What the Secretary of Homeland Security does
Protects the U.S. from terrorism, controls the borders, and leads disaster response.
Common misconceptions(3)
- Handles all law enforcementActually: Most law enforcement is state and local. DHS focuses on borders, immigration, aviation, and counterterrorism.
- Sets immigration lawsActually: Congress writes immigration law. DHS enforces it and decides who to detain, deport, or admit under that law.
- Runs the Secret ServiceActually: Secret Service was moved to DHS in 2003, so yes — but presidential and financial protection are distinct missions from border control.
