What does Homeland Security do?

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal executive department dedicated to public security in the United States. Established to enhance the nation's safety, the DHS consolidates various federal agencies and employs over 240,000 individuals in diverse roles. Its mission is to safeguard the American people and homeland with honor and integrity, focusing on creating a secure and resilient environment against terrorism and other hazards. The DHS operates in several critical areas, including anti-terrorism, border and immigration enforcement, emergency response, cybersecurity, transportation security, and maritime security. Key components of the department include the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which protects borders and facilitates lawful trade, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which coordinates responses to domestic disasters. The DHS also administers grant programs to support national security objectives and analyzes intelligence to identify and assess threats to the homeland.