Homeland Security
Contents
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a vast and multifaceted organization with a wide range of programs and initiatives designed to secure the United States. These programs are implemented through various components and directorates, each with a specific mission.
A breakdown of some of the key programs and mission areas:
1. Border and Transportation Security:
| • | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): This component is responsible for securing U.S. borders at and between ports of entry. Its programs focus on anti-terrorism, immigration, trade compliance, and anti-smuggling efforts. |
| • | Transportation Security Administration (TSA): TSA's programs are focused on protecting the nation's transportation systems. This includes the screening of passengers, baggage, and cargo at airports, as well as implementing risk-based security measures like the TSA PreCheck program. |
| • | U.S. Coast Guard (USCG): As the only military organization within DHS, the USCG has programs that protect the maritime economy and environment, defend maritime borders, and conduct search and rescue operations. |
| • | U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): ICE's programs are centered on enforcing federal laws related to border control, customs, trade, and immigration. This includes Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), which conducts criminal investigations into transnational crime. |
2. Emergency Preparedness and Response:
| • | Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): FEMA's programs are crucial for preparing for, protecting against, responding to, recovering from, and mitigating all types of hazards and disasters. They provide grants, training, and resources to citizens and first responders. |
3. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security:
| • | Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): CISA leads the national effort to understand, manage, and reduce risk to the nation's cyber and physical infrastructure. Its programs include initiatives to increase awareness of drone threats and to help the Emergency Services Sector manage cyber risks. |
4. Countering Threats and Terrorism:
| • | Office of Intelligence and Analysis: This office helps the entire Homeland Security enterprise with timely intelligence and information to keep the homeland safe. |
| • | Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD): CWMD has programs to prevent attacks using a weapon of mass destruction. This includes programs like BioWatch, which monitors the air for biological agents, and the Securing the Cities program, which aims to detect and prevent nuclear and radiological attacks in high-risk urban areas. |
| • | Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3): CP3 works to prevent terrorism and targeted violence through funding, training, and partnerships with law enforcement and communities. |
5. Other Key Programs and Initiatives:
| • | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): This agency oversees lawful immigration to the United States. |
| • | U.S. Secret Service (USSS): The Secret Service has two main programs: safeguarding the nation's financial infrastructure and protecting national leaders. |
| • | Science and Technology Directorate (S&T): S&T is the research and development arm of DHS, providing new and innovative technologies to help protect the homeland. |
| • | Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC): FLETC provides career-long training to law enforcement professionals from across the country. |
| • | Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP): This grant program provides funding to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments for a range of preparedness activities to prevent, protect against, and respond to acts of terrorism and other threats. |