Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
United States Department of Homeland Security
Table of Contents
Introduction References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics
Related Questions
Read Next
Secret Service Agent Listens To Earpiece
Secret Service Code Names of 11 U.S. Presidents
Discover
Stylish light blue jeans on wooden background, closeup of inset pocket
Why Do Jeans Have That Tiny Pocket?
Close-up of ostriches (Struthio camelus) necks and heads; location unknown.
6 of the World's Most Dangerous Birds
Ahura Mazda - relief of the Zoroastrian god Ahura Mazda at the ancient ruins of Persepolis in Iran. Also known as Ormazd Zoroastrianism,
Which Religion Is the Oldest?
Fish. Lionfish. Lion-fish. Turkey fish. Fire-fish. Red lionfish. Pterois volitans. Venomous fin spines. Coral reefs. Underwater. Ocean. Red lionfish swims by seaweed.
10 of the World’s Most Dangerous Fish
Colorful winter sunset
What's the Difference Between a Solstice and an Equinox?
Hemp (Cannabis sativa).
9 Mind-Altering Plants
Panama Canal infographic
Timeline and Map of the Panama Canal

United States Department of Homeland Security

United States government
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites
Also known as: DHS
Written and fact-checked by
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Last Updated: • Article History
Quick Facts
Date:
January 2003 - present
Areas Of Involvement:
national security
Related People:
Tom Ridge
See all related content

News •

Gambia has low HIV prevalence - NAS director • Dec. 24, 2024, 12:06 AM ET (The Point)
Mystery drone sightings continue in New Jersey and across the US. Here's what we know • Dec. 20, 2024, 6:38 PM ET (AP)
Bill responding to drone sightings is blocked in the Senate • Dec. 18, 2024, 2:34 PM ET (AP)
US agencies should use advanced technology to identify mysterious drones, Schumer says • Dec. 15, 2024, 7:12 PM ET (AP)
What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey? • Dec. 12, 2024, 3:11 PM ET (AP)

United States Department of Homeland Security, executive division of the U.S. federal government responsible for safeguarding the country against terrorist attacks and ensuring preparedness for natural disasters and other emergencies. In the wake of the September 11 attacks in 2001, Pres. George W. Bush created the Office of Homeland Security, to coordinate counter-terrorism efforts by federal, state, and local agencies; and the Homeland Security Council, to advise the president on homeland security matters. Both offices were superseded in January 2003 with the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, which assumed control of several agencies responsible for domestic security and ...(100 of 151 words)

Access the full article
Help support true facts by becoming a member.