Homeland Security's New Focus: From Terrorism to Domestic Immigration

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was created after the September 11 attacks. Its main purpose was to protect the country from international terrorism. Today, the department's most public actions are happening inside American cities. A significant number of its immigration officers are now deployed to major urban areas. Their focus is on domestic immigration enforcement. This shift has sparked debate. Critics question if this use of the department aligns with its original, security-focused mission. The change makes DHS one of the most visible federal agencies in daily community life. The department's evolving role continues to draw intense scrutiny from both policymakers and the public.