Department of Homeland Security

Definition

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal executive department of the United States government responsible for public security, with the primary mission of protecting the United States from terrorism and other homeland security threats.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Department of Homeland Security was established in 2002 in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks to consolidate various federal agencies and resources to coordinate a comprehensive national strategy to protect the United States from terrorism and other homeland security threats.
2. The DHS is responsible for a wide range of functions, including border security, immigration enforcement, disaster response and recovery, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure protection.
3. The DHS is composed of several component agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
4. The DHS has a budget of over $50 billion and employs more than 240,000 people, making it one of the largest federal government departments.
5. The DHS has faced criticism over issues such as civil liberties, immigration enforcement, and the militarization of domestic law enforcement.

Review Questions

• Explain the key purpose and mission of the Department of Homeland Security.
  • The primary mission of the Department of Homeland Security is to protect the United States from terrorism and other homeland security threats. The DHS was established in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks to consolidate various federal agencies and resources to coordinate a comprehensive national strategy for public security. The DHS is responsible for a wide range of functions, including border security, immigration enforcement, disaster response and recovery, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure protection.
• Describe the key components and structure of the Department of Homeland Security.
  • The Department of Homeland Security is composed of several component agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These agencies work together to fulfill the DHS's mission of protecting the United States. The DHS has a large budget of over $50 billion and employs more than 240,000 people, making it one of the largest federal government departments.
• Analyze the controversies and criticisms surrounding the Department of Homeland Security.
  • The Department of Homeland Security has faced criticism over various issues, including concerns about civil liberties, immigration enforcement, and the militarization of domestic law enforcement. Critics have argued that the DHS's expansive powers and focus on national security have led to the infringement of individual rights and the disproportionate targeting of certain communities. Additionally, the DHS's handling of immigration enforcement and disaster response efforts have been subject to scrutiny and debate. These controversies highlight the complex and often contentious nature of the DHS's role in balancing public safety and civil liberties.

Related terms

Homeland Security Act: The Homeland Security Act of 2002 established the Department of Homeland Security in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, consolidating various federal agencies and resources to coordinate a comprehensive national strategy to safeguard the country against terrorism.

National Terrorism Advisory System: The National Terrorism Advisory System is a terrorism threat-level system used by the Department of Homeland Security to effectively communicate information about terrorist threats to the public, law enforcement, and other partners.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA): The Transportation Security Administration is a component agency of the Department of Homeland Security responsible for security in all modes of transportation, including aviation, rail, and maritime.