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The Department of Homeland Security was established in 2002, combining 22 different federal departments and agencies into a unified, integrated Cabinet agency.
A summary of historical laws and regulations constructing and modifying the existing Department of Homeland Security.
DHS seal was created in 2003 to symbolize the Department's mission of preventing attacks and protecting Americans on land, sea and air.
Chronology of Homeland Security Advisory System from implementation until replaced by National Terrorism Advisory System. Creation of the Department of Homeland Security
Department of Homeland Security Seal
Homeland Security Advisory System
Secretaries of Homeland Security
The former Secretaries of the Department of Homeland Security.
Who Joined DHS
DHS was created through the integration of all or part of 22 different federal departments and agencies into a unified Department.
History of the NAC
Learn the history of the Nebraska Avenue Complex (NAC) through its origins as a girls seminary to a code breaking facility during World War II and its current incarnation as the home of the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Last Updated: 04/26/2022
The United States has made significant progress in securing the nation from terrorism since the September 11, 2001 attacks. Nevertheless, work remains as the terrorist threats facing the country have evolved in the last ten years, and continue to change. Following 9/11, the federal government moved quickly to develop a security framework to protect our country from large-scale attacks directed from abroad, while
enhancing federal, state, and local capabilities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from threats and disasters at home. A key element of this framework included the creation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in March, 2003, bringing together 22 separate agencies and offices into a single, Cabinet-level department[1]. Created with
the founding principle of protecting the American people from terrorist and other threats, DHS and its many partners across the federal government, public and private sectors, and communities throughout the country have strengthened the homeland security enterprise to better mitigate and defend against dynamic threats. Many of the features of this new, more robust enterprise align with – and respond to – recommendations contained in the 9/11 Commission Report, released in July 2004 to
assess the circumstances surrounding 9/11 and to identify ways to guard against future terrorist attacks. Read the September 11 Chronology.
Secretary Michael Chertoff took office on February 15, 2005, and initiated a Second Stage Review (2SR) to evaluate the department’s operations, policies, and structures. More than 250 members of the department and 18 action teams participate in this effort. The teams also consulted public and private partners at the federal, state, local, tribal, and international levels. On July 13, 2005, Secretary Chertoff announced a six-point agenda, based upon the findings, which included a significant reorganization of the department.
- Department Six-point Agenda - Results from the Second Stage Review, July 2005.
On October 13, 2006, Congress passed the Security Accountability for Every Port Act, or SAFE Port Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-347). The act authorized the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) and completed the reorganization of FEMA, transferring the Radiological Preparedness Program and the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program to FEMA.
- Security Accountability for Every Port Act of 2006 (SAFE Port Act), October 13, 2006
The Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-53) was enacted on August 7, 2007. The Act built on the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006, focusing on the reorganization of the grant process as administered by FEMA. The Act also reorganized intelligence operations at the Department, elevating the Assistant Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis to the Under Secretary level, requiring Senate confirmation. Additionally, many of the features of the new homeland security architecture align with recommendations contained in the 9/11 Commission Report.
- Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, August 7, 2007
The President’s fiscal year 2010 budget requested the transfer of the Federal Protective Service (FPS) from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to the National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD)—streamlining decision-making and aligning the protection of federal buildings with DHS’ broader critical infrastructure protection mission and the provision was included in the DHS appropriations bill President Obama signed into law on Oct. 28, 2009. It also elevated the Office of Intergovernment Programs from NPPD to a direct report to the Secretary and renamed it to the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.
- Secretary Napolitano Announces Transfer of Federal Protective Service to National Protection and Programs Directorate, October 29, 2009
In 2010, Secretary Janet Napolitano led the completion of the first-ever Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (QHSR), which established a unified, strategic framework for homeland security missions and goals. Subsequently, DHS conducted a Bottom-Up Review (BUR) to align our programmatic activities and organizational structure to better serve those missions and goals. The QHSR reflects the most comprehensive assessment and analysis of homeland security to date. DHS worked closely with the White House, National Security Staff, other Federal departments and agencies, and our state, local, tribal and territorial partners to represent the whole-of-government approach to national security envisioned by the Administration.
- 2014 Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (QHSR)