Which federal agency is responsible for securing and managing U.S. borders?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is responsible for securing and managing U.S. borders. This agency was created in response to the September 11 attacks and focuses on various aspects of national security, including immigration enforcement, border security, and disaster response. The DHS encompasses several key components that directly deal with border management, such as Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The mission of the DHS includes preventing illegal entry into the United States, facilitating lawful trade and travel, and ensuring that resources are in place to respond to emergencies. This holistic approach integrates various elements of security, including surveillance, intelligence sharing, and coordination with state and local law enforcement, making it the primary federal agency dedicated to this crucial aspect of national security.

In contrast, the other agencies mentioned have distinct missions. The Federal Bureau of Investigation primarily focuses on domestic intelligence and federal law enforcement, the Central Intelligence Agency is concerned with foreign intelligence gathering and national security, and the National Security Agency specializes in signals intelligence and information assurance. These agencies do not have a direct role in managing or securing U.S. borders in the way that the Department of Homeland Security does.