'Homeland Security' has spawned political insecurity since DHS was born

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security flag waves outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building as seen on January 07, 2026 in Washington, DC. According to reports, a federal agent allegedly fatally shot a woman in her car during an incident in south Minneapolis.

DHS was originally conceived in the interest of unity and harmony — and the phrase "homeland security" was originally meant to be reassuring.

(Image credit: Heather Diehl)