## Overview of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a cabinet-level executive department of the U.S. federal government, established in 2003 in direct response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks[1][4]. Its primary mission is to safeguard the United States from a wide range of threats—including terrorism, cyberattacks, natural disasters, and border-related risks—by coordinating efforts across federal, state, local, and private sectors[1][2][4]. With an annual budget of approximately $90–185 billion and over 240,000 employees, DHS is the third-largest federal department, reflecting its broad mandate and operational scale[1][4][6]. ## What DHS Does DHS operates through a network of agencies and directorates, each specializing in different aspects of domestic security. Its core functions include: - **Counterterrorism:** Preventing and responding to terrorist threats, both physical and cyber, through intelligence gathering, law enforcement coordination, and critical infrastructure protection[1][2][4]. - **Border and Transportation Security:** Managing and securing U.S. borders, ports, and transportation systems, including the oversight of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and Coast Guard[1][2][3]. - **Immigration and Customs Enforcement:** Enforcing immigration laws, including the detention and removal of individuals who pose national security or public safety risks[2][5]. - **Cybersecurity:** Defending federal networks and critical infrastructure from cyber threats, while promoting public-private partnerships to enhance national cyber resilience[1][4]. - **Disaster Preparedness and Response:** Leading federal disaster response efforts through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), coordinating with first responders, and supporting community recovery[1][3][6]. ## History and Key Achievements DHS was created by the Homeland Security Act of 2002, consolidating