Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS)

Description of Role:
Created after September 11, 2001, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) focuses on such issues as terrorism prevention, border security and immigration, disaster response, and cybersecurity. Agencies such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Transportation Security Administration are part of this department. The secretary must help the president and other National Security Council (NSC) members understand any risks to the United States and its citizens that may arise from the situation and possible policy responses.

The secretary of homeland security’s goals are to
  • advise the president on the homeland security dimensions of crises and potential policy responses, including any threats or implications for U.S. border security; and
  •  ensure the implementation of steps to protect the country and manage any security risks arising from the issue under consideration.
Issues for Consideration:
  • How does international terrorism threaten U.S. national security? In particular, how much of a threat to the United States are al-Qaeda leaders?
  • What are the immediate security risks of the policy options being considered in this case? For example, what would be the implications if U.S. forces involved in a raid were captured or killed?
  • How could various policy options affect the security of the U.S. homeland and U.S. citizens and interests abroad, such as through retaliatory efforts by al-Qaeda or other groups?
  • What is the effect of various counterterrorism practices on terrorist recruitment, global extremism, and public support for extremist ideologies? Could certain policies fuel the forces they are trying to extinguish?
Research Leads: