Who is over homeland security

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: As of 2023, the United States Secretary of Homeland Security is Alejandro Mayorkas, appointed by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the Senate on February 2, 2021. He leads the Department of Homeland Security, established in 2002 after the 9/11 attacks.

Key Facts

Alejandro Mayorkas was sworn in as Secretary on February 2, 2021, becoming the first Latino to hold the position.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was created on November 25, 2002, in response to the 9/11 attacks.
DHS oversees more than 240,000 employees and had a fiscal year 2023 budget of $60.4 billion.
The current Deputy Secretary is Eric Hysen, serving in an acting capacity since 2023.
DHS manages 22 component agencies, including TSA, ICE, CBP, and the Coast Guard.

Overview

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is responsible for safeguarding the nation from threats including terrorism, cyberattacks, and natural disasters. It was established in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to centralize national security functions under one federal agency.

Today, the Secretary of Homeland Security serves as the head of the department and a member of the President’s Cabinet. Leadership is critical in coordinating responses across multiple agencies and ensuring national resilience.

Alejandro Mayorkas became the 7th Secretary of Homeland Security on February 2, 2021, following Senate confirmation by a 56–43 vote.
The position was created in 2003 when Tom Ridge, former Governor of Pennsylvania, became the first Secretary after serving as the first Director of Homeland Security.
The Secretary oversees operations across 22 component agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
As of 2023, DHS employs over 240,000 personnel, making it one of the largest federal departments.
The department’s annual budget has grown from $37 billion in 2003 to $60.4 billion in fiscal year 2023, reflecting expanded responsibilities.

How It Works

The Secretary of Homeland Security is nominated by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, serving at the President’s discretion. The role involves policy development, crisis management, and interagency coordination to protect national security.

Term: The Secretary serves at the pleasure of the President, with no fixed term. Appointees typically resign when a new administration takes office unless reappointed.
Chain of Command: The Secretary reports directly to the President and works closely with the National Security Council and other Cabinet members.
Emergency Powers: During national crises, the Secretary can deploy federal resources, including the National Response Framework and FEMA personnel.
Border Security: DHS manages over 5,500 miles of land borders and 95,000 miles of coastline, coordinating with CBP and the Coast Guard.
Cybersecurity: The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), part of DHS, defends federal networks and critical infrastructure from cyber threats.
Immigration Enforcement: ICE and USCIS handle immigration enforcement and processing, with over 10 million applications reviewed annually.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of DHS leadership and structure across administrations since the department’s founding.

Secretary	Term Start	Administration	Major Initiatives
Tom Ridge	2003	George W. Bush	Established DHS, created Homeland Security Advisory System
Michael Chertoff	2005	George W. Bush	Led response to Hurricane Katrina, expanded border security
Janet Napolitano	2009	Barack Obama	Reformed TSA, created DHS Office of Cybersecurity
John Kelly	2017	Donald Trump	Enforced travel bans, expanded interior immigration enforcement
Alejandro Mayorkas	2021	Joe Biden	Modernized immigration policy, prioritized cybersecurity resilience

This table highlights how each Secretary has shaped DHS priorities in response to evolving threats. While early focus was on counterterrorism, recent leadership has emphasized cybersecurity, disaster response, and immigration reform.

Why It Matters

The leadership of DHS directly impacts national safety, immigration policy, and emergency preparedness. With increasing cyber threats and climate-related disasters, the role has become more complex and vital.

Public Safety: DHS coordinates responses to over 70 presidential disaster declarations annually, deploying FEMA and other resources.
Counterterrorism: The department prevents attacks through intelligence sharing with the FBI and TSA screening of 2.5 million travelers daily.
Border Management: In 2022, CBP apprehended over 2.3 million individuals at the southern border, reflecting ongoing migration challenges.
Cyber Defense: CISA responded to over 80,000 cyber incidents in 2022, including ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure.
Policy Influence: The Secretary shapes immigration rules, visa processing, and asylum policies affecting millions of people.
Global Leadership: DHS collaborates with international partners on aviation security, counter-narcotics, and pandemic preparedness.

Effective leadership ensures that DHS adapts to emerging threats while maintaining civil liberties and public trust. As challenges evolve, the Secretary’s role remains central to national security.