GovernmentDefense

What does the Department of Homeland Security do?

Data updated January 23, 2025

The Department of Homeland Security is an executive branch agency responsible for protecting the United States against potential threats. Its primary functions include anti-terrorism efforts, border security, immigration and customs enforcement, cybersecurity, and disaster prevention and management. It was established in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and began operations in 2003.

Other names and abbreviations for the Department of Homeland Security:

  • DHS
In FY 2024,

$89.3B

was spent by the Dept. of Homeland Security
In FY 2024,

1.3%

of federal spending was by the Dept. of Homeland Security
The Department of Homeland Security spent $89.3 billion in fiscal year (FY) 2024. This was 1.3% of the $6.8 trillion in overall federal spending. The department ranked 10th among federal agencies in total spending.

The Department of Homeland Security accounted for 1.3% of all federal spending in FY 2024.

10 government agencies accounted for 97.0% of federal spending in FY 2024

Federal spending may shift over time due to population growth, changes in policy and programs, and emerging problems to address. Since FY 2003, overall federal spending has risen 83.3%, while Department of Homeland Security spending has increased 64.0%.
The department’s spending grew less than overall spending, which means that the department’s share of the federal budget decreased. In FY 2003, the Department of Homeland Security accounted for 1.3% of all federal spending, 0.1 percentage points higher than in FY 2013. In the last 20 years, that share has decreased 0.2 points.
Major legislation, internal or global economic conditions, and acute events like the COVID-19 pandemic can affect spending year to year. For example, the federal budget fluctuated during the pandemic, rising from $5.3 trillion (in 2023 dollars) in 2019 to $7.7 trillion in 2020 and $7.8 trillion in 2021.

The Department of Homeland Security’s share of federal spending in FY 2024 was lower than FY 2003.

Percentage of federal budget dedicated to DHS, FYs 1980–2024

Most federal spending can be categorized as direct or indirect. Direct spending refers to money the federal government spends on budget items such as federal programs, employee salaries, and debt interest. Indirect spending refers to federal transfers to state and local governments.
In FY 2024, the Department of Homeland Security transferred 29.2% of its total spending to states and local governments.
The chart below outlines all DHS spending.

How did the Department of Homeland Security spend its budget in 2024?

Federal government spending isolated to DHS, FY 2024

Federal agencies often contain divisions including bureaus, offices, and subagencies. In FY 2024, the Department of Homeland Security's divisions with the highest expenditures were the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Customs and Border Protection, and the Coast Guard.

The Department of Homeland Security’s highest-spending division is the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

DHS spending by division, FY 2024

Who leads the Department of Homeland Security?

DHS is headed by the secretary of Homeland Security, who is nominated by the president, confirmed by the Senate, and then sworn into office. They are one of the 15 cabinet members who serve at the president's discretion, overseeing the nation's efforts to ensure public safety, border security, and disaster response. This appointed position typically ends when the appointee resigns, is replaced, or when a new president takes office and appoints their own cabinet, though some may serve temporarily during transitions between administrations.

Methodology

USAFacts standardizes data, in areas such as time and demographics, to make it easier to understand and compare.

Page sources

USAFacts endeavors to share the most up-to-date information available. We sourced the data on this page directly from government agencies; however, the intervals at which agencies publish updated data vary.

  • Office of Management and Budget and US Department of the Treasury

    Budget of the US Government and Monthly Treasury Statement

    Office of Management and Budget and US Department of the Treasury logo