United States Department of Homeland Security

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

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
  • Homeland Security Act of 2002
Websitedhs.gov
Agency ID7000

"The DHS March"

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is the U.S. federal executive department. Its missions involve anti-terrorism, civil defense, immigration and customs, border control, cybersecurity, transportation security, maritime security and sea rescue, and the prevention of weapons of mass destruction.[3]

DHS started operations on March 1, 2003, after the passing of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, in response to the September 11 attacks. With more than 240,000 employees DHS is the third-largest cabinet department, after the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.[4]

Homeland security policy is located 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.

References

  1. "About DHS". Homeland Security. June 29, 2016.
  2. "DHS FY 2024 Budget in Brief (BIB)" (PDF). Homeland Security. p. 4. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
  3. "About DHS | Homeland Security". www.dhs.gov. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
  4. "Department of Homeland Security Executive Staffing Project". National Academy of Public Administration. Archived from the original on March 10, 2010. Retrieved May 31, 2011.