The Mistakes Behind the Creation of the Department of Homeland Security

The formation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks has been a subject of considerable debate. Critics argue that this massive governmental restructuring was riddled with errors, leading to inefficiencies and a fragmented approach to security that could have been avoided. The story of the DHS's creation is not just about its establishment but also about the myriad missteps that fundamentally altered the landscape of U.S. government operations.

Building on a Troubled Legacy

The journey to establishing the DHS begins in the shadow of one of the darkest days in American history. The headquarters of the Department of Homeland Security is located on the site of the former Saint Elizabeths Hospital, a psychiatric facility with a somber history. For nearly 85 years, the facility held mental patients in cells before being shut down in 1937. The transition of this property to the DHS in 2010 marked the beginning of a significant construction project, the largest in the history of the General Services Administration (GSA).

While some parts of the old buildings have been restored, and a new Coast Guard building has been constructed, the current operations of DHS are largely centered around a massive underground facility that stretches four stories deep. This underground operation, while impressive in its scale, raises questions about the efficiency and effectiveness of DHS's current approach.

Mistake 1: A Colossal Error in Restructuring

One of the most significant and controversial aspects of the DHS's creation was the restructuring of various critical agencies. The new department took on a sprawling array of responsibilities, many of which could have and should have remained in their original hands. Some notable examples include:

Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Warfare analysis were removed from the Department of Defense (DOD). Cyber warfare was also taken away from the DOD. The Secret Service, whose primary role is protecting the nation's financial infrastructure, was moved from the Treasury Department. Customs moved from the Treasury Department to DHS. The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) was taken out of the Justice Department. The Strategic National Stockpile and the National Disaster Medical System were moved from the Department of Health and Human Services. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was removed from the Transportation Department. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service was taken away from the Department of Agriculture. Plum Island Animal Disease Center became part of DHS. The Energy Security and Assurance program was removed from the Department of Energy, despite the latter's critical role in overseeing the nuclear stockpile.

These moves, while well-intentioned, created a fragmented and redundant system that has been criticized for its inefficiencies. The unraveling of these choices has continued years after the initial roll-out, with several of these issues being recognized and rectified only after a lengthy process.

Conclusion: A Warning for Future Policymakers

The creation of the Department of Homeland Security stands as a cautionary tale about the complexity of government restructuring following a national crisis. It is a reminder of the importance of maintaining a clear and focused approach to security, rather than a sprawling and confusing system that can undermine effectiveness.

As the government faces new challenges in an ever-evolving security landscape, the lessons from the DHS's creation offer valuable insights. Policymakers must be cautious not to make similar mistakes, ensuring that any changes are thoroughly analyzed and justified to maintain a streamlined and effective system.