The Department of Homeland Security marked its 23rd anniversary on Sunday, reflecting on its creation after the September 11, 2001, attacks while facing a partial government shutdown and recent tensions in Iran. Secretary Kristi Noem highlighted the agency's ongoing efforts in security and disaster response despite budgetary constraints. The celebration underscores DHS's role in border enforcement, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism under President Donald Trump.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began operations on March 1, 2003, following its formation in November 2002, to consolidate the nation's domestic security efforts in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Today, DHS manages areas including border security, immigration enforcement, cybersecurity, disaster response, counterterrorism, and maritime interdiction.
In a statement for the anniversary, Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the agency's adaptability: “As the threat landscape continues to evolve, DHS is there. By air, land, sea, or in cyberspace, the DHS workforce boldly confronts the threats our nation faces every day.” She added, “We are working diligently to prevent cybersecurity and terror threats, safeguard the southern border, reform our broken immigration system, and help Americans in the face of natural disasters. Our mission could not be achieved without your extraordinary courage and commitment. I am especially grateful to those of you who are serving during the current shutdown without a paycheck.”
Amid a partial government shutdown, DHS has implemented measures to conserve funds while maintaining essential national security operations. The shutdown has heightened political tensions, with Democratic opposition linked to the agency's enforcement actions contributing to the funding dispute.
Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, DHS reported achievements such as nine consecutive months of zero migrant releases at the southern border, ending what officials called the previous administration's “catch and release” policy. Border apprehensions in Trump's first year back in office were lower than the average monthly figure under the prior administration. Over the last 13 months, nearly 3 million illegal aliens departed the United States, including 2.2 million self-deportations and more than 713,000 deportations. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 1,538 known or suspected terrorists and removed 1,534, alongside thousands of gang members from groups like Tren de Aragua and MS-13.
On cybersecurity, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency blocked billions of malicious connections on federal networks and hundreds of millions targeting critical infrastructure. Customs and Border Protection seized over 617,000 pounds of illicit drugs, including more than 10,000 pounds of fentanyl, while the U.S. Coast Guard intercepted over 547,000 pounds of illegal narcotics—nearly three times the usual annual amount—preventing hundreds of millions of lethal doses.
DHS also collaborated with the Department of Health and Human Services to locate 145,000 unaccompanied minors lost under previous policies and reformed the Federal Emergency Management Agency to speed state-led disaster responses. President Trump approved 12 federal emergency disaster declarations in recent months.
Regarding recent conflict in Iran, Noem stated on X that she is “in direct coordination with our federal intelligence and law enforcement partners as we continue to closely monitor and thwart any potential threats to the homeland.” Department leaders affirm that DHS's core mission—to protect the homeland—persists despite fiscal and global challenges.
