What are the different DHS agencies and what role do they play?

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is composed of several agencies that work together to perform different tasks.

DHS agencies focus on the border securityimmigration, emergency response, transport security, infrastructure protection, and terrorism prevention.

16 DHS Agencies

A continuation, Link Latino NC share the 16 operational components and support that currently make up the Department of Homeland Security.

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

It administers the country's legal immigration system.

USCIS processes applications for:

Permanent residence (Green Card)
Naturalization (citizenship)
asylum and shelter
Work permits
TPS, DACA, among others

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has as its primary mission to prevent terrorists and their weapons from entering the country.

CBP also protects and facilitates trade and travel while enforcing regulations, including immigration and drug control laws.

United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

ICE promotes national security and public safety through the criminal and civil enforcement of federal laws regulating border control, customs, trade, and immigration.

Its functions include:

Arrests and deportations.
Investigations into human trafficking, drug trafficking, fraud and other crimes.
Custody of persons in immigration detention (via ERO).

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The TSA protects the nation's transportation systems to ensure the freedom of movement of people and commerce.

Among its tasks, it includes:

Security at airports and other transportation systems.
Passenger and baggage checks.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

FEMA responds to natural disasters and emergencies, and provides financial and logistical assistance to affected communities.

United States Secret Service (USSS)

USSS protects the nation's financial infrastructure and payment systems. It also protects national leaders, visiting heads of state and government, designated venues, and National Special Security events.

United States Coast Guard (USCG)

USCG is the only military organization within DHS and protects the maritime economy and environment, defends maritime borders, and rescues those in danger.

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

CISA leads the national effort to understand, manage, and reduce risk to our cyber and physical infrastructure.

Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC)

FLETC provides career-long training for law enforcement officers to help them perform their responsibilities safely and competently.

Office of Intelligence and Analysis

It provides the National Security system with the timely intelligence and information it needs to keep the country safe, secure, and resilient.

Office to Counter Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD)

CWMD works to prevent attacks against the United States with weapons of mass destruction (WMD), providing timely and effective support to operational partners.

Office of Health Safety (OHS)

OHS is the primary medical, occupational health and safety, and public health authority of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Office of Homeland Security Situational Awareness (OSA)

OSA provides operational coordination, information sharing, situational awareness, a common operational picture, and executes the Secretary's responsibilities across the national security system.

Office of the Ombudsman

This office analyzes, reports, and presents complaints, concerns, and recommendations to the appropriate agency for resolution.

The ombudsman's offices are independent of the agencies they oversee.

Science and Technology Directorate (S&T)

It is the Department's primary research and development arm. It provides federal, state, and local officials with the technology and capabilities needed to protect the nation's security.

Management Department

It is responsible for the budget, allocations and expenditure of funds; accounting and finance; the acquisition of goods and services; human resources and personnel.

Furthermore, its responsibility extends to information technology systems, facilities, properties, equipment, and other material resources. It is also responsible for providing biometric identification services and for identifying and monitoring performance indicators related to the Department's responsibilities.

What are the different DHS agencies and what role do they play?

16 DHS Agencies