People in front of border fence

Counterterrorism, Borders, and Immigration

The Counterterrorism, Borders, and Immigration Mission Area seeks to inform the decisions of DHS staffs in reducing risk and allocating scarce resources against terrorist threats. It includes a broad spectrum of security challenges and a diverse sponsor base within and outside DHS.

The counterterrorism component informs and improves efforts to deter or defeat terrorist operations. The component also focuses on security operations, law enforcement, investigative activities, and efforts to mitigate unauthorized acquisition and use of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials.

The borders and immigration component develops strategies and improves operations to reduce the flow of illegal immigrants and contraband, and adjudicate applications for citizenship and legal residence.