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Department of Homeland Security

As a response to terrorist attacks that took place on U.S. soil on September 11, 2001, Congress in November 2002 approved the creation of the Department of Homeland Security. This executive branch department aims to detect and prevent terrorist attacks in the United States by performing functions that were previously preformed by more than twenty federal agencies. The department has developed a series of broad strategic goals related to the fulfillment of its mission. These goals are as follows:

  • Raise awareness of threats of and vulnerabilities to terrorist attacks
  • Detect, deter and mitigate terrorist threats to the United States
  • Safeguard the United States, including its people, critical infrastructure, property, and economy, from acts of terrorism, as well as natural disasters and other emergencies
  • Lead, manage, and coordinate a national response to acts of terrorism, as well as natural disasters and emergencies
  • Lead efforts among national, state, local, and private entities to recover from acts of terrorism, natural disasters, and emergencies
  • Serve the public by facilitating lawful trade, immigration, and travel
  • Achieve organizational excellence

The Department of Homeland Security facilitates communication between federal agencies as well as state and local government entities. Moreover, each state has developed its own office or commission to address security and terrorism within its own border.


Inside Department of Homeland Security