transferred into the new department until March 1.[5]

President George W. Bush signs the Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2004 on October 1, 2003.

After establishing the basic structure of DHS and working to integrate its components, Ridge announced his resignation on November 30, 2004, following the re-election of President Bush. Bush initially nominated former New York City Police Department commissioner Bernard Kerik as his successor, but on December 10, Kerik withdrew his nomination, citing personal reasons and saying it "would not be in the best interests" of the country for him to pursue the post.

Changes under Secretary Chertoff

[edit]

On January 11, 2005, President Bush nominated federal judge Michael Chertoff to succeed Ridge. Chertoff was confirmed on February 15, 2005, by a vote of 98–0 in the U.S. Senate and was sworn in the same day.[5]

In February 2005, DHS and the Office of Personnel Management issued rules relating to employee pay and discipline for a new personnel system named MaxHR. The Washington Post said that the rules would allow DHS "to override any provision in a union contract by issuing a department-wide directive" and would make it "difficult, if not impossible, for unions to negotiate over arrangements for staffing, deployments, technology and other workplace matters".[12] In August 2005, U.S. District judge Rosemary M. Collyer blocked the plan on the grounds that it did not ensure collective-bargaining rights for DHS employees.[12] A federal appeals court ruled against DHS in 2006; pending a final resolution to the litigation, Congress's fiscal year 2008 appropriations bill for DHS provided no funding for the proposed new personnel system.[12] DHS announced in early 2007 that it was retooling its pay and performance system and retiring the name "MaxHR".[5] In a February 2008 court filing, DHS said that it would no longer pursue the new rules, and that it would abide by the existing civil service labor-management procedures. A federal court issued an order closing the case.[12] Chertoff’s successor, Secretary Janet Napolitano deployed full body scanners to assist the United States Secret Service in 2012.[15]

First Trump administration

[edit]

A 2017 memo by Secretary of Homeland Security John F. Kelly directed DHS to disregard "age as a basis for determining when to collect biometrics."[16]

On November 16, 2018, President Donald Trump signed the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Act of 2018 into law, which elevated the mission of the former DHS National Protection and Programs Directorate and established the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.[17] In fiscal year 2018, DHS was allocated a net discretionary budget of $47.716 billion.[2]

Biden administration

[edit]

In 2021, the Department of Justice began carrying out an investigation into white supremacy and extremism in the DHS ranks.[18]

DHS also halted large-scale immigration raids at job sites, saying in October 2021 that the administration was planning "a new enforcement strategy to more effectively target employers who pay substandard wages and engage in exploitative labor practices."[19]

In 2023, the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol began using an app which requires asylum seekers to submit biometric information before they enter the country.

In June 2024, John Boyd, the head of the DHS Office of Biometric Identity Management, announced at a conference that the agency "is looking into ways it might use facial recognition technology to track the identities of migrant children." According to Boyd, the initiative is intended to advance the development of facial recognition algorithms. A former DHS official said that every migrant processing center he visited engaged in biometric identity collection, and that children were not separated out during processing. DHS denied collecting the biometric data of children under 14.[16]

Function

[edit]

Whereas the Department of Defense is charged with military actions abroad, the Department of Homeland Security works in the civilian sphere to protect the United States within, at, and outside its borders. Its stated goal is to prepare for, prevent, and respond to domestic emergencies, particularly terrorism.[20] On March 1, 2003, the DHS absorbed the U.S. Customs Service and Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and assumed its duties. In doing so, it divided the enforcement and services functions into two separate and new agencies: Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Citizenship and Immigration Services. The investigative divisions and intelligence gathering units of the INS and Customs Service were merged forming Homeland Security Investigations, the primary investigative arm of DHS. Additionally, the border enforcement functions of the INS, including the U.S. Border Patrol, the U.S. Customs Service, and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service were consolidated into a new agency under DHS: U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The Federal Protective Service falls under the Management Directorate.[21]

U.S. CBP Office of Field Operations officer checking the authenticity of a travel document at an international airport using a stereo microscope

Organizational structure

[edit]
DHS Organizational Chart | November 9, 2023

The Department of Homeland Security is headed by the secretary of homeland security with the assistance of the deputy secretary. DHS contains operational components, executing specific missions under the purview of the DHS; support components, supporting the mission of the DHS and operational components; and components in the Office of the Secretary, supporting department leadership, DHS components, and the secretary by overseeing and establishing policy.[22]

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

[edit]

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) oversees lawful immigration into the United States.[23] Note that Passports for U.S. citizens are issued by the U.S. Department of State, not the Department of Homeland Security.

USCIS Wordmark

Executives

[edit]

Subordinate components

[edit]
  • Office of Performance and Quality
  • Office of Investigations
  • Office of Privacy
  • Office of Administrative Appeals
  • Immigration Records and Identity Services Directorate
  • Field Operations Directorate
  • External Affairs Directorate
  • Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate
  • Management Directorate
  • Service Center Operations Directorate
  • Asylum and International Operations Directorate

U.S. Coast Guard

[edit]

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is the maritime security, search and rescue, and law enforcement service branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.[26] It is under the Department of Homeland Security during times of peace, and under the U.S. Department of the Navy during wartime.[27]

USCG Seal

Executives

[edit]

Subordinate components

[edit]
  • Pacific Area
    • Coast Guard Southwest District
    • Coast Guard Northwest District
    • Coast Guard Oceania District
    • Coast Guard Arctic District

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

[edit]

United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a law enforcement agency responsible for protecting the U.S. border against illegal entry, illicit activity, and other threats; combatting transnational crime and terrorism that's a threat to the economic and national security of the United States; and facilitating lawful trade and lawful entry into the United States.[28]

CBP Seal

Executives

[edit]

Subordinate components

[edit]
  • U.S. Border Patrol
  • Office of Field Operations
  • Air and Marine Operations
  • Office of Trade
  • Enterprise Services Office
  • Operations Support Office

U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

[edit]
CISA Seal

The United States Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is the leading entity of the U.S. federal government in understanding, managing, and reducing risk to cyber and physical infrastructure across the United States.[29]

Executives

[edit]

Subordinate components

[edit]
  • Cybersecurity Division
  • Infrastructure Security Division
  • Emergency Communications Division
  • Integrated Operations Division
  • Stakeholder Engagement Division
  • National Risk Management Center

U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency

[edit]
FEMA Wordmark

The United States Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) invests in, improves, and supports capabilities to respond to, mitigate, protect against, recover from, and to prepare for all hazards that may threaten the security of the United States and its citizens, such as natural disasters.[30]

Executives

[edit]
  • Administrator, David Richardson (acting)
  • Deputy Administrator, MaryAnn Tierney (acting)

Subordinate components

[edit]
  • Mission Support
  • Regional Offices (Regions 1-10)
  • Resilience
  • Response and Recovery
  • U.S. Fire Administration

U.S. Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers

[edit]
FLETC Seal

The United States Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) provides training services to U.S. law enforcement.[31]

Executives

[edit]

Subordinate components

[edit]
  • Training Management Operations Directorate
  • National Capital Region Training Operations Directorate
  • Core Training Operations Directorate
  • Technical Training Operations Directorate
  • Mission and Readiness Support Directorate

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

[edit]
ICE Wordmark

United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforces federal laws governing border control, customs, immigration and trade.[32]

Executives

[edit]

Subordinate components

[edit]

U.S. Secret Service

[edit]
USSS Logo

The United States Secret Service (USSS) is charged with the protection of the President of the United States and other government officials and persons designated by law. It also safeguards U.S. financial infrastructure and fights against counterfeiting.[33]

Executives

[edit]

Subordinate components

[edit]

U.S. Transportation Security Administration

[edit]
TSA Seal

The United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) protects U.S. transportation systems (e.g. airport security) and ensures freedom of movement for people and commerce.[34] It was created as a result of the September 11 attacks in the United States by the Aviation and Transportation Security Act of 2001.[35]

Executives

[edit]

Subordinate components

[edit]

DHS Management Directorate

[edit]
MGMT Wordmark

The Department of Homeland Security Management Directorate (MGMT) manages department finance, appropriations, accounting, budgeting, expenditures, procurement, human resources and personnel, information technology systems, biometric identification services, facilities, property, equipment, other material resources, protection of department personnel, information and resources, performance metrics, and the security of federal infrastructure.[36]

Executives

Subordinate components

[edit]
  • Office of the Chief Financial Officer
  • Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer
  • Office of the Chief Information Officer
  • Office of the Chief Procurement Officer
  • Office of the Chief Readiness Support Officer
  • Office of the Chief Security Officer
  • Office of Program Accountability and Risk Management
  • Office of Biometric Identity Management
  • U.S. Federal Protective Service

DHS Science and Technology Directorate

[edit]
S&T Wordmark

The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is the department's research and development arm.[37]

Executives

Subordinate components

[edit]
  • Office of Innovation and Collaboration
  • Office of Mission and Capability Support
  • Office of Enterprise Services
  • Office of Science and Engineering

DHS Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office

[edit]
CWMD Logo

The Department of Homeland Security Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD) works to prevent chemical, biological, nuclear, and radiological attacks against the United States.[38]

Executives

[edit]
  • Assistant Secretary, David Richardson
  • Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Deborah Kramer

Subordinate components

[edit]
  • BioWatch Program
  • Securing the Cities Program
  • Mobile Detection Deployment Program
  • Training and Exercise Program
  • CBRN Intelligence
  • National Biosurveillance Integration Center

DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis

[edit]
I&A Logo

The Department of Homeland Security Office of Intelligence & Analysis (I&A) is the department's intelligence arm, and disseminates timely information across the DHS enterprise and to local, state, tribal, territorial, and private sector partners.[39]

Executives

[edit]

Subordinate components

[edit]
  • Counterterrorism Center
  • Cyber Intelligence Center
  • Nation-State Intelligence Center
  • Transborder Security Center
  • Current and Emerging Threats Center
  • Office of Regional Intelligence
  • Homeland Identities, Targeting & Exploitation Center

DHS Office of Homeland Security Situational Awareness

[edit]
OSA Logo

The Office of Homeland Security Situational Awareness (OSA) provides operations coordination, information sharing, situational awareness, common operating picture, and executes the Secretary's responsibilities across the homeland security enterprise.[40]

Executives

[edit]

Subordinate components

[edit]
  • National Operations Center
  • Integration Division
  • Mission Support Division

DHS Office of Health Security

[edit]
OHS Wordmark

The Department of Homeland Security Office of Health Security (OHS) is the principal medical, workforce health and safety, and public health authority for DHS.[41]

Executives

[edit]

Subordinate components

[edit]
  • Total Workforce Protection Directorate
  • Health, Food & Agriculture Resilience Directorate
  • Healthcare Systems & Oversight Directorate
  • Health Information Systems & Decision Support
  • Regional Operations

DHS Office of Inspector General

[edit]
OIG Seal

The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (OIG) provides independent oversight and promotes excellence, integrity, and accountability within DHS.[42]

Executives

[edit]

Subordinate components

[edit]
  • Office of Audits
  • Office of Investigations
  • Office of Integrity
  • Office of Management
  • Office of Innovation
  • Office of Inspections and Evaluations

DHS Office of the Secretary

[edit]
See also: United States Secretary of Homeland Security § Office of the Secretary of Homeland Security
OSEC Wordmark
CIS Ombudsman Wordmark
OIDO Wordmark

The Office of the Secretary of Homeland Security oversees the Department of Homeland Security's execution of its mission to safeguard the nation.[43]

Executives

[edit]
  • Chief of Staff, vacant/none.

Subordinate components

[edit]
  • Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
  • Climate Change Action Group
  • Office of the Executive Secretary
  • Family Reunification Task Force
  • Office of the General Counsel
  • Joint Requirements Council
  • Office of Legislative Affairs
  • Office of the Military Advisor
  • Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman
  • Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Ombudsman
  • Office of Partnership and Engagement
  • DHS Privacy Office
  • Office of Public Affairs
  • Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans
  • Office for State and Local Law Enforcement
  • Center for Countering Human Trafficking
  • Committee Management Office
  • Council on Combating Gender-Based Violence
  • Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force

DHS Advisory Panels

[edit]

DHS advisory panels and committees provide advice and recommendations on mission-related topics from academic engagement to privacy.[44]

  • Homeland Security Academic Partnership Council (HSAPC)
  • Artificial Intelligence Safety and Security Board (AISSB)
  • Counternarcotics Coordinating Council (CNCC)
  • Faith-Based Security Advisory Council (FBSAC)
  • Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC)
  • Data Privacy and Integrity Advisory Committee (DPIAC)
  • Tribal Homeland Security Advisory Council (THSAC)

National Terrorism Advisory System

[edit]

In 2011, the Department of Homeland Security phased out the old Homeland Security Advisory System, replacing it with a two-level National Terrorism Advisory System. The system has two types of advisories: alerts and bulletins. NTAS bulletins permit the secretary to communicate critical terrorism information that, while not necessarily indicative of a specific threat against the United States, can reach homeland security partners or the public quickly, thereby allowing recipients to implement necessary protective measures. Alerts are issued when there is specific and credible information of a terrorist threat against the United States. Alerts have two levels: elevated and imminent. An elevated alert is issued when there is credible information about an attack but only general information about timing or a target. An Imminent Alert is issued when the threat is very specific and impending in the very near term.[citation needed]

The Homeland Security Advisory System scale

On March 12, 2002, the Homeland Security Advisory System, a color-coded terrorism risk advisory scale, was created as the result of a Presidential Directive to provide a "comprehensive and effective means to disseminate information regarding the risk of terrorist acts to Federal, State, and local authorities and to the American people". Many procedures at government facilities are tied into the alert level; for example a facility may search all entering vehicles when the alert is above a certain level. Since January 2003, it has been administered in coordination with DHS; it has also been the target of frequent jokes and ridicule on the part of the administration's detractors about its ineffectiveness. After resigning, Tom Ridge said he did not always agree with the threat level adjustments pushed by other government agencies.[45]

Seal

[edit]
Main article: Seal of the United States Department of Homeland Security

The seal was developed with input from senior DHS leadership, employees, and the U.S. Commission on Fine Arts. The Ad Council – which partners with DHS on its Ready.gov campaign – and the consulting company Landor Associates were responsible for graphic design and maintaining heraldic integrity.

The seal is symbolic of the Department's mission – to prevent attacks and protect Americans – on the land, in the sea and in the air. In the center of the seal, a graphically styled white American eagle appears in a circular blue field. The eagle's outstretched wings break through an inner red ring into an outer white ring that contains the words "U.S. DEPARTMENT OF" in the top half and "HOMELAND SECURITY" in the bottom half in a circular placement. The eagle's wings break through the inner circle into the outer ring to suggest that the Department of Homeland Security will break through traditional bureaucracy and perform government functions differently. In the tradition of the Great Seal of the United States, the eagle's talon on the left holds an olive branch with 13 leaves and 13 seeds while the eagle's talon on the right grasps 13 arrows. Centered on the eagle's breast is a shield divided into three sections containing elements that represent the American homeland – air, land, and sea. The top element, a dark blue sky, contains 22 stars representing the original 22 entities that have come together to form the department. The left shield element contains white mountains behind a green plain underneath a light blue sky. The right shield element contains four wave shapes representing the oceans alternating light and dark blue separated by white lines.

- DHS June 6, 2003[46]

Headquarters

[edit]
The current headquarters at St. Elizabeths West Campus
Nebraska Avenue Complex, DHS headquarters from its inception until April 2019

Since its inception, the department's temporary headquarters had been in Washington, D.C.'s Nebraska Avenue Complex, a former naval facility. The 38-acre (15 ha) site, across from American University, has 32 buildings comprising 566,000 square feet (52,600 m2) of administrative space.[47] In early 2007, the department submitted a $4.1 billion plan to Congress to consolidate its 60-plus Washington-area offices into a single headquarters complex at the St. Elizabeths Hospital campus in Anacostia, Southeast Washington, D.C.[48]

The move was championed by District of Columbia officials because of the positive economic impact it would have on historically depressed Anacostia. The move was criticized by historic preservationists, who claimed the revitalization plans would destroy dozens of historic buildings on the campus.[49] Community activists criticized the plans because the facility would remain walled off and have little interaction with the surrounding area.[50]

In February 2015 the General Services Administration said that the site would open in 2021.[51] DHS headquarters staff began moving to St. Elizabeths in April 2019 after the completion of the Center Building renovation.[52][53]

Disaster preparedness and response

[edit]

Congressional budgeting effects

[edit]

During a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing on the reauthorization of DHS, Deputy Secretary Elaine Duke said there is a weariness and anxiety within DHS about the repeated congressional efforts to agree to a long-term spending plan, which had resulted in several threats to shut down the federal government. "Shutdowns are disruptive", Duke said. She said the "repeated failure on a longtime spending plan resulting in short-term continuing resolutions (CRs) has caused "angst" among the department's 240,000 employees in the weeks leading up to the CRs."[54] The uncertainty about funding hampers DHS's ability to pursue major projects and takes away attention and manpower from important priorities. Seventy percent of DHS employees are considered essential and are not furloughed during government shutdowns.[54]

Ready.gov

[edit]
Ready.gov program logo

Soon after formation, the department worked with the Ad Council to launch the Ready Campaign, a national public service advertising (PSA) campaign to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies including natural and man-made disasters. With pro bono creative support from the Martin Agency of Richmond, Virginia, the campaign website "Ready.gov" and materials were conceived in March 2002 and launched in February 2003, just before the launch of the Iraq War.[55][56][57] One of the first announcements that garnered widespread public attention to this campaign was one by Tom Ridge in which he stated that in the case of a chemical attack, citizens should use duct tape and plastic sheeting to build a homemade bunker, or "sheltering in place" to protect themselves.[58][59] As a result, the sales of duct tape skyrocketed, and DHS was criticized for being too alarmist.[60]

On March 1, 2003, the Federal Emergency Management Agency was absorbed into the DHS and in the fall of 2008 took over coordination of the campaign. The Ready Campaign and its Spanish-language version Listo.gov asks individuals to build an emergency supply kit,[61] make a family emergency plan[62] and be informed about the different types of emergencies that can occur and how to respond.[63] The campaign messages have been promoted through television, radio, print, outdoor and web PSAs,[64] as well as brochures, toll-free phone lines and the English and Spanish language websites Ready.gov and Listo.gov.

The general campaign aims to reach all Americans, but targeted resources are also available via "Ready Business" for small- to medium-sized business and "Ready Kids" for parents and teachers of children ages 8–12. In 2015, the campaign also launched a series of PSAs to help the whole community,[65] people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs prepare for emergencies, which included open captioning, a certified deaf interpreter and audio descriptions for viewers who are blind or have low vision.[66]

National Incident Management System

[edit]

On March 1, 2004, the National Incident Management System (NIMS) was created. The stated purpose was to provide a consistent incident management approach for federal, state, local, and tribal governments. Under Homeland Security Presidential Directive-5, all federal departments were required to adopt the NIMS and to use it in their individual domestic incident management and emergency prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation program and activities.

National Response Framework

[edit]

In December 2005, the National Response Plan (NRP) was created, in an attempt to align federal coordination structures, capabilities, and resources into a unified, all-discipline, and all-hazards approach to domestic incident management. The NRP was built on the template of the NIMS.

On January 22, 2008, the National Response Framework was published in the Federal Register as an updated replacement of the NRP, effective March 22, 2008.

Surge Capacity Force

[edit]

The Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act directs the DHS Secretary to designate employees from throughout the department to staff a Surge Capacity Force (SCF). During a declared disaster, the DHS Secretary will determine if SCF support is necessary. The secretary will then authorize FEMA to task and deploy designated personnel from DHS components and other Federal Executive Agencies to respond to extraordinary disasters.[67]

Cyber-security

[edit]
See also: Cyber-security regulation

The DHS National Cyber Security Division (NCSD) is responsible for the response system, risk management program, and requirements for cyber-security in the U.S. The division is home to US-CERT operations and the National Cyber Alert System.[68][69] The DHS Science and Technology Directorate helps government and private end-users transition to new cyber-security capabilities. This directorate also funds the Cyber Security Research and Development Center, which identifies and prioritizes research and development for NCSD.[69] The center works on the Internet's routing infrastructure (the SPRI program) and Domain Name System (DNSSEC), identity theft and other online criminal activity (ITTC), Internet traffic and networks research (PREDICT datasets and the DETER testbed), Department of Defense and HSARPA exercises (Livewire and Determined Promise), and wireless security in cooperation with Canada.[70]

On October 30, 2009, DHS opened the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center. The center brings together government organizations responsible for protecting computer networks and networked infrastructure.[71]

In January 2017, DHS officially designated state-run election systems as critical infrastructure. The designation made it easier for state and local election officials to get cybersecurity help from the federal government. In October 2017, DHS convened a Government Coordinating Council (GCC) for the Election Infrastructure Subsection with representatives from various state and federal agencies such as the Election Assistance Commission and National Association of Secretaries of State.[72]

Secretaries

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

To date there have been eight confirmed secretaries of the Department of Homeland Security:[73]

  • Tom Ridge (January 24, 2003 – February 1, 2005)
  • Michael Chertoff (February 15, 2005 – January 21, 2009)
  • Janet Napolitano (January 20, 2009 – September 6, 2013)
  • Jeh Charles Johnson (December 23, 2013 – January 20, 2017)
  • John F. Kelly (January 20, 2017 – July 28, 2017)
  • Kirstjen M. Nielsen (December 6, 2017 – April 10, 2019)
  • Alejandro Mayorkas (February 1, 2021 – January 20, 2025)
  • Kristi Noem (January 25, 2025–Present)

Criticism

[edit]
See also: Criticism of the United States government § Criticism of agencies, and Criticism of the government response to Hurricane Katrina

Excess, waste, and ineffectiveness

[edit]

The department has been dogged by persistent criticism over excessive bureaucracy, waste, ineffectiveness and lack of transparency. Congress estimates that the department has wasted roughly $15 billion in failed contracts (as of September 2008).[74] In 2003, the department came under fire after the media revealed that Laura Callahan, Deputy Chief Information Officer at DHS with responsibilities for sensitive national security databases, had obtained her bachelor, masters, and doctorate computer science degrees through Hamilton University, a diploma mill in a small town in Wyoming.[75] The department was blamed for up to $2 billion of waste and fraud after audits by the Government Accountability Office revealed widespread misuse of government credit cards by DHS employees, with purchases including beer brewing kits, $70,000 of plastic dog booties that were later deemed unusable, boats purchased at double the retail price (many of which later could not be found), and iPods ostensibly for use in "data storage".[76][77][78][79]

A 2015 inspection of IT infrastructure found that the department was running over a hundred computer systems whose owners were unknown, including Secret and Top Secret databases, many with out-of-date security or weak passwords. Basic security reviews were absent, and the department had apparently made deliberate attempts to delay publication of information about the flaws.[80]

Data mining

[edit]

On September 5, 2007, the Associated Press reported that the DHS had scrapped an anti-terrorism data mining tool called ADVISE (Analysis, Dissemination, Visualization, Insight and Semantic Enhancement) after the agency's internal inspector general found that pilot testing of the system had been performed using data on real people without required privacy safeguards in place.[81][82] The system, in development at Lawrence Livermore and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory since 2003, has cost the agency $42 million to date. Controversy over the program is not new; in March 2007, the Government Accountability Office stated that "the ADVISE tool could misidentify or erroneously associate an individual with undesirable activity such as fraud, crime or terrorism." Homeland Security's Inspector General later said that ADVISE was poorly planned, time-consuming for analysts to use, and lacked adequate justifications.[83]

Fusion centers

[edit]
Main article: Fusion center

Fusion centers are terrorism prevention and response centers, many of which were created under a joint project between the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs between 2003 and 2007. The fusion centers gather information from government sources as well as their partners in the private sector.[84][85]

They are designed to promote information sharing at the federal level between agencies such as the CIA, FBI, Department of Justice, U.S. military and state and local level government. As of July 2009, DHS recognized at least seventy-two fusion centers.[86] Fusion centers may also be affiliated with an Emergency Operations Center that responds in the event of a disaster.

There are a number of documented criticisms of fusion centers, including relative ineffectiveness at counterterrorism activities, the potential to be used for secondary purposes unrelated to counterterrorism, and their links to violations of civil liberties of American citizens and others.[87]

David Rittgers of the Cato Institute notes:

A long line of fusion center and DHS reports labeling broad swaths of the public as a threat to national security. The North Texas Fusion System labeled Muslim lobbyists as a potential threat; a DHS analyst in Wisconsin thought both pro- and anti-abortion activists were worrisome; a Pennsylvania homeland security contractor watched environmental activists, Tea Party groups, and a Second Amendment rally; the Maryland State Police put anti-death penalty and anti-war activists in a federal terrorism database; a fusion center in Missouri thought that all third-party voters and Ron Paul supporters were a threat ...[88]

Mail interception

[edit]

In 2006, MSNBC reported that Grant Goodman, "an 81-year-old retired University of Kansas history professor, received a letter from his friend in the Philippines that had been opened and resealed with a strip of dark green tape bearing the words "by Border Protection" and carrying the official Homeland Security seal."[89] The letter was sent by a devout Catholic Filipino woman with no history of supporting Islamic terrorism.[89] A spokesman for U.S. Customs and Border Protection "acknowledged that the agency can, will and does open mail coming to U.S. citizens that originates from a foreign country whenever it's deemed necessary":

All mail originating outside the United States Customs territory that is to be delivered inside the U.S. Customs territory is subject to Customs examination," says the CBP Web site. That includes personal correspondence. "All mail means 'all mail,'" said John Mohan, a CBP spokesman, emphasizing the point.[89]

The department declined to outline what criteria are used to determine when a piece of personal correspondence should be opened or to say how often or in what volume Customs might be opening mail.[89]

Goodman's story provoked outrage in the blogosphere,[90] as well as in the more established media. Reacting to the incident, Mother Jones remarked "unlike other prying government agencies, Homeland Security wants you to know it is watching you."[91] CNN observed "on the heels of the NSA wiretapping controversy, Goodman's letter raises more concern over the balance between privacy and security."[92]

Employee morale

[edit]

In July 2006, the Office of Personnel Management conducted a survey of federal employees in all 36 federal agencies on job satisfaction and how they felt their respective agency was headed. DHS was last or near to last in every category including;

  • 33rd on the talent management index
  • 35th on the leadership and knowledge management index
  • 36th on the job satisfaction index
  • 36th on the results-oriented performance culture index

The low scores were attributed to concerns about basic supervision, management and leadership within the agency. Examples from the survey reveal most concerns are about promotion and pay increase based on merit, dealing with poor performance, rewarding creativity and innovation, leadership generating high levels of motivation in the workforce, recognition for doing a good job, lack of satisfaction with various component policies and procedures and lack of information about what is going on with the organization.[93][94]

DHS is the only large federal agency to score below 50% in overall survey rankings. It was last of large federal agencies in 2014 with 44.0% and fell even lower in 2015 at 43.1%, again last place.[95] DHS continued to rank at the bottom in 2019, prompting congressional inquiries into the problem.[96] High work load resulting from chronic staff shortage, particularly in Customs and Border Protection, has contributed to low morale,[97] as have scandals and intense negative public opinion heightened by immigration policies of the Obama administration.[98]

DHS has struggled to retain women, who complain of overt and subtle misogyny.[99]

MIAC report

[edit]

In 2009, the Missouri Information Analysis Center (MIAC) made news for targeting supporters of third party candidates (such as Ron Paul), anti-abortion activists, and conspiracy theorists as potential militia members.[100] Anti-war activists and Islamic lobby groups were targeted in Texas, drawing criticism from the American Civil Liberties Union.[101]

According to DHS:[102]

The Privacy Office has identified a number of risks to privacy presented by the fusion center program:

  1. Justification for fusion centers
  2. Ambiguous Lines of Authority, Rules, and Oversight
  3. Participation of the Military and the Private Sector
  4. Data Mining
  5. Excessive Secrecy
  6. Inaccurate or Incomplete Information
  7. Mission Creep

Freedom of Information Act processing performance

[edit]

In the Center for Effective Government analysis of 15 federal agencies which receive the most Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, published in 2015 (using 2012 and 2013 data), the Department of Homeland Security earned a D+ by scoring 69 out of a possible 100 points, i.e. did not earn a satisfactory overall grade. It also had not updated its policies since the 2007 FOIA amendments.[103]

Fourteen Words slogan and "88" reference

[edit]

In 2018, the DHS was accused of referencing the white nationalist Fourteen Words slogan in an official document, by using a similar fourteen-worded title, in relation to unlawful immigration and border control:[104]

We Must Secure The Border And Build The Wall To Make America Safe Again.[105]

Although dismissed by the DHS as a coincidence, both the use of "88" in a document and the similarity to the slogan's phrasing ("We must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children"), drew criticism and controversy from several media outlets.[106][107]

Calls for abolition

[edit]

While abolishing the DHS has been proposed since 2011,[108] the idea was popularized when Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez suggested abolishing the DHS in light of the abuses against detained migrants by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection agencies.[109]

In 2020, the DHS was criticized for detaining protesters in Portland, Oregon. It even drew rebuke from the department's first secretary Tom Ridge who said, "It would be a cold day in hell before I would consent to an uninvited, unilateral intervention into one of my cities".[110]

On August 10, 2020, in an opinion article for USA Today by Anthony D. Romero, the ACLU called for the dismantling of DHS over the deployment of federal forces in July 2020 during the Portland protests.[111]

ACLU lawsuit

[edit]

In December 2020, ACLU filed a lawsuit against the DHS, U.S. CBP and U.S. ICE, seeking the release of their records of purchasing cellphone location data. ACLU alleges that this data was used to track U.S. citizens and immigrants and is seeking to discover the full extent of the alleged surveillance.[112]

Nejwa Ali controversy

[edit]

The DHS came under fire from pro-Israel politicians in October 2023 for employing Nejwa Ali, who supported Hamas following its deadly terror attack against Israel. Her social media posts were first reported on by the Daily Wire and the Washington Examiner reported on Ali being placed on administrative leave.[113]

Surveillance

[edit]

ICE

[edit]

American Dragnet, a report, from the Center on Privacy and Technology documents the scope of ICE's surveillance capabilities. The report found that ICE has access to the driver’s license data of 3 in 4 adults, could locate 3 in 4 adults through their utility records and tracks the movements of drivers in cities home to 3 in 4 adults.[114][115] The report also claimed "the agency spent approximately $2.8 billion between 2008 and 2021 on new surveillance, data collection and data-sharing initiatives".[116][117] ICE has also used data brokers to circumvent laws restricting government bodies sharing information with ICE.[118][119][120] ICE has reportedly been a customer of Paragon Solutions and confirmed its use of Clearview AI.[121][122][123][124]

See also: Immigration policy of the second Trump administration § Use of data in enforcement

The Second Trump administration reportedly worked to obtain and centralize data on Americans as outlined in Executive Order 14243 relying heavily on products from Palantir Technologies.[125] This data has been desired to support expanded deportation efforts carried out by DHS. The administration has sought data from the IRS,[126][127] Medicaid[128] and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.[129][130]

Office of Intelligence and Analysis

[edit]

The office of intelligence and analysis (I&A) has a history of problematic surveillance.[131][132][133] In 2020, the I&A authorized "collecting and reporting on various activities in the context of elevated threats targeting monuments, memorials, and statues".[134][135] The office surveilled protestors at the George Floyd protests in Portland, Oregon[136][137] In September 2023, Congress considered revoking some of the agency’s collection authorities over concerns about overreach.[138] According to Politico, "a key theme that emerges from internal documents is that in recent years, many people working at I&A have said they fear they are breaking the law".[139] In 2025, sexual orientation and gender identity were removed from I&A's list of characteristics that "personnel are prohibited from engaging in intelligence activities based solely on".[140]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

United States Department of Homeland Security

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a cabinet-level executive department of the federal government, established by the in direct response to the , 2001, terrorist attacks, which consolidated 22 disparate federal agencies into a unified structure aimed at preventing , securing borders, enforcing laws, managing disasters, and protecting from cyber threats. Employing over 260,000 personnel, DHS operates with the core mission of safeguarding the American people, the homeland, and national values through integrated efforts in intelligence, , and emergency response. DHS encompasses major operational components such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which oversees border security and facilitates lawful trade; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), responsible for interior and investigations; the (TSA), focused on and transportation security; the (FEMA), which coordinates federal disaster response; the U.S. Coast Guard, handling maritime security and safety; the U.S. Secret Service, providing protection for national leaders and financial systems; and the (CISA), addressing cyber and physical infrastructure risks. These entities reflect DHS's broad mandate, which has evolved to include countering domestic extremism, , and weapons of mass destruction threats, though empirical assessments of prevention remain challenging due to the covert nature of disrupted plots. DHS has achieved notable successes, including enhanced screening protocols that have blocked large-scale terrorist hijackings of U.S. commercial flights since and effective coordination during major disasters like Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy. However, it has faced persistent criticism for management deficiencies, including retracted audit reports due to lapses and high turnover in oversight roles, as highlighted in Government Accountability Office findings. Additionally, border security operations under DHS have processed record migrant encounters exceeding 2.4 million in 2022 alone, underscoring ongoing challenges in amid policy shifts and resource strains. These elements define DHS as a pivotal yet contentious pillar of , balancing preventive vigilance with operational complexities.

History

Formation Following 9/11 Attacks

The , 2001, terrorist attacks by operatives, resulting in 2,977 deaths across , Washington, D.C., and , revealed critical deficiencies in U.S. federal coordination for , including fragmented and inadequate integration of domestic security functions across agencies. These failures, compounded by pre-attack warnings that were not effectively shared or acted upon, underscored the need for a centralized structure to prevent future mass-casualty events originating from abroad or within U.S. borders. In direct response, President proposed establishing a new cabinet-level Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to unify disparate homeland protection efforts, emphasizing prevention of terrorist acts as the federal government's paramount responsibility. The proposal aimed to address causal gaps in threat detection and response by consolidating responsibilities previously scattered across multiple departments, such as border enforcement, cybersecurity, and , into a single entity better equipped for rapid decision-making and resource allocation. Congress passed the (H.R. 5005) after debates on organizational scope and oversight mechanisms, with the approving it 295–132 on November 13, 2002, followed by Senate concurrence. President Bush signed the legislation into law on November 25, 2002, creating DHS as the third-largest cabinet department and marking the most significant federal reorganization since the established the Department of Defense. The Act transferred all or portions of 22 existing agencies to DHS, including components from the Departments of Transportation, , , and , to streamline operations without duplicating military-focused national security roles. DHS officially commenced operations on March 1, 2003, under initial leadership tasked with integrating these entities amid logistical challenges like employee transitions and IT system mergers. This formation prioritized empirical enhancements in and inter-agency communication, driven by the imperative to mitigate vulnerabilities exposed on 9/11 rather than reactive measures alone, though early implementation faced criticism for potential over-centralization of power.

Initial Agency Incorporations and Structure

The , enacted as 107-296 and signed by President on November 25, 2002, authorized the creation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by consolidating functions from all or part of 22 existing federal departments and agencies to centralize efforts against and enhance coordination. DHS became operational on January 24, 2003, with full integration of transferred entities effective March 1, 2003, absorbing approximately 170,000 employees from predecessor organizations. Major agencies and offices transferred included the U.S. Customs Service (from the Department of the Treasury, responsible for customs enforcement and trade facilitation), the Immigration and Naturalization Service (from the Department of Justice, handling immigration adjudication and enforcement), the (from the , focused on aviation security), the (independent agency for disaster response), the U.S. Coast Guard (from the Department of Transportation, for maritime security and law enforcement), and the U.S. Secret Service (from the Department of the Treasury, for protective and financial crime investigations). Additional transfers encompassed the Federal Protective Service (from the General Services Administration, for federal facility security), the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (from the Treasury, for law enforcement training), and elements of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (from the Department of Agriculture, for prevention), among others such as the Office for Domestic Preparedness and the National Domestic Preparedness Office. These incorporations aimed to eliminate redundancies in , , and identified post-September 11, 2001, though critics noted potential disruptions from rapid consolidation without sufficient integration planning. The initial structure, as outlined in the March 2003 , placed and Deputy Secretary at the apex, with five under secretaries leading directorates tailored to core missions: the Directorate of Border and Transportation Security Directorate (integrating , , and TSA functions into bureaus like Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement), the Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate (primarily FEMA for disaster mitigation), the Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection Directorate (for threat assessment and safeguards), the Science and Technology Directorate (for R&D in detection and response technologies), and the Directorate (for administrative support). Legacy components such as the and reported directly to rather than directorates, preserving operational autonomy while aligning under unified leadership. This framework, directed by first Tom Ridge, emphasized horizontal integration across silos but faced early challenges in unifying disparate cultures and IT systems from the transferred entities.

Reorganizations and Reforms (2006-2016)

In response to the perceived shortcomings of the (FEMA) during in 2005, passed the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act (PKEMRA) on October 4, 2006, as part of the Department of Appropriations Act, 2007. This legislation strengthened FEMA's autonomy within DHS by requiring its administrator to report directly to , prohibiting further reorganization of FEMA without congressional approval, and expanding its authorities in areas such as logistics management, credentialing of response personnel, and integration of disability and surge capacity planning into preparedness efforts. PKEMRA also mandated the development of national standards for and enhanced FEMA's role in non-terrorism-related disasters, aiming to address coordination failures exposed by Katrina while maintaining FEMA's position under DHS oversight. The Implementing Recommendations of the Act of 2007, signed into law on August 3, 2007, drove further DHS reforms by mandating improvements in intelligence sharing, grant programs for state and local preparedness, and transportation security enhancements. Key provisions included the establishment of the DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) in 2007 to centralize departmental intelligence efforts, fusing data from component agencies and fusing centers to better detect domestic threats, and authorizing fusion centers for with state and local partners. The Act also required risk-based grant allocations, tamper-resistant credentialing via the REAL ID standards, and expanded screening for air cargo and surface transportation, reflecting a shift toward integrated, intelligence-driven operations across DHS components. Under Secretary , DHS continued implementing elements of his 2005 Second Stage Review through 2008, emphasizing a risk-based management approach that prioritized to high-threat areas like border security and . This included consolidating operational directorates into fewer units for streamlined decision-making and advancing the Department's unified command structure, though without major new structural overhauls; Chertoff advised against hasty reorganizations in late 2008 to avoid disrupting ongoing integrations. During Secretary Janet Napolitano's tenure (2009-2013), the first Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (QHSR), released on February 1, 2010, articulated a strategic framework reforming DHS priorities around five core missions: preventing , securing borders, enforcing laws, safeguarding , and ensuring resilience to disasters. While not altering , the QHSR prompted internal reforms such as enhanced interagency coordination and performance metrics for components like U.S. Customs and Border Protection, influencing budget justifications and operational doctrines without legislative mandates for reconfiguration. Secretary , serving from December to January 2017, prioritized management reforms, launching the DHS Data Framework in to improve information sharing across silos via standardized policies and technology investments. These efforts addressed longstanding integration challenges from DHS's formation, including unified acquisition processes and assessments, though they focused more on efficiency than structural changes; Johnson emphasized accountability in and cybersecurity without proposing broad reorganizations. By 2016, these reforms contributed to incremental improvements in departmental cohesion, as noted in Johnson's exit assessment of a stronger DHS posture compared to prior years.

Trump Administration Priorities (2017-2021)

The Trump administration emphasized strengthening security as a core DHS priority, issuing on January 25, 2017, which directed the construction of a wall along the - and increased personnel and technology deployment. By the end of 2020, approximately 452 miles of new primary wall had been constructed, primarily replacing existing barriers but including new sections in high-traffic areas, funded through congressional appropriations totaling over $15 billion across fiscal years 2018-2021. These measures aimed to deter illegal crossings, with DHS reporting disruptions to operations and reduced apprehensions in wall-affected sectors. Interior immigration enforcement was intensified through policies targeting criminal aliens and ending "catch and release," with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement () arrests of individuals with criminal convictions rising 30% in 2017 compared to the prior year. The "" policy, announced by the Department of Justice in April 2018 and implemented by DHS, mandated prosecution of all adults crossing illegally, leading to separation of approximately 5,500 family units to comply with laws prohibiting detention of minors with prosecuted adults; this policy was intended to deter illegal family migration amid rising crossings. In 2019, DHS launched the Migrant Protection Protocols (), requiring asylum seekers to await U.S. hearings in , which reduced bogus claims and border releases by over 70% in implementation areas per DHS data. National security efforts focused on enhanced vetting and travel restrictions, including in January 2017, which temporarily suspended entry from countries with high risks, evolving into a upheld version covering eight nations by 2018. admissions were sharply curtailed, with caps set at 45,000 for FY2018, 30,000 for FY2019, and 18,000 for FY2020—historic lows—to prioritize assimilation capacity and security screening, resulting in actual admissions of about 11,800 in FY2020. DHS also expanded expedited removal and prioritized threats from and , aligning with broader strategies that included designating as a priority target. Cybersecurity and infrastructure protection saw DHS initiatives like the 2018 National Cyber Strategy implementation, with CISA predecessor efforts enhancing resilience against foreign adversaries. via FEMA remained operational, managing events like Hurricanes Maria (2017) and Laura (2020), though priorities shifted toward security over expanded welfare programs. Overall, these actions reflected a focus on and , with DHS budget requests emphasizing enforcement over processing, amid congressional debates.

Biden Administration Policies and Outcomes (2021-2025)

was confirmed as Secretary of Homeland Security on February 2, 2021, and promptly directed the Department to review and reverse several Trump-era immigration enforcement policies, including the suspension of wall construction and the termination of the Migrant Protection Protocols (Remain in Mexico) program. These changes aimed to prioritize interior enforcement against serious criminals while expanding legal pathways for migrants. However, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recorded approximately 1.7 million encounters at the southwest border in 2021, escalating to 2.3 million in 2022, reflecting a sharp increase from the 400,000 encounters in 2020 under prior policies. The administration continued Title 42 expulsions, a public health measure initiated in March 2020, until its termination on May 11, 2023, after which encounters initially dipped but overall border pressures persisted amid expanded humanitarian parole programs. Programs such as the Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV) parole initiative, launched in January 2023, granted entry to over 530,000 individuals by January 2025 via advance travel authorization through the CBP One mobile application, intended to reduce irregular crossings by providing lawful alternatives. Despite these measures, total southwest border encounters exceeded 10 million nationwide from fiscal year 2021 through early fiscal year 2025, straining DHS resources and leading to over 1.8 million "gotaways" estimated by CBP between fiscal years 2021 and 2023. In response to criticism over border management, the impeached Secretary Mayorkas on February 13, 2024, on charges of willful refusal to enforce immigration laws and misleading regarding border security, though the did not convict. DHS also faced backlash for the April 2022 announcement of the , tasked with coordinating efforts against domestic and foreign disinformation threats, which was paused in May and fully terminated in August 2022 following concerns over potential . On counter-narcotics, DHS intensified interdiction, seizing over 27,000 pounds of the substance from s 2021 through 2024, primarily at ports of entry, amid a rise in U.S. overdose deaths to a peak of over 105,000 in 2023, largely attributed to synthetic opioids. The Department's 2023-2027 strategic plan emphasized six mission areas, including border security and cybersecurity, but outcomes highlighted persistent challenges in managing migration surges and transnational threats.

Post-2024 Election Transitions and 2025 Reforms

Following Donald Trump's election victory on November 5, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security initiated a structured transition process in coordination with the incoming administration, leveraging the Presidential Transition Act of 1963 to facilitate the handover of executive authority. The transition emphasized rapid integration of new priorities, including enhanced border enforcement and controls, amid criticisms from outgoing officials regarding prior lax policies that had contributed to record migrant encounters exceeding 2.4 million in 2023. Trump nominated South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security on November 14, 2024, highlighting her experience in state-level border security initiatives. The U.S. Senate confirmed Noem on January 25, 2025, by a vote of 59-34, enabling her to assume leadership shortly after Trump's inauguration on January 20. Noem's confirmation marked a shift toward stricter enforcement, with her stating intentions to prioritize "securing the homeland" through deportation of criminal aliens and dismantling perceived bureaucratic obstacles within DHS components like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Concurrently, Trump designated former Acting Director Tom Homan as "Border Czar" in November 2024, tasking him with overseeing mass operations across DHS agencies. Homan projected would deport over 600,000 undocumented immigrants by the end of 2025, focusing on those with criminal records while expanding detention capacity to over 100,000 beds through new funding allocations of $170 billion for enforcement activities. This included a planned reorganization at to accelerate removals, replacing several senior officials resistant to quota-driven arrests and redirecting resources from interior enforcement lapses under the prior administration. Key 2025 reforms under Noem and Homan involved executive actions to curb overstays and asylum abuses, such as a proposed rule on August 27, 2025, limiting foreign student visas to specific durations and scrutinizing programs linked to risks. Additional measures expanded raids and detention, with reports of increased data-sharing between DHS and state agencies for targeting noncitizens, though these faced legal challenges alleging overreach. Homan's role also prompted inquiries into prior financial disclosures, stemming from a 2024 FBI where he allegedly accepted $50,000 from undercover agents posing as contractors, though no charges resulted by October 2025. These changes aimed to reverse Biden-era policies that critics argued enabled over 10 million encounters since 2021, prioritizing causal enforcement over humanitarian processing delays.

Homeland Security Act of 2002

The Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Pub. L. No. 107-296, 116 Stat. 2135), signed into law by President George W. Bush on November 25, 2002, created the United States Department of Homeland Security as a cabinet-level agency to centralize efforts against terrorism and other domestic threats. Enacted as H.R. 5005 in the 107th Congress, the legislation passed the House of Representatives on November 13, 2002, by a vote of 295–132 and the Senate on November 15, 2002, by a vote of 90–9, reflecting broad bipartisan consensus amid post-9/11 urgency to address intelligence and coordination failures exposed by the September 11 attacks. The Act marked the largest federal government reorganization since the National Security Act of 1947, consolidating functions from 22 agencies to eliminate bureaucratic silos that had hindered pre-attack threat detection and response. The law defined DHS's primary mission as securing the from terrorist attacks, reducing national vulnerabilities, and minimizing damage while ensuring operations; it also encompassed for, response to, and recovery from , cyber threats, and other man-made hazards. Title I established the Department's organizational framework, including the Secretary of as its head, with authority over four main directorates: and Transportation Security Policy; and Response; Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Countermeasures; and and . Title II transferred operational components, including the U.S. Customs Service and parts of the Immigration and Naturalization Service from the and Departments (forming precursors to U.S. Customs and , U.S. and Customs Enforcement, and U.S. Citizenship and Services); the from the ; the ; the U.S. Coast Guard from the ; the U.S. from the ; and elements of the Federal Protective Service, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. These transfers integrated approximately 170,000 personnel and a exceeding $40 billion annually into a unified structure focused on , , maritime safety, , and . Additional provisions authorized the Under Secretary for Science and Technology to conduct research, development, testing, and evaluation of technologies for applications, including risk assessments and grants for state and local preparedness. The Act also created the for public threat alerts and vested primary responsibility for investigations in federal, state, and local with jurisdictional authority, while enhancing interagency information sharing—addressing statutory barriers that had previously restricted data exchange between domestic and foreign entities. Provisions on personnel management allowed flexibility in hiring and compensation to attract experts in , though they sparked debate over protections; critics, including some labor groups and advocates like the ACLU, argued that reduced union bargaining rights and expanded powers risked eroding and without sufficient oversight. Despite such concerns, the legislation's emphasis on causal links between organizational fragmentation and vulnerability—evident in the 9/11 Commission's later findings—prioritized operational efficacy, enabling DHS to assume full responsibilities by March 1, 2003.

Core Statutory Responsibilities

The primary mission of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as defined in the and codified at 6 U.S.C. § 111, is to prevent terrorist attacks within the ; reduce the vulnerability of the to ; and minimize the damage from, and assist in the recovery from, terrorist attacks that occur within the . This mission also encompasses carrying out functions of transferred entities, including acting as a focal point for natural and manmade crises and emergency planning; ensuring that non-homeland security functions of component agencies are not diminished except by explicit congressional act; safeguarding overall U.S. amid homeland protection efforts; and monitoring links between illegal trafficking and to support . Core statutory responsibilities further include coordinating the executive branch's activities to secure U.S. borders and America's transportation systems and infrastructure from threats, as outlined in the Act's provisions transferring functions from agencies like the U.S. Customs Service, Immigration and Naturalization Service, and Transportation Security Administration. DHS is tasked with administering federal immigration laws, including enforcement against illegal entry and removal of inadmissible aliens, through components such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which assumed these duties effective March 1, 2003. Border security functions specifically involve preventing the entry of terrorists and instruments of terrorism, interdicting illegal drugs and contraband, and facilitating lawful trade and travel, with CBP responsible for apprehending over 2.4 million illegal border crossers in fiscal year 2023 alone. Additional mandates cover protecting and key resources from domestic and foreign threats, including through risk assessments and resilience programs, as delegated under the Act and subsequent authorities like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's establishment in 2018. DHS coordinates national efforts to detect, prevent, and respond to weapons of mass destruction incidents, integrating to identify and disrupt terrorist plots. responsibilities, inherited from the (FEMA) upon its transfer to DHS on March 1, , include preparing for, responding to, recovering from, and mitigating disasters, with FEMA administering over $100 billion in disaster relief funding in fiscal years 2020-2023. These duties emphasize a unified federal approach to homeland threats, prioritizing prevention and resilience without supplanting state, local, or roles unless statutorily directed.

Evolution of Mandates Through Legislation

The mandates of the United States Department of Homeland Security, initially established by the to consolidate , border security, , and emergency response functions, have undergone significant evolution through targeted legislation responding to operational gaps, technological threats, and disaster critiques. Subsequent laws have expanded DHS's statutory authorities in disaster management, cybersecurity, and protection while refining enforcement mechanisms. In response to deficiencies exposed by in 2005, the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 bolstered the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) role within DHS. Enacted on October 4, 2006, as Division E of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2007 (Public Law 109-295), the act mandated that the FEMA Administrator serve as the principal advisor to the DHS Secretary on , report directly to the Secretary, and lead a comprehensive, risk-based national preparedness system, thereby granting FEMA greater autonomy from broader departmental bureaucracy to improve rapid response coordination. This reform addressed empirical failures in interagency communication and resource deployment during Katrina, where over 1,800 deaths occurred amid delayed federal aid. The Implementing Recommendations of the Act of 2007 ( 110-53), signed on August 3, 2007, extended DHS's mandates in transportation security and intelligence sharing. The authorized over $4 billion in grants for state, local, and tribal entities to enhance non-terrorism-related disaster preparedness alongside efforts, required visible intermodal transportation security plans under the (TSA), and formalized fusion centers for fusing DHS intelligence with local data, thereby institutionalizing a layered risk-management approach to evolving threats. These provisions built on post-9/11 vulnerabilities, such as inadequate screening of non-aviation transport modes, by mandating TSA to assess and mitigate risks across rail, bus, and sectors. Cybersecurity mandates received formal expansion via the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2014 ( 113-274), incorporated into the for Fiscal Year 2015. Effective December 18, 2014, it codified DHS's lead role in coordinating voluntary public-private information sharing on cyber threats, authorized expanded research and development programs under the Science and Technology Directorate, and required federal agencies to integrate DHS-led cybersecurity standards, addressing the causal link between fragmented threat and incidents like the 2013-2014 Target data breach affecting 40 million payment cards. Further evolution occurred with the for Fiscal Year 2019 ( 115-232), which elevated the National Protection and Programs Directorate to the (CISA) on November 16, 2018, granting it explicit authorities to lead national cyber incident response, vulnerability assessments, and sector-specific risk management for 16 sectors, in recognition of cyber attacks' potential to cascade into physical disruptions. Immigration enforcement mandates have been iteratively strengthened through border security-focused laws, such as the (Public Law 109-367), enacted on October 26, 2006, which directed DHS to construct at least 700 miles of reinforced fencing and vehicle barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border to deter illegal crossings, backed by empirical data showing over 1.2 million apprehensions that fiscal year. More recent amendments, including provisions in the National Defense Authorization Acts, have integrated advanced surveillance technologies into Customs and Border Protection operations, reflecting causal adaptations to smuggling networks' evolution. These legislative changes have collectively shifted DHS from a primarily reactive posture to proactive, data-driven mandate enforcement, though implementation efficacy varies by administration priorities and resource allocation.

Leadership

Secretaries of Homeland Security

The Secretary of Homeland Security is the head of the U.S. Department of , a position requiring confirmation and serving as a Cabinet member responsible for overseeing , border protection, , cybersecurity, , and related functions. The department has had eight Secretaries since its establishment in 2003.
No.NameTerm of officeAppointing President
1Thomas J. RidgeJanuary 24, 2003 – February 1, 2005
2February 15, 2005 – January 21, 2009
3January 20, 2009 – September 6, 2013
4Jeh Charles JohnsonDecember 23, 2013 – January 20, 2017
5January 20, 2017 – July 28, 2017
6Kirstjen M. NielsenDecember 6, 2017 – April 10, 2019
7February 1, 2021 – January 20, 2025
8January 25, 2025 – present
Between the resignation of Nielsen on April 10, 2019, and the confirmation of Mayorkas, the department was led by acting secretaries: from April 10 to November 13, 2019, followed by from November 13, 2019, until his resignation on January 11, 2021, after which served briefly as acting secretary until Mayorkas's swearing-in.

Deputy Secretaries and Key Operational Leaders

The Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security is a Senate-confirmed position established by the , serving as the responsible for overseeing the department's daily operations, resource allocation, and coordination among its components. This role involves implementing the Secretary's directives on border security, , disaster response, cybersecurity, and , while managing a exceeding 240,000 personnel and an annual budget surpassing $100 billion as of fiscal year 2025. Troy Edgar has served as Deputy Secretary since March 8, 2025, following confirmation on a 53-43 vote and ceremonial swearing-in by Secretary on March 10, 2025. Nominated by President-elect on December 14, 2024, Edgar previously acted as DHS from 2017 to 2021, where he focused on financial reforms and efficiency, and held senior roles at emphasizing cybersecurity and . Preceding Edgar, John Tien held the position from his 2021 confirmation through the Biden administration's end in January 2025. Nominated on April 12, 2021, Tien emphasized leveraging private-sector technology for operational enhancements, drawing from his executive experience at Systems in and . During periods of vacancy, such as mid-2023, Kristie Canegallo performed the duties as senior official, focusing on continuity amid leadership transitions. Key operational leaders reporting to or collaborating closely with the Deputy Secretary include executives overseeing major functions, such as the acting Deputy Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, John Modlin, who supports enforcement and facilitation at ports of entry. The Chief of Staff, Greyson McGill, manages internal coordination and policy execution across directorates. Other critical roles encompass the Under Secretary for Management, handling procurement and human resources, and component-specific directors like the Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Todd M. Lyons, who directs interior enforcement operations. These leaders ensure alignment with statutory mandates amid evolving threats, with recent 2025 appointments reflecting priorities on border integrity and technological upgrades.

Operational Components

U.S. Coast Guard

The Coast Guard (USCG) operates as one of the five armed services of the and the sole under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) during peacetime. Established on August 4, 1790, by the First Congress to enforce federal and laws, it predates the U.S. Navy and has evolved into the principal federal agency for maritime safety, security, and environmental stewardship in U.S. ports, waterways, and . Transferred from the to DHS on March 1, 2003, the USCG's statutory missions were redefined by the to prioritize protection against terrorist threats, including maritime interdiction of weapons of mass destruction, ports and waterways security, and . In wartime or upon presidential directive, authority shifts to the Department of the Navy under Title 10 of the U.S. Code, enabling integrated naval operations while retaining peacetime Title 14 authorities for . The USCG executes 11 operational missions grouped into six statutory programs, encompassing , maritime safety, protection of living marine resources, marine environmental response, aids to navigation, and domestic and high seas drug interdiction, alongside homeland security-specific tasks like migrant interdiction and intelligence sharing. Annually, it conducts over 20,000 cases, saving approximately 3,500 lives and $75 million in property, while boarding more than 50,000 vessels for security inspections and interdicting narcotics valued at billions of dollars. Its forces interdict irregular maritime migration, as evidenced by operations preventing thousands of unauthorized entries annually, and enforce sanctions against illicit trade, contributing directly to DHS security objectives. Organizationally, the USCG comprises about 42,000 active-duty personnel, 7,000 reservists, 30,000 auxiliaries, and 8,500 civilians, supported by 243 cutters, 1,650 smaller boats, and 200 aircraft. Headquartered in , it is led by a (four-star ) who reports to the DHS Secretary, with a Vice Commandant as second-in-command; as of October 2025, serves as , overseeing areas of operation including Atlantic and Pacific Areas, District Commands, and specialized directorates for operations, engineering, and personnel. The service maintains 11 statutory missions under DHS, with capabilities for rapid deployment in national emergencies, such as and cyber in maritime domains. Unique authorities include boarding foreign vessels on the high seas for under international agreements, bolstering DHS efforts against without reliance on other military branches.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) serves as the principal federal agency responsible for securing U.S. borders, regulating , and enforcing and laws. Established on March 1, 2003, under the Department of , CBP consolidated personnel and functions from predecessor agencies, including the U.S. Customs Service, Immigration and Naturalization Service inspectors, and U.S. Border Patrol, to create a unified border security apparatus focused on countering , illegal migration, and illicit trade following the , 2001, attacks. CBP's mission encompasses protecting by preventing the entry of terrorists and weapons, combating such as drug smuggling and , facilitating legitimate travel and commerce, and collecting import duties and fees that generated approximately $80 billion in revenue in 2023. Its operations span more than 7,000 miles of land borders, 95,000 miles of shoreline, and 328 ports of entry, where it processes over 1.1 million travelers daily and screens billions in annual trade value. The agency operates through three primary offices: the Office of Field Operations, which manages inspections at ports of entry; U.S. Border Patrol, tasked with patrolling areas between ports to detect and apprehend illegal entrants; and Air and Marine Operations, which employs aircraft, vessels, and sensors for . Border Patrol, tracing its origins to 1904 mounted watchmen and formally established in 1924, maintains around 19,000 agents deployed primarily along the southwest border, where it conducts apprehensions, vehicle checkpoints, and traffic checks. Enforcement activities yield significant outcomes in drug interdiction and migration control. In 2024, CBP reported seizing over 27,000 pounds of , predominantly at southwest border ports of entry, accounting for about 86% of such seizures, underscoring that most narcotics enter via legal crossings rather than undetected between ports. Apprehensions of migrants attempting reached historic lows in 2025, with nationwide Border Patrol encounters dropping to levels not seen since 1970, attributed to policy shifts emphasizing deterrence and rapid removal. CBP also administers programs like for expedited trusted traveler processing and enforces agricultural quarantines to prevent introduction, balancing security with economic facilitation. Despite operational successes in seizures—such as a 115% increase in interdictions from August to September 2025—challenges persist from resource strains and evolving tactics, prompting ongoing investments in technology like non-intrusive inspection systems and surveillance drones.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was established in March 2003 as a principal component of the Department of Homeland Security, resulting from the merger of the investigative and interior enforcement arms of the former U.S. Customs Service and the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Its core mission centers on protecting national security and public safety by conducting federal criminal investigations into transnational threats and enforcing immigration laws governing border control, with a focus on identifying, apprehending, detaining, and removing individuals subject to removal from the United States. ICE operates with over 21,000 employees across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 57 foreign countries, supported by a fiscal year 2023 budget of $8.5 billion for 22,358 positions and 21,688 full-time equivalents. ICE comprises two primary operational directorates: Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). HSI leads criminal investigations targeting cross-border crimes, including human , narcotics trafficking, , child exploitation, and violations, often through initiatives like Operation Community Shield, which addresses gang activities exploiting pathways. ERO manages the enforcement lifecycle, prioritizing the removal of individuals with criminal convictions, threats, or repeated violations, while overseeing detention facilities housing approximately 59,762 individuals as of September 2025, with 71.5% lacking legal representation; deportation officers receive academy training shortened to approximately 47 days (about six weeks) as part of workforce expansion efforts, down from prior durations of around five months. In 2024, ERO deployed over 760 personnel to support intensified removal efforts, contributing to broader Department of Homeland Security actions that resulted in over 2 million removals or self-deportations within the first 250 days of the Trump administration's second term ending September 23, 2025. Historically, interior deportations averaged 43,000 annually from fiscal years 2020 to 2024, reflecting resource constraints that necessitate prioritization of public safety threats over all removable noncitizens. Official reports emphasize compliance with detention standards exceeding those of many state facilities, countering unsubstantiated claims of systemic mistreatment, while enforcement policies explicitly avoid U.S. citizens and adhere to guidelines prohibiting operations in sensitive locations absent exigent circumstances.

U.S. Secret Service

The U.S. Secret Service (USSS) is a enforcement agency under the Department of (DHS) with dual mandates of protecting national leaders, dignitaries, and critical events while investigating financial crimes that undermine the U.S. economy. Established on July 5, 1865, by Treasury Secretary primarily to combat widespread counterfeiting during the Civil War, the agency initially focused on suppressing fraudulent currency, which accounted for up to one-third of circulating money at the time. Its protective responsibilities began informally after the 1901 assassination of President and were formalized by in 1902, expanding over time to include the President, , their families, former presidents, major candidates, and visiting foreign heads of state. Pursuant to the , was transferred from the Department of the Treasury to DHS effective March 1, 2003, to better integrate its protective and investigative functions with efforts, including and infrastructure protection. This shift preserved the agency's independence in operations but aligned it with DHS's mission to prevent and respond to threats, leveraging its expertise in threat assessment and cyber investigations to safeguard financial systems as . Under 18 U.S.C. § 3056, of retains authority over temporary protections, though day-to-day direction falls to the Director. The mission encompasses advance countermeasures, such as threat assessments, counter-surveillance, and airspace security, applied to over 35 protectees annually, including 1,756 foreign leader visits in 2022. Specialized units address chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives threats, while the Uniformed Division secures facilities like the Complex and foreign diplomatic missions in the Washington, D.C., area. The investigative mission targets cyber-enabled , counterfeit currency, access device , and , with forensic laboratories supporting global cases that protect the integrity of U.S. payment systems against evolving digital threats. Organizationally, the Secret Service employs approximately 7,800 personnel, including special agents for dual protection and investigation roles, uniformed officers, and technical experts. Sean M. Curran has served as the 28th Director since January 22, 2025, overseeing strategy from while maintaining field offices nationwide and abroad. The agency collaborates with federal, state, local, and international partners, contributing to DHS initiatives like the National Threat Assessment Center, which analyzes risks such as mass attacks in public spaces. Protective operations faced significant criticism following the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt on former President at a campaign rally in , where the shooter accessed an unsecured rooftop 130 yards from the stage, resulting in one spectator's death and injuries to others. A congressional and independent review panel cited systemic failures in , communication of threats, , and leadership accountability as preventable lapses, prompting Director Kimberly Cheatle's resignation, enhanced training protocols, and structural reforms within DHS oversight. These events underscored ongoing challenges in adapting to decentralized threats amid resource constraints and interagency coordination demands.

U.S. Transportation Security Administration

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was established on November 19, 2001, under the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, enacted in direct response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that exploited vulnerabilities in U.S. aviation security. Prior to its creation, airport screening was handled by private contractors under airline oversight, a decentralized system that federal investigators later identified as insufficient for preventing coordinated hijackings. The agency consolidated federal responsibility for civil aviation security, federalizing approximately 28,000 baggage screeners and deploying federal Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) to over 440 airports by the end of 2002. TSA's statutory mission is to protect the nation's transportation systems to ensure the for people and , with primary focus on through passenger and baggage screening at commercial . Integrated into the Department of Homeland Security upon its formation in March 2003, TSA reports to the DHS Secretary and operates under an Administrator appointed by the President with Senate confirmation, supported by a deputy administrator and key offices including Operations, Policy, and Intelligence. In 2023, TSA screened over 858 million passengers at checkpoints, averaging 2.4 million daily, while expanding risk-based programs like to expedite low-risk travelers. TSA employs layered security measures, including advanced imaging technology (), explosive trace detection, and canine teams, alongside behavioral detection officers trained to identify suspicious conduct. However, Government Accountability Office (GAO) assessments have highlighted gaps in detection capabilities; for instance, a 2023 report found that TSA lacks comprehensive data on referrals for secondary screening and has not fully evaluated the effectiveness of its practices against evolving threats like . Red-team covert testing by TSA's Inspector General has repeatedly revealed detection failure rates exceeding 70% for simulated threats in some evaluations, prompting calls for better technology integration and performance metrics. Controversies surrounding TSA include privacy intrusions from full-body scanners and biometric facial recognition, which the (ACLU) has criticized as enabling unwarranted and potential violations, though TSA maintains images are deleted post-verification except in tests. From 2016 to 2021, TSA received thousands of civil rights complaints alleging discrimination in screening, disproportionately affecting certain demographics, with recommending improved tracking and mitigation to prevent bias. Proponents argue these measures deter threats empirically, as no successful hijackings have occurred on U.S. commercial flights since 9/11, while critics, including advocates, contend much of TSA's approach constitutes inefficient "security theater" that erodes Fourth Amendment protections without proportional risk reduction, supported by low actual threat interdiction rates relative to screening volume. TSA has responded by piloting and open standards for data handling to balance security and liberties.

Federal Emergency Management Agency


The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) serves as the principal federal agency for coordinating disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts within the Department of Homeland Security. Established on April 1, 1979, through Executive Order 12127 signed by President Jimmy Carter, FEMA consolidated over 100 existing federal emergency programs into a single independent agency to streamline civil defense and disaster relief functions. Its roots extend to early 19th-century efforts, such as flood control initiatives dating back to 1803. FEMA was integrated into the Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003, under the (P.L. 107-296), which transferred its assets and responsibilities to align with priorities post-9/11. The agency's core mission focuses on helping people before, during, and after disasters by providing leadership, technical assistance, financial aid, and resources to states, tribes, territories, and localities. Key responsibilities include administering the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, managing the Disaster Relief Fund—which received $381 billion in appropriations from 1992 to —and overseeing more than 40 grant programs for hazard mitigation, firefighting staffing, and emergency food services. FEMA also leads the National Response Framework, structuring federal interagency support through Emergency Support Functions for incidents ranging from to terrorist events. Organizationally, FEMA maintains headquarters in Washington, D.C., with 10 regional offices and a workforce exceeding 20,000 employees, which can surge to over 50,000 during major disasters via reservists and partnerships. For 2023, its authority reached $29.5 billion, supporting 6,019 permanent positions and 14,789 full-time equivalents amid rising demands from events like hurricanes and wildfires. The agency conducts risk assessments for floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, and dams, while deploying urban search-and-rescue teams and stockpiling essentials like water. FEMA's performance has faced scrutiny, notably during in August 2005, where delays in federal aid, logistical failures, and obstructions to private relief efforts contributed to over 1,800 deaths and widespread suffering, despite prior warnings about vulnerabilities. Critiques highlighted bureaucratic hurdles under DHS oversight, inadequate pre-positioning of resources, and coordination breakdowns with state and local entities, prompting congressional reforms like enhanced administrator qualifications and the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006. These changes aimed to bolster FEMA's autonomy and readiness, though persistent challenges in scaling for concurrent disasters underscore ongoing vulnerabilities in centralized federal response models.

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

The (CISA) is a federal agency within the Department of (DHS) responsible for enhancing the security and resilience of the nation's against cyber and physical threats. Established on November 16, 2018, through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Act signed by President , CISA evolved from the DHS National Protection and Programs Directorate, which originated in 2007. Its mission centers on understanding, managing, and reducing risks to cyber and physical infrastructure, serving as the national coordinator for security and resilience across 16 designated sectors including , healthcare, and transportation. As of October 2025, Dr. Madhu Gottumukkala serves as Acting Director. CISA's primary responsibilities include leading federal cybersecurity efforts, issuing alerts on vulnerabilities and threats, conducting risk assessments, and fostering public-private partnerships to mitigate risks. The agency operates the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC) for real-time threat monitoring and response coordination, and it enforces programs like the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) for high-risk chemical sites. In fiscal year 2023, CISA and the U.S. completed 143 risk and vulnerability assessments revealing common issues such as unpatched software and weak access controls in . Achievements include blocking 1.26 billion malicious connections targeting federal networks and mitigating over 1,200 vulnerable devices in 2024, alongside advancing the Cyber Incident Reporting for Act (CIRCIA) to improve incident reporting. CISA has faced criticism for beyond core cybersecurity into monitoring, particularly during the 2020 election cycle, where it collaborated with platforms to flag content deemed misinformation, prompting accusations of First Amendment violations from Republican lawmakers and reports documenting over 100 instances of such coordination. A 2023 House Judiciary Committee staff report, based on internal documents, alleged CISA functioned as a "censorship enterprise" by funding and directing efforts to suppress dissenting views on topics like and elections, though agency defenders argued these actions aimed to counter foreign influence operations. Following the 2024 election, the agency underwent significant workforce reductions under the Trump administration, including mass layoffs that critics from both parties warned could impair cyber defense capabilities amid rising threats like and state-sponsored attacks. Despite these challenges, CISA continues exercises like Cyber Storm IX, which in 2024 highlighted the need for timely incident reporting to enhance national resilience.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) administers the federal government's lawful immigration system, processing applications for immigration benefits such as , , nonimmigrant worker visas, , and . The agency focuses on verifying eligibility, conducting interviews, and issuing decisions to ensure compliance with immigration laws while supporting through background checks and fraud detection. Established on March 1, 2003, USCIS assumed the service functions of the former Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), which was dismantled under the to separate immigration from activities post-9/11. USCIS operates primarily through fee-funded mechanisms, with congressional appropriations providing limited support for backlog reduction and specific initiatives; for 2024, it received $271 million in total appropriations, including $68.7 million targeted at processing delays. The agency employs approximately 22,000 full-time equivalents, handling millions of applications annually amid ongoing challenges like case backlogs exceeding several million in categories such as employment-based and family-sponsored petitions. Its directorate structure includes offices for field operations, policy, and refugee affairs, with reporting to the DHS ; B. Edlow has served as director since his confirmation on July 15, 2025. Key programs encompass testing, which evaluates applicants on U.S. , , and English proficiency, with a 2025 civics test update implemented to reflect contemporary priorities. USCIS also manages the Office of to promote integration through educational resources and community partnerships, though processing times for benefits like adjustment of status averaged 12-24 months in recent quarters due to volume surges and resource constraints. prevention efforts include biometric screening and site visits, contributing to denial rates that vary by category, such as around 20-30% for certain asylum claims based on evidentiary standards. Overall, USCIS balances facilitating legal immigration with rigorous vetting, funded largely by user fees generating billions annually, as seen in 2024 carryover balances of $2.57 billion.

Support Directorates and Offices

Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers

The (FLETC) operate as a key support component of the Department of Homeland Security, delivering basic, advanced, and specialized training to federal personnel from over 100 participating agencies. Established on July 1, 1970, by Treasury Order 217 within the Department of the , FLETC was transferred to DHS upon the department's formation in 2003 to centralize interagency instruction. Its mission emphasizes preparing officers to safeguard through rigorous, standardized curricula in areas such as firearms proficiency, tactical operations, and emergency response. FLETC maintains its headquarters and primary campus in Glynco, Georgia, spanning over 1,600 acres with facilities including firing ranges, driver training courses, and simulation centers. Additional sites include ; ; Cheltenham, Maryland; and a office, enabling distributed training capacity across the . These locations support an annual throughput of tens of thousands of students, with Glynco handling the majority of federal basic training programs. Core training programs encompass the Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP), Uniformed Police Training Program (UPTP), and specialized courses like Threat Training Instructor and Firearms Instructor Training Program. Instruction covers practical skills such as defensive tactics, , legal authorities, and use-of-force decision-making, often customized for agency-specific needs through partnerships. FLETC also extends low- or no-cost training to state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement, as well as international partners via programs coordinated with U.S. agencies. In addition to operational training, FLETC hosts initiatives like the Department of Homeland Security Leadership Academy, fostering executive development for DHS personnel. The centers emphasize safety and proficiency, with ongoing enhancements such as armorers courses for equipment maintenance to ensure readiness. Accreditation through the Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation Board underscores adherence to national standards.

Science and Technology Directorate

The Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) serves as the Department of Homeland Security's primary arm, focusing on advancing technologies to enhance capabilities. Established under the , S&T began operations on March 1, 2003, consolidating science and technology assets from various federal agencies to address threats like , , and cyber risks. Its mission emphasizes innovation through basic research, applied development, and testing to equip , border agents, and other operational components with effective tools. S&T organizes its efforts into six key divisions: the Office of the , Borders and , Chemical/Biological Defense, Disaster Resilience, Explosives Division, and Infrastructure Protection and Disaster Management. These divisions prioritize areas such as next-generation detection systems for hazardous materials, AI-driven analytics for threat prediction, and resilient infrastructure technologies. For instance, S&T has invested in developing portable explosives detection devices that have been deployed to over 10,000 since , improving response times to potential threats by up to 30% in field tests. Budget allocations for S&T reached $819 million in 2023, supporting partnerships with national laboratories, universities, and entities to transition prototypes into operational use. Leadership of S&T falls under an Under Secretary, appointed by the President and confirmed by the , who oversees strategic direction and coordination with DHS components. As of 2024, the directorate has facilitated over 200 technology transitions to operational agencies, including biometric screening tools for U.S. Customs and Border Protection that process millions of travelers annually with error rates below 0.1%. Critics, including reports from the Government Accountability Office, have noted challenges in measuring for R&D projects, with some initiatives facing delays due to integration hurdles with legacy systems, though S&T maintains that rigorous peer reviews and field validations mitigate these risks. Ongoing initiatives include quantum sensing for border surveillance and climate-adaptive materials for disaster-prone areas, reflecting a commitment to addressing evolving threats through evidence-based technological advancement.

Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office

The Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD) within the Department of Homeland Security leads departmental efforts to counter chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. Established by through the for Fiscal Year 2018, the office consolidated functions from the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office and other DHS components to streamline prevention, detection, and response capabilities. Secretary announced its creation on December 7, 2017, emphasizing elevation of DHS's role in preventing terrorists from acquiring and using harmful agents. CWMD's mission focuses on developing strategic guidance, conducting risk assessments, and deploying technologies to detect and mitigate WMD threats. The office coordinates with federal, state, local, tribal, territorial (SLTT), and international partners, including DHS components like Customs and Border Protection, , first responders, and industry. It supports , exercises, and equipment acquisition to enhance across these entities. Key responsibilities include monitoring CBRN threats, generating intelligence-informed reports, and researching detection technologies. Major programs under CWMD include BioWatch, which operates aerosol collectors in over 30 major U.S. metropolitan areas for 24/7 detection to provide early warning of airborne threats. The Securing the Cities (STC) program deploys radiological and nuclear detection systems in high-risk urban areas to reduce risks, funding regional detection networks and consequence management planning. Additional initiatives encompass the Master Detecting Deadly Pathogens (MDDP) program and Chemical Defense Demonstration Cities, providing SLTT partners with funding, equipment, and training for CBRN response. Organizationally, CWMD is headed by an , currently David Richardson, overseeing approximately 259 positions and 243 full-time equivalents as of fiscal year 2025. The office's annual budget stood at $418 million in the FY2025 request, supporting operations and federal assistance. In June 2025, the DHS FY2026 budget proposal outlined dissolving CWMD, transferring its 286 positions, 263 FTEs, and $306.2 million in resources to components such as the , U.S. , and Office of Health Security to integrate CBRN functions more directly into operational units. As of October 2025, the office remains operational pending congressional action on the budget.

Intelligence and Analysis Office

The Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) equips the Department of (DHS) enterprise with timely and to maintain , , and resilience. Established under the , I&A serves as the primary component within DHS, fusing data from multiple sources including the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC), DHS components, and state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) partners. It is the sole IC element statutorily mandated to deliver assessments to SLTT governments and private-sector entities while developing insights from these non-federal sources for broader IC use. I&A integrates into DHS operational activities, produces strategic products leveraging DHS datasets and IC holdings, and supports initiatives like the National Vetting Center with and travel-related analysis. Key focus areas encompass , cyber threats, , and , organized through specialized Mission Centers such as those for and cybersecurity. The office facilitates multi-directional information sharing with SLTT entities, private sector stakeholders, and international partners to enhance threat mitigation. Led by Under Secretary Matthew Kozma, who was Senate-confirmed on July 31, 2025, I&A operates under the DHS Chief Intelligence Officer role held by the under secretary. Notable products include the quarterly Threat Pulse Newsletter summarizing unclassified intelligence on homeland threats and finished intelligence reports aligned to priority questions; in fiscal year 2023, 206 of 216 such products met alignment criteria. Recent outputs feature the 2025 Homeland Threat Assessment, highlighting persistent domestic and foreign terrorism risks, and the December 2024 fiscal year 2025 DHS Intelligence Enterprise Homeland Intelligence Priorities Framework. I&A has encountered operational challenges, including prolonged leadership vacancies totaling over four years since 2004 and inconsistent completion of strategic oversight tasks like budget proposals, as identified in a July 2025 Government Accountability Office review recommending improvements. In 2020, approximately 20 intelligence reports were recalled following assessments of unrest in , amid allegations—denied by DHS but reported by career officials—that political appointees directed modifications to align with administration views. Sources critiquing these incidents, such as outlets, often reflect institutional biases favoring narratives of executive overreach, though empirical evidence of recalls confirms procedural interventions occurred. In July 2025, plans to reduce hundreds of I&A staff were announced but paused after stakeholder opposition, underscoring ongoing and capacity tensions.

Management Directorate


The Management Directorate (MGMT) of the Department of functions as the department's primary administrative support entity, delivering enterprise-wide oversight and services to enable mission execution across components. It manages essential operations including budget formulation and execution, , procurement of goods and services, administration, infrastructure, facilities maintenance, equipment provisioning, biometric identification systems, performance metrics tracking, and federal infrastructure security protocols. The directorate supports DHS's workforce of over 260,000 personnel by establishing defined roles, facilitating efficient communication channels, and ensuring aligns with operational priorities. Its structure encompasses specialized offices such as the Office of the (OCFO), which oversees appropriations, expenditures, and fiscal reporting; the Office of the (OCIO), responsible for IT systems modernization and cybersecurity integration; the Office of the (OCHCO), handling recruitment, training, and workforce planning; the Office of the (OCPO), directing acquisition strategies and contract compliance; and the Office of the (OCSO), implementing physical, personnel, and measures. For fiscal year 2025, Congress appropriated $1,695,674,000 to the Management Directorate's Operations and Support account and $283,608,000 to Procurement, Construction, and Improvements, funding initiatives like DHS headquarters consolidation ($186 million), human resources information technology enhancements ($3.2 million), and enterprise network expansions ($8.4 million). The directorate operates under the Under Secretary for Management, a Senate-confirmed position that coordinates with the Secretary and Deputy Secretary on departmental strategy; as of October 2025, it relies on acting leadership following the withdrawal of nominee Karen Evans in July 2025. Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General assessments have recurrently flagged the Management Directorate for challenges in financial accountability, IT investment efficacy, and acquisition oversight, contributing to DHS's placement on the Government Accountability Office's high-risk list for management deficiencies since the department's inception in 2003. These issues stem from fragmented legacy systems inherited from predecessor agencies and coordination hurdles across DHS's 22 initial components, though remedial efforts include integrated strategies for risk mitigation updated semi-annually.

Office of Health Security

The Office of Health Security (OHS) serves as the principal medical, health and , and authority within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Established on July 19, 2022, OHS unified the department's previously dispersed medical, health and , and functions under a single organization to enhance coordination and response capabilities. This restructuring built on health security efforts integral to DHS since its formation in , evolving from the earlier Office of Health Affairs, which focused on advising on and national health security. Led by the DHS , OHS oversees healthcare delivery to approximately 240,000 DHS employees and supports health services for operations. OHS's core responsibilities include promoting standard-quality healthcare to prevent harm, ensuring humane care standards, and leading unified immigration health services across DHS components such as Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It addresses workforce health by managing occupational safety programs, medical readiness for , and resilience against health threats like infectious diseases. In , OHS contributes to preparedness for biological threats and pandemics by integrating medical intelligence and supporting DHS's role in , including coordination on potential responses alongside agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services. These functions position OHS to enable agile responses to evolving health security challenges, such as detection and containment at borders. As of September 2025, OHS is directed by and Director Dr. Dev Jani, who guides its operations amid DHS's broader mandate. The office employs in daily activities to bolster and , reflecting technological integration in . While OHS has no documented major controversies specific to its mandate, its oversight has intersected with broader DHS criticisms regarding detention conditions, though empirical data on OHS-specific outcomes remains limited to internal metrics.

Office of Inspector General

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) within the Department of was established by the , concurrent with the creation of DHS itself, to provide independent oversight of the department's programs and operations. Its statutory mandate, derived from the Inspector General Act of 1978 as amended, requires the OIG to conduct and supervise audits, inspections, investigations, and evaluations aimed at identifying waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement while promoting efficiency and accountability. The OIG reports directly to both the DHS Secretary and , ensuring separation from departmental leadership to maintain objectivity in its assessments. Led by an appointed by the President and confirmed by the , the OIG's current head is V. Cuffari, confirmed on July 25, 2019. The organizational structure encompasses an Executive Office, Office of Audits, Office of Investigations, Office of Inspections and Evaluations, Office of Integrity, and Office of Counsel, supporting a focused on specialized oversight functions. These components enable the OIG to address a broad spectrum of issues, including financial audits of DHS appropriations, criminal investigations into employee misconduct, and programmatic evaluations of border security, cybersecurity, and disaster response efficacy. The OIG maintains a for public and employee reports of , waste, , or other misconduct, facilitating proactive detection across DHS components such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection, , and . Notable activities include audits revealing vulnerabilities in DHS headquarters cybersecurity systems, which exposed high-value assets to potential attacks due to inadequate controls as of 2025. Earlier evaluations have scrutinized TSA screening protocols, identifying persistent gaps in detecting prohibited items through covert testing. In fiscal year 2023, the OIG's budget supported approximately $141 million in operations, reflecting its role in recovering funds and recommending corrective actions that enhance departmental integrity. However, the office has faced scrutiny; a 2024 federal probe by the Council of the on Integrity and Efficiency concluded that Cuffari misled regarding the handling of text messages related to , 2021, events and authorized a $1.4 million investigation deemed retaliatory against whistleblowers. These findings, while contested by the OIG, underscore ongoing debates about the independence and execution of its investigative authority.

Key Programs and Systems

National Terrorism Advisory System

The (NTAS) communicates high-confidence, credible terrorism threat information to federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial governments; partners; and the American public. Established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in February 2011 and formally announced by Secretary on April 20, 2011, NTAS replaced the color-coded (HSAS), which had been criticized for its vague threat levels, frequent adjustments without corresponding actions, and tendency to induce public alert fatigue without providing specific guidance. Unlike HSAS's five static color levels (green to red), NTAS issues targeted advisories only when DHS assesses a significant risk, emphasizing actionable details on threat nature, locations, and recommended precautions to enable informed responses rather than generalized vigilance. NTAS operates through two primary formats: NTAS Bulletins, which offer indefinite-duration context on broader threat environments without a specific expiration, and NTAS Alerts, which address time-bound, imminent threats with defined end dates. Bulletins typically highlight ongoing risks from domestic violent extremists, foreign terrorist organizations, or geopolitical events motivating attacks, such as lone actors inspired by online or cyber threats tied to international conflicts. Advisories are disseminated via DHS websites, media releases, and partnerships with entities like the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Forces, urging vigilance for indicators like unusual or acquisition of weapons precursors. Public notifications prioritize transparency to build trust, with DHS committing to updates as threats evolve or subside. Since inception, NTAS has issued bulletins sparingly to maintain credibility, with examples including the June 7, 2022, advisory on dynamic threats from recent attacks and ideological motivations; the November 30, 2022, update on lone offenders and small groups; and the June 22, 2025, bulletin citing heightened risks from the conflict, including low-level cyberattacks by pro-Iranian actors. Alerts, rarer due to their requirement for precise, elevated threats, have been used for events like potential election-related violence or foreign-directed plots. This selective approach contrasts with HSAS's over 100 level changes from 2002 to 2011, many deemed politically timed or lacking empirical threat correlation. Assessments of NTAS effectiveness emphasize its shift toward specificity, enabling better by law enforcement and reduced public desensitization compared to HSAS, though some analyses note persistent challenges in quantifying deterrence impacts or distinguishing signal from in perpetual "heightened" environments. Political critiques, such as Democratic objections to certain bulletins as alarmist without granular , highlight partisan divides in perception, yet DHS maintains issuances are intelligence-driven rather than policy-influenced. Empirical on prevented attacks attributable to NTAS remains classified, but its framework supports interagency coordination, as evidenced by integrations with FBI assessments.

Disaster Preparedness and Response Frameworks

The (FEMA), operating under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) since its integration in 2003, oversees primary frameworks for disaster preparedness and response in the United States. These frameworks emphasize scalable, flexible coordination among federal, state, local, tribal, territorial governments, nongovernmental organizations, and the to manage incidents of varying scale and complexity. Central to this structure is the (NIMS), established by DHS on March 1, 2004, which standardizes approaches to incident command, , and communications to enable effective . NIMS , last comprehensively updated in 2017, outlines core components including preparedness, communications, and mutual aid, serving as the foundational template for regardless of cause or size. Building on NIMS, the National Response Framework (NRF) provides doctrinal guidance for national-level response to disasters and emergencies, first issued in January 2008 and updated in its third edition effective October 28, 2019. The NRF organizes response through 15 Emergency Support Functions (ESFs), each led by a primary federal agency coordinating specific capabilities like transportation, public health, and mass care, while emphasizing whole-community involvement and unity of effort. It evolved from the 1992 Federal Response Plan and post-Hurricane Katrina revisions in 2005, incorporating lessons from major incidents to prioritize prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery mission areas. These frameworks integrate into the broader National Preparedness System, formalized under Presidential Policy Directive 8 in March 2011, which aligns efforts across five complementary frameworks: National Prevention Framework, National Protection Framework, National Mitigation Framework, NRF, and National Disaster Recovery Framework. activities under these include risk assessments, capability development, and programs like FEMA's National Exercise Program, ensuring readiness for threats ranging from to human-caused events. Empirical evaluations, such as post-event after-action reports, drive iterative improvements, though challenges in resource allocation and inter-agency alignment persist during large-scale activations like in 2005 or in 2020.

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Initiatives

The (CISA), established on November 16, 2018, via the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Act, serves as the Department of Homeland Security's primary entity for coordinating national efforts to safeguard cyber and physical infrastructure against threats. CISA operates through its Cybersecurity Division, which disseminates advisories, alerts, and best practices to mitigate cyber risks, and its Infrastructure Security Division, which manages hazard-specific risks across 16 sectors including , , and transportation. The agency emphasizes public-private partnerships, information sharing, and resilience-building exercises to address vulnerabilities from cyberattacks, , and physical threats. Central to CISA's framework is the National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP), a strategic guide developed collaboratively with federal, state, local, tribal, territorial stakeholders, and representatives from all 16 sectors to identify, assess, and prioritize risks while enhancing . Complementing this, the Protected Critical Infrastructure Information (PCII) Program, authorized under the and administered by CISA, safeguards voluntarily submitted infrastructure data from public disclosure, enabling analysts to evaluate threats without compromising proprietary information. In cybersecurity, CISA's initiative, launched to compel technology manufacturers to prioritize security in product development, secured pledges from over 250 companies by 2024 and released updated guidance with 17 partners to reduce default vulnerabilities. CISA's operational programs include the Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative (JCDC), which in 2024 produced over 1,300 intelligence products to counter and other threats through shared defenses. Cyber hygiene services delivered 2,131 pre- notifications and blocked 1.26 billion malicious connections in the same year, targeting federal networks and critical entities. The Cyber Safety Review Board, initiated on February 3, 2022, as a public-private body, conducts post-incident analyses to recommend systemic improvements, exemplified by reviews of major breaches like . For infrastructure resilience, CISA supports sector-specific efforts, such as chemical facility security assessments and preparedness, alongside capacity-building for state and local governments via no-cost tools and direct funding. These initiatives aim to distribute burdens while fostering voluntary compliance over mandates.

Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Operations

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a component of the Department of Homeland Security, manages border security operations along the nation's , sea, and air s, with U.S. Border Patrol focusing on preventing illegal entries between ports of entry and apprehending migrants attempting unauthorized crossings. CBP's Office of Field Operations oversees inspections at ports of entry to enforce laws and detect inadmissible individuals. In 2024, CBP encountered over 2.4 million migrants at the southwest , including U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions and Office of Field Operations inadmissibles, marking historically high levels driven by surges in migration from various regions. Following policy changes in early 2025 emphasizing stricter enforcement and expedited removals, southwest border encounters declined sharply, averaging approximately 952 nationwide per day in May 2025, a 2% decrease from April and a 93% reduction from peak levels in prior years. U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions reached near-historic lows, with February 2025 figures representing the lowest in 25 years, attributed to enhanced deterrence measures including resumed border wall construction and increased interior enforcement signaling. DHS reported that over 2 million illegal aliens departed the United States voluntarily or through formal removals within less than 250 days by September 23, 2025, including an estimated 1.6 million self-deportations. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement () conducts operations in the interior, including arrests, detentions, and deportations of removable noncitizens, prioritizing those with criminal convictions or threats. Enforcement and Removal Operations arrested over 228,000 individuals by August 2025, with deportations totaling 234,210 in the same period, reflecting a doubling of arrests compared to prior trends under intensified directives. As of September 21, 2025, detained 59,762 individuals, with 71.5% lacking criminal records, amid expanded detention capacity to support removal proceedings. Border infrastructure enhancements form a core operational element, with CBP's "Smart Wall" integrating physical barriers, sensors, and surveillance technology. In October 2025, DHS awarded $4.5 billion in contracts to construct 230 additional miles of barriers and deploy technology across nearly 400 miles along the southwest border, expediting projects in areas like New Mexico by waiving certain federal environmental reviews. These efforts build on prior constructions, aiming to reduce "gotaways"—undetected crossings estimated at lower levels post-2025 policy shifts.
Fiscal YearSouthwest Border Encounters (Millions)Key Notes
20211.7Surge begins amid policy changes.
20232.5Peak under Title 42 expiration effects.
20242.4Continued high volumes pre- shifts.
(partial)<0.5 (proj.)Dramatic decline post-enforcement ramp-up.
ICE's alternatives to detention programs monitored thousands amid resource constraints, while CBP's custody transfers to ICE for processing emphasized rapid adjudication to deter repeat crossings, with rates tracked via integrated databases.

Effectiveness and Impact

Achievements in Threat Mitigation

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), established in 2003, has contributed to the absence of large-scale foreign-directed terrorist attacks on U.S. soil comparable to the , 2001, events, through enhanced intelligence sharing, screening protocols, and interagency coordination. This outcome aligns with broader post-9/11 reforms, including DHS's integration of 22 agencies, which facilitated unified threat assessment and response capabilities, though quantifying direct prevention remains challenging due to the covert nature of disrupted plots. In counterterrorism, DHS components such as Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) within Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have supported Federal Bureau of Investigation-led Joint Terrorism Task Forces (JTTFs) by leveraging immigration enforcement authorities to identify and disrupt transnational threats. A 2020 DHS Office of Inspector General review found HSI's contributions effective, citing its expertise in areas like financial tracking and border-related intelligence to aid in over 2,000 JTTF investigations annually. Fusion centers, coordinated by DHS's Office of Intelligence and Analysis, have enabled state and local partners to share tips leading to interventions, with documented cases in 2013 preventing potential attacks through suspicious activity reporting analysis. Border security efforts under U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have mitigated risks from illicit crossings, including potential terrorist infiltration and of weapons or precursors. In 2025, Southwest Border apprehensions totaled 237,565—the lowest since 1970 and 87% below the prior four-year average of 1.86 million—reflecting policy-driven reductions that dropped daily encounters below 200 by February 2025 and overall by 93% from peak levels. These metrics indicate curtailed opportunities for threat actors exploiting migration flows, as evidenced by CBP's interception of individuals on terror watchlists, with over 170 such encounters in FY2024 alone. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has bolstered aviation threat mitigation by screening over 2.8 million passengers daily as of 2023, confiscating 6,737 firearms (93% loaded) at checkpoints that year and preventing their entry into secure areas. Post-9/11 protocols, including advanced imaging technology and behavior detection, have sustained zero successful hijackings of commercial flights, with TSA's risk-based approaches adapting to evolving tactics like insider threats. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) efforts have addressed digital threats by coordinating 845 vulnerability disclosure cases and issuing 427 advisories in fiscal year 2024, enabling rapid patching across critical sectors. In 2023, CISA conducted more than 6,700 engagements with stakeholders to disseminate threat intelligence, enhancing mitigation against and state-sponsored intrusions targeting U.S. . These activities support empirical reductions in exploit success rates for disclosed vulnerabilities, per federal tracking.

Empirical Assessments of Operational Performance

Empirical evaluations by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and DHS Office of (OIG) reveal mixed operational performance, with tactical successes in threat disruption overshadowed by systemic deficiencies in measurement, , and execution across key missions. GAO has designated DHS management as high-risk since 2003, issuing thousands of recommendations, many unaddressed, indicating persistent gaps in achieving mission outcomes despite partial progress in areas like . OIG's 2024 assessment identified overarching challenges in transparency, , and , including inaccurate data reporting and weak internal controls that undermine operational reliability. In border security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recorded approximately 2.1 million encounters at the southwest land border in 2024, primarily apprehensions between ports of entry, reflecting a decline from prior peaks but cumulative totals exceeding 10.8 million nationwide encounters since 2021, which critics attribute to inadequate deterrence and enforcement capacity. GAO found DHS's Border Security Metrics Report improved to cover 37 of 43 congressionally mandated metrics in 2021, incorporating statistical uncertainty, but faulted it for relying on an outdated deterrence model ill-suited to evolving migrant demographics and omitting key data like inspections. OIG audits documented operational shortfalls, such as 56% of detainees held beyond 72 hours in violation of standards, unserved notices to appear for 291,000 unaccompanied migrant children by May 2024, and insufficient vehicles delaying processing during surges. Disaster response under the (FEMA) demonstrates rapid initial mobilization but strained sustainability. For Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, FEMA deployed over 8,500 personnel and obligated more than $11 billion within three months, enabling short-term aid distribution. However, workforce readiness metrics highlight vulnerabilities: active employees fell 9.5% to 23,350 by June 2025, with only 12% of teams available at the hurricane season's start and post-response availability dropping to 4%, exacerbated by 710 concurrent open declarations and training deficits. OIG reported $7 billion in improper payments from 2019 to 2022 due to reliance on self-certification and lax oversight, alongside delays in grant closeouts leaving $9.4 million unliquidated across programs, some lingering up to 16 years. Counterterrorism operations lack granular success rates owing to their preventive focus, but DHS fusion centers have disrupted specific plots through intelligence sharing, contributing to zero large-scale foreign-directed attacks on U.S. soil since 9/11. Assessments attribute this to layered defenses including screening and , though quantifying prevented incidents remains challenging as non-events evade direct measurement. OIG critiques include absent performance metrics for air marshal deployments, limiting evaluation of resource efficacy, and delays in responses, such as 80-minute lags in protective operations without formalized after-action reviews. Cybersecurity via the (CISA) emphasizes mitigation guidance over outcome metrics, with analyses of vulnerabilities but limited public data on thwarted incidents; broader DHS efforts face scrutiny for incomplete high-risk area strategies. Collectively, these audits underscore that while DHS executes discrete interventions effectively, incomplete metrics and unresolved vulnerabilities impede verifiable mission accomplishment, with OIG and recommending enhanced data reliability and outcome-focused measures to bolster accountability.

Budgetary and Resource Challenges

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has faced ongoing budgetary constraints despite its annual discretionary funding exceeding $60 billion in recent fiscal years, with the FY2026 request totaling $66.4 billion, reflecting a $1.3 billion increase over the prior year. These resources support diverse missions including border security, , and cybersecurity, yet fiscal limitations imposed by laws such as the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 have compelled prioritization of operational expenses over long-term investments like infrastructure construction and technology upgrades. Consequently, DHS frequently requires supplemental appropriations to address emergent threats, as its planning, programming, budgeting, and execution processes struggle to adapt to dynamic priorities. Staffing shortages exacerbate resource challenges across DHS components, particularly in frontline operations. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has experienced persistent vacancies, with approximately 2,700 officer shortfalls reported at ports of entry as of 2019, contributing to increased overtime expenditures that rose by 79% over the subsequent decade in some offices. More recently, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has grappled with recruitment difficulties amid mandates to expand its workforce by 10,000 officers, hampered by historical resource constraints and high operational demands. These gaps have led to operational compromises, such as the release of hundreds of inadmissible international travelers at airports due to insufficient personnel and funding for detention and processing between 2021 and 2023. Audits by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) highlight systemic inefficiencies and waste, with DHS remaining on GAO's High-Risk List since 2003 for issues including , acquisition processes, and strategies. As of March , GAO had 146 open recommendations to DHS addressing these vulnerabilities, underscoring failures in baseline revisions for major acquisitions and oversight. OIG reports have identified mismanagement at the (FEMA), including improper reimbursements and systemic cost-control problems, while broader departmental audits reveal fragmentation, overlap in programs, and inadequate risk-based budgeting that diverts funds from highest-priority threats. In response to identified wasteful spending, DHS terminated dozens of misdirected grants in , recovering $18.5 million, though such measures indicate underlying flaws in grant allocation and oversight. These budgetary and resource pressures have tangible operational impacts, including delayed hiring at FEMA—where inaccurate data hinders evaluation of recruitment strategies—and broader mission execution risks amid expansive responsibilities. , including hearings on waste and fraud, has emphasized the need for enhanced to mitigate vulnerabilities in prevention and border enforcement, with empirical assessments revealing that unaddressed duplication and inefficiencies erode overall effectiveness. Despite periodic funding boosts, the department's structural challenges in aligning resources with threats persist, as evidenced by GAO's continued monitoring of progress against long-standing reform imperatives.

Controversies and Criticisms

Civil Liberties and Surveillance Debates

The establishment of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) following the , 2001, attacks led to expanded capabilities aimed at preventing , but these measures have sparked ongoing debates over encroachments on , including rights under the Fourth Amendment and free speech protections. Critics argue that programs like fusion centers and biometric screening systems enable overreach, with showing minimal counter yields relative to costs, such as unwarranted on U.S. citizens. For instance, a 2019 bipartisan investigation found that DHS-supported fusion centers produced little actionable intelligence on while engaging in activities like monitoring political protests, which raised First Amendment concerns without corresponding security benefits. Fusion centers, coordinated by DHS since 2003 as hubs for sharing among federal, state, and agencies, have been central to these controversies due to inconsistent safeguards and instances of . A 2022 analysis documented fusion centers producing flawed reports, leaking sensitive data, and targeting minority groups or dissidents, with leaked documents revealing of lawful assemblies like anti-war protests. DHS mandates policies for these centers, including officer on , yet oversight gaps persist, as evidenced by a 2023 Government Accountability Office report highlighting inadequate federal support for uniform protections across the 79 centers. Proponents defend them as essential for threat detection, citing over 10,000 terrorism-related tips shared annually, but skeptics, including advocates, contend that the low efficacy—fewer than 1% of tips leading to arrests—does not justify the risks of data misuse. The National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS), implemented by DHS in 2002, exemplified discriminatory surveillance by requiring registration of males from 25 predominantly Muslim countries, registering over 92,000 individuals by 2011 with zero terrorism convictions linked to the program. DHS's own deemed NSEERS inefficient, primarily flagging routine violations rather than threats, leading to its indefinite suspension in 2011 after yielding negligible benefits at high costs, including deportations based on minor infractions. Regulations were formally removed in as obsolete, though critics noted lingering database issues and potential for revival, underscoring debates over targeted screening's constitutionality. Recent technological expansions, such as TSA's deployment of facial recognition at over 80 U.S. airports by 2025, have intensified privacy concerns, with the DHS Inspector General launching an investigation into its efficacy and risks, including false matches affecting 2-4% of scans and disproportionate errors for certain demographics. Incidents like a 2025 breach exposing sensitive intelligence from a DHS data hub to thousands of unauthorized users highlighted systemic vulnerabilities in surveillance infrastructure. Additionally, accelerated DNA collection by DHS components, often without clear consent protocols, has been criticized as a civil liberties overreach, potentially storing genetic data indefinitely despite limited evidentiary value in routine enforcement. DHS maintains that such tools enhance screening accuracy, with Privacy Impact Assessments required under law, yet empirical audits reveal persistent violations, such as FEMA's 2024-2025 collection of Social Security numbers in disaster aid, breaching the Privacy Act of 1974. These debates reflect tensions between security imperatives and constitutional limits, with DHS's and investigating complaints—resolving over 1,000 annually—but facing accusations of insufficient independence. While some critiques emanate from advocacy groups with ideological leanings, verifiable data on program ineffectiveness and breaches substantiates calls for stricter oversight, such as mandatory audits and data minimization, to align with causal threats rather than expansive collection.

Immigration Policy Enforcement Disputes

Disputes over policy enforcement by the Department of (DHS) have centered on conflicts between federal mandates and local jurisdictions, judicial interventions, and shifts in enforcement priorities across administrations. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement () handle border apprehensions and interior removals, respectively, but face resistance from sanctuary jurisdictions that limit cooperation, such as refusing detainer requests to hold individuals for . In May 2025, DHS published a list of dozens of noncompliant cities, counties, and states across 37 jurisdictions obstructing , prompting backlash and subsequent removal of the list amid criticism. These policies, argued by proponents to build community trust, have been challenged by the Justice Department through lawsuits to enforce compliance, though efforts under prior administrations yielded limited results. A prominent controversy arose from the Trump administration's 2018 zero-tolerance policy, which mandated prosecution of all adults crossing illegally, resulting in family separations to avoid detaining minors with prosecuted parents. Between April and June 2018, approximately 2,000 children were separated, with DHS Office of Inspector General reporting inadequate tracking and prolonged holding of children in short-term facilities. The policy faced widespread for humanitarian impacts and internal planning deficiencies, though supporters viewed it as a deterrent to illegal entries; it was rescinded in June 2018 following public outcry and . Under the Biden administration, enforcement disputes intensified over "catch and release" practices, where over 75% of encountered migrants were not detained but released into the U.S. with notices to appear in immigration , contributing to record southwest border encounters exceeding 2.4 million in 2023. Critics, including Republican-led states, argued this lax approach incentivized illegal crossings and overwhelmed resources, leading to lawsuits such as Florida's challenge against releases without proceedings. Policies like ending the Migrant Protection Protocols () and broad use of for over 530,000 from specific countries faced blocks, with the in May 2025 upholding DHS efforts to terminate such programs. Judicial challenges have repeatedly disrupted DHS operations, with over 50 lawsuits against Trump-era policies like expanded expedited removal and against Biden's enforcement guidelines prioritizing threats over broad removals. These include state-federal clashes, such as suits over border management, and internal debates over 287(g) agreements deputizing local for ICE tasks, which some sheriffs in Republican states opposed amid mass pushes. Encounters dropped sharply in 2024-2025 following policy reversals, from historic highs to under 8,400 in April 2025, highlighting enforcement's causal impact on migration flows per CBP data.

Political Weaponization Allegations

Allegations of political weaponization against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) primarily center on claims that the agency has leveraged its and cybersecurity mandates to suppress political speech, particularly content challenging official narratives on elections, , and . Critics, including Republican lawmakers and independent journalists, argue that DHS, through subsidiaries like the (CISA), coordinated with platforms to flag and remove or demote posts labeled as "" or "," disproportionately affecting conservative viewpoints. These efforts reportedly intensified ahead of the 2020 presidential election and during the , with internal documents revealing DHS's role in "censorship laundering" via third-party organizations that indirectly influenced platform moderation decisions. A key example involves CISA's pre-election activities in 2020, where the agency established the Election Integrity Partnership (EIP) and shared intelligence with tech companies to combat perceived foreign influence operations, but expanded this to domestic content such as discussions of mail-in voting vulnerabilities and the laptop story. Released documents, obtained by journalists like , show DHS and CISA officials regularly meeting with platforms like to request suppression of election-related narratives, with over 20,000 federal accounts flagging content for review. House investigations further documented DHS's use of misbranded accounts and proxies to evade transparency while pressuring platforms, leading to the removal or throttling of millions of posts. Proponents of these actions, including DHS officials, maintain they targeted foreign threats, but detractors cite the lack of evidence for widespread foreign interference in decisions and note the on First Amendment-protected speech. DHS's short-lived Disinformation Governance Board, announced in April 2022 and paused amid backlash, exemplified these concerns. Intended to coordinate responses to eroding , the board—led by , a vocal of 2020 —was accused of serving as a domestic apparatus, with its focus on "threats to " potentially encompassing . Congressional oversight revealed the board's ties to broader DHS efforts, including CISA's "rumor control" websites that fact-checked claims in real-time, often aligning with Democratic positions. Critics from outlets like the House Homeland Security Committee highlighted how such initiatives blurred lines between countering foreign adversaries and policing American discourse, fostering perceptions of partisan bias given DHS leadership's alignment with the Biden administration. Additional scrutiny arose from DHS's expansion of domestic terrorism assessments, where threat bulletins and intelligence products allegedly prioritized right-wing extremism while downplaying left-wing violence, such as post-2020 riots. The agency's issued warnings in 2021-2022 emphasizing "domestic violent extremists" motivated by grievances, which some lawmakers claimed indirectly stigmatized Trump supporters without comparable attention to Antifa or BLM-related incidents. Republicans, in hearings on federal weaponization, pointed to DHS's collaboration with the FBI in these assessments as evidence of selective enforcement, though DHS countered that priorities were data-driven based on arrest and plot statistics. These allegations culminated in the 2024 impeachment of DHS Secretary , where articles cited not only border policy failures but also broader abdication of impartial enforcement, including misleading Congress on threat landscapes. The acquitted Mayorkas, with Democrats dismissing the proceedings as partisan theater, but the effort underscored ongoing debates over DHS's insulation from political influence.

Waste, Inefficiency, and Specific Scandals

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has faced persistent criticism for inefficiencies and wasteful spending, particularly in areas identified by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) as high-risk since 2003, including , acquisition management, and (IT) investments, which expose the department to fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement. GAO reports indicate that addressing these vulnerabilities across federal high-risk areas, including DHS components, could yield billions in savings, with agencies reporting approximately $2.8 trillion in estimated improper payments since 2003, including over $150 billion government-wide in fiscal year 2023 alone. DHS's acquisition processes have been plagued by failed contracts and poor oversight, contributing to significant cost overruns; for instance, congressional hearings have highlighted the financial toll of DHS's mismanaged procurements, where ineffective planning and execution led to billions in avoidable expenditures. IT systems within DHS exemplify duplication and inefficiency, with the Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer reporting in September 2024 that the human resources IT environment remained disparate, duplicative, error-prone, and inefficient despite ongoing modernization efforts. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a DHS component, has demonstrated operational waste through inefficient deployment of screening equipment, squandering hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars on underutilized or misplaced technology at airports. DHS Inspector General (OIG) audits have further revealed TSA's high failure rates in threat detection, with undercover tests showing screeners missing dangerous items 90-95% of the time, underscoring ineffective resource allocation in a program costing over $10 billion annually. Specific scandals have involved and within DHS programs. In fiscal year 2023, the (CISA) mismanaged its retention incentive program for cyber personnel, leading to widespread , , and as alleged in hotline complaints and confirmed by OIG investigation, including improper payments and lack of controls. The (FEMA) exhibited wasteful spending exceeding $9 billion during the , with OIG reports documenting inadequate controls that enabled improper disaster assistance payments and vulnerabilities. In a criminal case, three former DHS employees were sentenced in January 2024 for conspiring to steal proprietary U.S. government software, resulting in the unauthorized transfer of sensitive code valued for purposes. Additionally, OIG investigations uncovered misuse of Secret Service resources, such as unauthorized database queries and protection operations for personal matters, contributing to broader accountability lapses within DHS components. Congressional oversight, including hearings in March 2025, has emphasized DHS's failure to curb under prior administrations, with and OIG testimonies revealing billions in potential savings from addressing in programs like unemployment assistance, where over $2.6 million in potentially fraudulent payments were linked to DHS employees' identities in 2022. These issues persist despite DHS OIG's hotline for reporting , , and , highlighting systemic challenges in and enforcement.

Calls for Structural Reform or Abolition

Critics, particularly from libertarian perspectives, have argued since the department's inception that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), established by the , represents an unnecessary centralization of functions that could be handled more effectively by existing agencies or decentralized approaches, citing inefficiencies and overreach as evidence. The Cato Institute's 2011 policy analysis recommended abolishing DHS and reorganizing its components—such as customs, immigration enforcement, and emergency management—into smaller, specialized entities to reduce bureaucratic duplication and improve focus, pointing to the department's rapid growth from 170,000 to over 240,000 employees by 2010 without commensurate security gains. Similarly, former Congressman advocated shutting down DHS in a 2015 commentary, describing it as unconstitutional and ineffective, with the Transportation Security Administration's invasive screening procedures exemplifying wasteful expansion that erodes without enhancing safety. More recent abolition proposals have emerged amid perceived failures in border security and . In November 2024, the Foundation called for complete elimination of DHS, arguing its structure fosters politicization and inefficiency, as evidenced by ongoing border crises involving over 10 million encounters since fiscal year 2021. , a policy blueprint associated with conservative reformers for a potential second Trump administration, proposes dismantling DHS and redistributing functions like TSA operations to private-sector models or other departments, critiquing the agency's $100 billion-plus annual for yielding fragmented enforcement. Left-leaning voices, such as the in 2020, have echoed calls to dismantle DHS, attributing its tactics in to systemic constitutional violations, including family separations affecting thousands during peak operations. Proposals for structural , rather than outright abolition, often focus on deconcentration and enhancements. A 2019 opinion in advocated breaking up DHS into its pre-2002 components, arguing the post-9/11 merger created a "hodgepodge" of 22 agencies leading to misaligned priorities, such as underfunding cybersecurity amid rising threats documented in annual reports. Legislative efforts include H.R. 9749 in the 118th (2023-2024), which sought to eliminate DHS's internal reorganization authority to prevent unchecked executive shifts, and the DHS Act of 2021 (H.R. 4357), which proposed bolstering and independence to address waste exceeding $1 billion in audited mismanagement cases. Think tanks like for a New American Security have recommended enhanced oversight mechanisms, including mandatory risk-based resource allocation, to counter the department's sprawling mandate that spans 19 distinct operational areas as of 2023. These advocates contend that targeted restructuring, informed by empirical reviews like the 2023 Quadrennial Review, could mitigate causal factors of failure such as siloed , which contributed to lapses in events like the 2021 Abbey Gate bombing in . Despite such calls, no major structural changes have been enacted, with DHS's budget rising to $108 billion in 2025.

References

  1. https://www.dhs.gov/about-dhs
  2. https://www.dhs.gov/creation-department-homeland-security
  3. https://www.dhs.gov/organization
  4. https://www.dhs.gov/archive/science-and-technology/terrorism-prevention
  5. https://costsofwar.watson.brown.edu/sites/default/files/papers/Assessing-DHS_Dahl_Costs-of-War.pdf
  6. https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/infocus/achievement/chap4.html
  7. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-21-316
  8. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-23-104720
  9. https://www.dhs.gov/history
  10. https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/deptofhomeland/sect1.html
  11. https://www.congress.gov/bill/107th-congress/house-bill/5005
  12. https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2002/11/20021125-6.html
  13. https://www.dhs.gov/archive/dhs20
  14. https://www.politico.com/story/2019/01/24/homeland-security-department-begins-2003-1116070
  15. https://www.govexec.com/defense/2003/02/homeland-security-department-absorbs-agencies/13531/
  16. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GAOREPORTS-GAO-03-260/html/GAOREPORTS-GAO-03-260.htm
  17. https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/dhs-org-chart-2003.pdf
  18. https://www.hsdl.org/c/view?docid=37028
  19. https://www.congress.gov/bill/109th-congress/senate-bill/3721
  20. https://www.fema.gov/disaster/authorities
  21. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-09-59r
  22. https://www.congress.gov/110/plaws/publ53/PLAW-110publ53.htm
  23. https://www.dhs.gov/office-intelligence-and-analysis
  24. https://www.dhs.gov/implementing-911-commission-recommendations
  25. https://www.govexec.com/defense/2007/12/chertoff-seeks-unified-dhs-sets-2008-priorities/25936/
  26. https://www.nextgov.com/cybersecurity/2008/12/transition-watch-chertoff-says-wait-on-dhs-revamp/198192/
  27. https://www.dhs.gov/publication/2010-quadrennial-homeland-security-review-qhsr
  28. https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/qhsr_executive_summary.pdf
  29. https://www.dhs.gov/archive/news/2016/02/11/remarks-secretary-homeland-security-jeh-c-johnson-state-homeland-security
  30. https://www.dhs.gov/news/2015/04/29/written-testimony-dhs-secretary-jeh-johnson-senate-committee-homeland-security-and
  31. https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/17_0105_exit-memo.pdf
  32. https://www.dhs.gov/archive/news/2018/01/23/dhs-accomplishments-and-priorities-one-year-administration
  33. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-46748492
  34. https://www.dhs.gov/archive/news/2020/10/29/border-wall-system-deployed-effective-and-disrupting-criminals-and-smugglers
  35. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R45266
  36. https://www.dhs.gov/archive/migrant-protection-protocols-trump-administration-archive
  37. https://www.dhs.gov/archive/executive-orders-protecting-homeland
  38. https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefings-statements/trump-administration-immigration-policy-priorities/
  39. https://www.dhs.gov/archive/news/2018/02/12/department-homeland-security-statement-presidents-fiscal-year-2019-budget
  40. https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/southwest-land-border-encounters
  41. https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-releases-may-2023-monthly-operational-update
  42. https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/fact-sheet/cbp-one-overview/
  43. https://www.mayerbrown.com/en/insights/publications/2025/06/chnv-parole-cancelled-what-the-rollback-means-for-employers
  44. https://homeland.house.gov/2024/11/22/startling-stats-factsheet-fy2025-begins-with-over-140000-border-encounters-nationwide-worsening-public-safety-crisis-under-biden-harris-administration/
  45. https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-resolution/863/text
  46. https://news.wttw.com/2024/02/13/gop-led-house-impeaches-homeland-security-secretary-mayorkas-over-border-management
  47. https://www.dhs.gov/archive/news/2022/08/24/following-hsac-recommendation-dhs-terminates-disinformation-governance-board
  48. https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/24/politics/dhs-disinformation-board-shut-down
  49. https://www.dhs.gov/fentanyl
  50. https://www.gao.gov/blog/fentanyl-continues-be-leading-cause-overdose-deaths.-whats-being-done-combat-trafficking-united-states
  51. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates
  52. https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2024-11/24_1119_plcy_dhs-strategic-plan-fy23-27.pdf
  53. https://www.dhs.gov/archive/presidential-transition-office
  54. https://www.govexec.com/management/2024/11/agency-agency-look-trumps-plan-overhaul-government/400885/
  55. https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/01/25/us-senate-confirms-kristi-noem-secretary-homeland-security
  56. https://www.npr.org/2025/01/25/g-s1-44753/immigration-senate-kristi-noem-confirmation-vote
  57. https://homeland.house.gov/2025/01/25/chairman-green-applauds-senate-confirmation-of-dhs-secretary-kristi-noem/
  58. https://www.axios.com/2025/10/22/trump-ice-immigration-tom-homan-axios-summit
  59. https://www.nilc.org/resources/the-anti-immigrant-policies-in-trumps-final-big-beautiful-bill-explained/
  60. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/24/us/politics/trump-deportations-ice.html
  61. https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/08/27/trump-administration-proposes-new-rule-end-foreign-student-visa-abuse
  62. https://www.nycbar.org/reports/the-trump-administrations-early-2025-changes-to-immigration-law/
  63. https://www.propublica.org/article/border-czar-tom-homan-mark-hall-conflicts-interest-ethics-investigation
  64. https://usahello.org/2025-immigration-policies/
  65. https://www.congress.gov/107/plaws/publ296/PLAW-107publ296.htm
  66. https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/hr_5005_enr.pdf
  67. https://www.dhs.gov/homeland-security-act-2002
  68. https://www.dhs.gov/who-joined-dhs
  69. https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/homelandsecurity-act-st-section-rev-june-2012_508.pdf
  70. https://www.heritage.org/homeland-security/report/the-homeland-security-act-2002-analysis
  71. https://www.aclu.org/documents/interested-persons-memo-hr-5005-national-homeland-security-act-and-combating-terrorism-act
  72. https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/6/111
  73. https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/hr_5005_enr.pdf
  74. https://www.congress.gov/bill/110th-congress/house-bill/1
  75. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-12455/pdf/COMPS-12455.pdf
  76. https://www.dhs.gov/archive/news/2018/11/13/congress-passes-legislation-standing-cybersecurity-agency-dhs
  77. https://www.dhs.gov/secretaries-homeland-security
  78. https://www.gtlaw-insidebusinessimmigration.com/department-of-homeland-security/chad-wolf-becomes-new-acting-secretary-of-homeland-security/
  79. https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/11/politics/chad-wolf-homeland-security
  80. https://www.dhs.gov/organizational-chart
  81. https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/03/06/us-senate-confirms-troy-edgar-deputy-secretary-department-homeland-security
  82. https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/03/10/photo-release-troy-edgar-sworn-deputy-secretary-department-homeland-security
  83. https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/president-elect-donald-trump-nominates-former-los-alamitos-mayor-troy-edgar-as-deputy-secretary-of-homeland-security/
  84. https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/04/12/president-biden-announces-his-intent-to-nominate-key-members-for-the-u-s-department-of-homeland-security/
  85. https://www.dhs.gov/medialibrary/assets/videos/24096
  86. https://www.meritalk.com/articles/kristie-canegallo-stepping-in-as-dhs-acting-deputy-secretary/
  87. https://www.dhs.gov/leadership
  88. https://www.ice.gov/leadership
  89. https://www.idga.org/federal/articles/dhs-leadership-overhaul-kep-appointments-across-homeland-security-agencies
  90. https://www.gocoastguard.com/about
  91. https://www.history.uscg.mil/home/history-program/
  92. https://www.dhs.gov/employee-resources/united-states-coast-guard-uscg
  93. https://www.uscg.mil/Responsive/
  94. https://www.history.uscg.mil/Home/Missions/
  95. https://www.gocoastguard.com/about/missions
  96. https://www.uscg.mil/Operations/
  97. https://www.uscg.mil/
  98. https://www.uscg.mil/Units/Organization/
  99. https://www.cbp.gov/about/history
  100. https://www.cbp.gov/about
  101. https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2022-03/U.S.%2520Customs%2520and%2520Border%2520Protection_Remediated.pdf
  102. https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/along-us-borders/overview
  103. https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/along-us-borders/history
  104. https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/drug-seizure-statistics
  105. https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/fact-sheet/fentanyl-smuggling/
  106. https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/10/07/lowest-fiscal-year-border-patrol-apprehensions-1970
  107. https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/trump-administration-delivers-5-straight-months-0-releases-border
  108. https://www.dhs.gov/topics/border-security
  109. https://www.ice.gov/about-ice
  110. https://www.ice.gov/mission
  111. https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2022-03/U.S.%2520Immigration%2520and%2520Customs%2520Enforcement_Remediated.pdf
  112. https://www.ice.gov/about-ice/ero
  113. https://www.facebook.com/fletc/posts/followfriday-the-us-immigration-and-customs-enforcement-ice-homeland-security-in/1120317516857856/
  114. https://tracreports.org/immigration/quickfacts/
  115. https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/08/ice-recruitment-immigration-enforcement-billions/684000/
  116. https://www.ice.gov/doclib/eoy/iceAnnualReportFY2024.pdf
  117. https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/09/23/new-milestone-over-2-million-illegal-aliens-out-united-states-less-250-days
  118. https://www.migrationpolicy.org/content/ice-arrests-deportations-interior
  119. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-24-106233
  120. https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/10/01/dhs-debunks-new-york-times-false-reporting-dhs-does-not-deport-us-citizens
  121. https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/misinformation-concerning-ice-operations-generates-unnecessary-fear-local-community-0
  122. https://www.secretservice.gov/about/overview
  123. https://www.secretservice.gov/about/history/timeline
  124. https://sgp.fas.org/crs/homesec/R48138.pdf
  125. https://www.dhs.gov/employee-resources/us-secret-service-usss
  126. https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/3056
  127. https://www.secretservice.gov/protection
  128. https://www.secretservice.gov/investigations
  129. https://www.secretservice.gov/about/leadership/director
  130. https://fallon.house.gov/uploadedfiles/tf.finalreport.pdf
  131. https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2024-10/24_1017_opa-Independent-Review-Panel-Final-Report-and-Accompanying-Materials.pdf
  132. https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/press/rep/releases/grassley-report-concludes-secret-service-failure-to-share-threat-information-allowed-for-preventable-tragedy-in-butler-identifies-path-forward-for-agency-improvements
  133. https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/12/trump-assassination-attempt-investigation-00449922
  134. https://www.dhs.gov/topics/transportation-security
  135. https://www.tsa.gov/history
  136. https://www.tsa.gov/about/tsa-mission
  137. https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2024/01/12/2023-year-review-tsa-highlights-year-innovation-and-improvements
  138. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening
  139. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-24-107094
  140. https://www.gao.gov/assets/d23105201.pdf
  141. https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/government-report-shows-tsa-violated-privacy-act-screening-program-used-passengers
  142. https://www.aclu.org/issues/privacy-technology/privacy-borders-and-checkpoints/airport-security
  143. https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2025/07/25/tsa-seeks-private-sector-solutions-enhance-airport-security-and
  144. https://www.fema.gov/about/history
  145. https://www.fema.gov/about
  146. https://www.fema.gov/about/how-fema-works
  147. https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2022-03/Federal%2520Emergency%2520Management%2520Agency_Remediated.pdf
  148. https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/national-preparedness/frameworks/response
  149. https://www.cato.org/blog/hurricane-katrina-remembering-federal-failures
  150. https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/reports/katrina-lessons-learned/chapter5.html
  151. https://www.fema.gov/disaster/historic
  152. https://meritalk.com/articles/trump-signs-cisa-act-creating-cybersecurity-agency-within-dhs/
  153. https://futureoflife.org/us-agency/cybersecurity-and-infrastructure-security-agency-cisa/
  154. https://www.cisa.gov/about/leadership
  155. https://federalnewsnetwork.com/cybersecurity/2024/09/cisa-review-low-hanging-cyber-lapses-plague-critical-infrastructure/
  156. https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/cisa-2024-review-cyber-industry/
  157. https://judiciary.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/republicans-judiciary.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/cisa-staff-report6-26-23.pdf
  158. https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/22/conservatives-cyber-cisa-politics-00122794
  159. https://www.wired.com/story/inside-cisa-under-trump/
  160. https://www.nextgov.com/cybersecurity/2025/04/people-should-be-outraged-efforts-shrink-federal-cyber-teams-former-cisa-head-says/404906/
  161. https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/2024-10/Cyber%2520Storm%2520IX%2520After-Action%2520Report%2520v00%252020241001_508.pdf
  162. https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/mission-and-core-values/what-we-do
  163. https://www.dhs.gov/topics/citizenship-and-immigration-services
  164. https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-1-part-a-chapter-1
  165. https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/our-history
  166. https://forumtogether.org/article/annual-funding-from-congress-needed-to-tackle-uscis-backlogs/
  167. https://federalnewsnetwork.com/budget/2024/12/uscis-workforce-bounces-back-but-agency-faces-murky-funding-future/
  168. https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/data/25_0613_uscis_fy26-congressional-budget-justificatin.pdf
  169. https://www.uscis.gov/tools/reports-and-studies/immigration-and-citizenship-data
  170. https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/organization/leadership/joseph-b-edlow-director-us-citizenship-and-immigration-services
  171. https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/joseph-b-edlow-begins-service-as-director-of-us-citizenship-and-immigration-services
  172. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/09/18/2025-18050/notice-of-implementation-of-2025-naturalization-civics-test
  173. https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/organization/directorates-and-program-offices/external-affairs-directorate/office-of-citizenship
  174. https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/budget-planning-and-performance
  175. https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/data/DHS%2520SIGNED%2520REPORT_%2520USCIS%2520IEFA%2520FY2024%2520Statement%2520of%2520Financial%2520Condition.pdf
  176. https://www.dhs.gov/learn-about-law-enforcement-training-opportunities
  177. https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2025-03/25_0306_PRIV-MASTER-FLETC-101-Brief-2025-PTO-Final.pdf
  178. https://www.fletc.gov/
  179. https://www.fletc.gov/locations
  180. https://www.fletc.gov/fletc-history
  181. https://www.fletc.gov/training-catalog
  182. https://www.dhs.gov/employee-resources/federal-law-enforcement-training-center-fletc
  183. https://www.fletc.gov/state-local-tribal-law-enforcement-training
  184. https://www.fleta.gov/
  185. https://www.dhs.gov/about-cwmd
  186. https://www.dhs.gov/archive/news/2017/12/07/secretary-nielsen-announces-establishment-countering-weapons-mass-destruction
  187. https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/04/04/cwmd-meets-chicago-area-biowatch-and-stc-partners
  188. https://www.dhs.gov/supporting-federal-state-local-tribal-and-territorial-partners
  189. https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2025-06/25_0613_cwmd_fy26-congressional-budget-justificatin.pdf
  190. https://federalnewsnetwork.com/budget/2025/06/dhs-budget-request-would-split-up-cwmd-office/
  191. https://www.intelligence.gov/how-the-ic-works/our-organizations/dhs-office-of-intelligence-and-analysis
  192. https://www.congress.gov/nomination/119th-congress/26/25
  193. https://www.dhs.gov/publications-library/intelligence-and-analysis
  194. https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2024-03/2024_0305_annual_performance_report_for_fiscal_years_2023_2025.pdf
  195. https://www.hstoday.us/featured/dhs-2025-homeland-threat-assessment-indicates-the-threat-of-domestic-and-foreign-terrorism-in-the-homeland-remains-high/
  196. https://www.gao.gov/assets/890/880693.pdf
  197. https://www.cnas.org/publications/reports/reassessing-homeland-security-intelligence
  198. https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/22/politics/dhs-intelligence-reports-recalled
  199. https://www.nextgov.com/people/2025/07/dhs-intelligence-office-halts-staff-cuts-after-stakeholder-backlash/406638/
  200. https://www.dhs.gov/management-directorate
  201. https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2022-03/Management%2520Directorate_Remediated.pdf
  202. https://www.dhs.gov/publication/directorate-management-organizational-chart
  203. https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2024-04/2024_0309_management_directorate.pdf
  204. https://fedscoop.com/karen-evans-dhs-cisa-trump-administration/
  205. https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2024-11/OIG-25-04-Nov24.pdf
  206. https://www.congress.gov/event/110th-congress/house-event/LC7977/text
  207. https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2025-09/25_0925_mgmt-integrated-strategy-high-risk-mgmt-september.pdf
  208. https://www.dhs.gov/office-health-security
  209. https://www.dhs.gov/archive/news/2022/07/19/dhs-establishes-new-office-health-security
  210. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK231900/
  211. https://www.federaltimes.com/opinions/2014/12/22/the-dhs-s-role-in-confronting-pandemics-and-bioterrorism/
  212. https://www.dhs.gov/ai/use-case-inventory/ohs
  213. https://www.oig.dhs.gov/about
  214. https://www.oig.dhs.gov/about/MeetTheIG
  215. https://www.oig.dhs.gov/about/organization_chart
  216. https://www.oig.dhs.gov/reports/audits-inspections-and-evaluations
  217. https://www.oig.dhs.gov/file/3113/download?token=oqfaLb3Z
  218. https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-14-726.pdf
  219. https://www.pogo.org/investigations/dhs-watchdog-repeatedly-misled-congress-federal-probe-finds
  220. https://www.dhs.gov/national-terrorism-advisory-system
  221. https://www.dhs.gov/ntas-frequently-asked-questions
  222. https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA579894.pdf
  223. https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/back-threat-level-orange-and-need-update-national-terrorism-advisory-system
  224. https://www.dhs.gov/ntas/advisory/national-terrorism-advisory-system-bulletin-june-22-2025
  225. https://www.dhs.gov/ntas/advisory/national-terrorism-advisory-system-bulletin-june-7-2022
  226. https://www.dhs.gov/ntas/advisory/national-terrorism-advisory-system-bulletin-november-30-2022
  227. https://www.dhs.gov/topics/national-terrorism-advisory-system
  228. https://www.belfercenter.org/publication/color-bind-lessons-failed-homeland-security-advisory-system
  229. https://www.hsaj.org/articles/3338
  230. https://democrats-homeland.house.gov/news/press-releases/ranking-member-thompson-statement-on-threats-to-the-homeland-after-dhs-issues-national-terrorism-advisory-system-bulletin
  231. https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/national-preparedness
  232. https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/nims
  233. https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/fema_nims_doctrine-2017.pdf
  234. https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2019-06/national_response_framework.pdf
  235. https://www.epa.gov/emergency-response/national-response-framework-nrf
  236. https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/national-preparedness/system
  237. https://www.dhs.gov/preparedness-response-and-recovery-publications
  238. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-21-236
  239. https://www.dhs.gov/cisa/about-cisa
  240. https://www.dhs.gov/topic/critical-infrastructure-security
  241. https://www.dhs.gov/national-infrastructure-protection-plan
  242. https://www.dhs.gov/protected-critical-infrastructure-information-pcii-program
  243. https://www.cisa.gov/about/2024YIR
  244. https://www.dhs.gov/archive/news/2022/02/03/dhs-launches-first-ever-cyber-safety-review-board
  245. https://www.dhs.gov/cisa
  246. https://www.dhs.gov/cisa/protective-security-coordination-division
  247. https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/cbp-enforcement-statistics
  248. https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-releases-may-2025-monthly-update
  249. https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/04/28/100-days-most-secure-border-american-history
  250. https://www.ice.gov/statistics
  251. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2025/aug/29/trump-immigration-ice-cbp-data
  252. https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/dhs-cbp-award-45b-new-contracts-under-obbb-smart-wall-construction
  253. https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/along-us-borders/smart-wall-map
  254. https://sourcenm.com/briefs/dhs-orders-expedited-construction-on-new-mexico-border-wall/
  255. https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/custody-and-transfer-statistics
  256. https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2020-09/OIG-20-59-Aug20.pdf
  257. https://www.dhs.gov/archive/2013-fusion-center-success-stories
  258. https://www.instagram.com/p/DPq-r8XDAgU/
  259. https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/lowest-fiscal-year-border-patrol-apprehensions-1970
  260. https://www.dhs.gov/aviation-security
  261. https://industrialcyber.co/cisa/cisas-2024-year-in-review-document-details-cyber-defense-infrastructure-protection-milestones/
  262. https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/cisa-releases-2023-year-review-showcasing-efforts-protect-critical-infrastructure
  263. https://www.gao.gov/assets/880/876093.pdf
  264. https://homeland.house.gov/2024/10/24/startling-stats-factsheet-fiscal-year-2024-ends-with-nearly-3-million-inadmissible-encounters-10-8-million-total-encounters-since-fy2021/
  265. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-24-106277
  266. https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-25-108598.pdf
  267. https://www.dhs.gov/archive/fusion-center-success-stories
  268. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-24-106895
  269. https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4686
  270. https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2025-03/25_0306_PRIV-FY25-President%2527s-Budget-Overview-12.4.24-FINAL.pdf
  271. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RBA3353-1.html
  272. https://www.nteu.org/legislative-action/congressional-testimony/statement-on-cbp-staffing-shortages-to-t
  273. https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/23/politics/ice-recruiting-problems-deportation-agents
  274. https://www.govexec.com/management/2024/06/staffing-funding-shortages-forced-dhs-release-hundreds-inadmissible-international-travelers/397431/
  275. https://www.dhs.gov/gao-high-risk-management
  276. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMkpvvji7vg
  277. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-25-107317
  278. https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2021-11/OIG-22-05-Nov21.pdf
  279. https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2017/OIG-17-08-Nov16.pdf
  280. https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/07/17/dhs-axes-wasteful-misdirected-grants-saves-taxpayers-185m
  281. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-23-105663
  282. https://www.c-span.org/program/house-committee/hearing-on-homeland-security-waste-fraud-and-abuse-part-1/656984
  283. https://homeland.house.gov/2025/03/11/chairman-brecheen-we-must-tirelessly-defend-against-the-waste-of-americans-hard-earned-resources/
  284. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-25-108165
  285. https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/invasive-and-ineffective-dhs-surveillance-911
  286. https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/how-government-fusion-centers-violate-americans-rights-and-how-stop-it
  287. https://charityandsecurity.org/news/senate_investigation_fusion_centers_do_not_help_counter_terror_threaten_civil_liberties/
  288. https://legislature.maine.gov/testimony/resources/CJPS20230504Reynolds133276224737460884.pdf
  289. https://www.dhs.gov/national-network-fusion-centers-fact-sheet
  290. https://www.gao.gov/assets/a310273.html
  291. https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/blog/dhss-nseers-program-while-inactive-continues-to-discriminate/
  292. https://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/dhs-announces-end-controversial-post-911-immigrant-registration-and-tracking-program
  293. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/12/23/2016-30885/removal-of-regulations-relating-to-special-registration-process-for-certain-nonimmigrants
  294. https://www.route-fifty.com/digital-government/2025/02/dhs-watchdog-investigating-tsas-use-facial-recognition/402684/
  295. https://idtechwire.com/dhs-investigation-scrutinizes-tsas-expanding-facial-recognition-program-amid-privacy-concerns/
  296. https://www.wired.com/story/a-dhs-data-hub-exposed-sensitive-intel-to-thousands-of-unauthorized-users/
  297. https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-department-of-homeland-security-is-unlawfully-collecting-dna
  298. https://www.dhs.gov/privacy-impact-assessments
  299. https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/10/21/dhs-exposes-how-fema-officials-under-biden-administration-systematically-refused
  300. https://www.dhs.gov/office-civil-rights-and-civil-liberties
  301. https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/foia-document-breach-sensitive-dhs-domestic-intelligence-sharing-portal
  302. https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/05/29/dhs-exposes-sanctuary-jurisdictions-defying-federal-immigration-law
  303. https://www.npr.org/2025/06/02/nx-s1-5421232/homeland-security-sanctuary-cities-immigration
  304. https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-publishes-list-sanctuary-jurisdictions
  305. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-sanctuary-cities-crackdown-results/
  306. https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2018-10/OIG-18-84-Sep18.pdf
  307. https://www.aclu.org/news/immigrants-rights/fact-checking-family-separation
  308. https://www.npr.org/2022/08/11/1116917364/how-the-trump-white-house-misled-the-world-about-its-family-separation-policy
  309. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jun/19/child-separation-camps-trump-border-policy-backlash-republicans
  310. https://oversight.house.gov/release/hearing-wrap-up-biden-administrations-catch-and-release-operation-has-inflamed-the-raging-crisis-at-the-southern-border%25EF%25BF%25BC/
  311. http://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/ag-moody-takes-legal-action-against-biden-administration-releasing-illegal-immigrants
  312. https://www.congress.gov/event/118th-congress/house-event/LC72449/text
  313. https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/05/30/dhs-releases-statement-major-scotus-victory-trump-administration-and-american
  314. https://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/trump-2-immigration-first-100-days
  315. https://www.congress.gov/crs_external_products/LSB/HTML/LSB10578.html
  316. https://www.dhs.gov/medialibrary/assets/video/60373
  317. https://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/state-local-authorities-ice-immigration-enforcement
  318. https://www.migrationpolicy.org/news/low-migrant-encounters-border-trump
  319. https://judiciary.house.gov/media/press-releases/new-report-reveals-cisa-tried-cover-censorship-practices
  320. https://homeland.house.gov/2023/11/06/chairmen-green-bishop-uncover-new-evidence-of-dhs-big-tech-collaborating-to-censor-americans/
  321. https://theintercept.com/2022/10/31/social-media-disinformation-dhs/
  322. https://www.congress.gov/118/meeting/house/116663/witnesses/HHRG-118-HM09-Wstate-ShellenbergerM-20231213.pdf
  323. https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/23/23-411/300197/20240208220913623_44722%2520pdf%2520Candeub.pdf
  324. https://www.dhs.gov/publication/disinformation-governance-board
  325. https://homeland.house.gov/2024/02/14/chairman-green-in-the-wall-street-journal-why-we-impeached-alejandro-mayorkas/
  326. https://democrats-homeland.house.gov/download/homelanddemimpeachmentreportfinal
  327. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-25-107743
  328. https://www.congress.gov/event/110th-congress/house-event/LC7461/text
  329. https://files.gao.gov/reports/GAO-25-107233/index.html
  330. https://oversight.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/5-9-2012-Joint-TSA-Staff-Report-FINAL.pdf
  331. https://viewfromthewing.com/at-10-billion-a-year-tsa-still-fails-90-of-the-time-and-covers-it-up/
  332. https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2025-09/OIG-25-38-Sep25.pdf
  333. https://reason.com/2025/02/06/wasteful-fema-spending-topped-9-billion-during-the-pandemic/
  334. https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2022-09/OIG-22-69-Sep22.pdf
  335. https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/former-federal-employees-sentenced-conspiracy-steal-proprietary-us-government-software-and
  336. https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/Mga/2016/Allegations-of-Misuse-USSS-Resources-101714.pdf
  337. https://www.congress.gov/119/chrg/CHRG-119hhrg61192/CHRG-119hhrg61192.pdf
  338. https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2022-09/OIG-22-73-Sep22.pdf
  339. https://www.oig.dhs.gov/hotline
  340. https://www.cato.org/policy-analysis/abolish-department-homeland-security
  341. https://www.cnbc.com/2015/03/02/ron-paul-shut-down-homeland-security-commentary.html
  342. https://www.johnlocke.org/a-call-to-abolish-the-homeland-security-department/
  343. https://thefulcrum.us/governance-legislation/project-2025-homeland-security
  344. https://www.aclu.org/news/immigrants-rights/dismantle-the-department-of-homeland-security-its-tactics-are-fearsome
  345. https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/04/opinions/department-of-homeland-security-needs-dismantling-perry
  346. https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/9749/all-info
  347. https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/4357/text
  348. https://www.cnas.org/publications/reports/reforming-the-department-of-homeland-security-through-enhanced-oversight-accountability
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.