On October 2, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released its 2025 Homeland Threat Assessment (HTA), providing a comprehensive overview of the evolving threats to public safety and security in the United States. This assessment is designed to inform both the public and DHS partners, including federal, state, and local agencies, about the current threat landscape and to assist in preparing, preventing, and responding to these threats.

Key Findings of the 2025 HTA

1. Public Safety and Security

  • Terrorism: The threat of terrorism, both domestic and foreign, remains high. Factors contributing to this include potential violent extremist responses to domestic sociopolitical developments, particularly the 2024 election cycle, and international events such as the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Lone offenders and small groups pose the greatest threat, while foreign terrorist organizations like ISIS and al-Qa’ida continue to aim for attacks in the Homeland.
  • Illegal Drugs: The smuggling and sale of illegal drugs, particularly fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, continue to pose a lethal threat. DHS has increased resources to address this issue, resulting in a significant reduction in overdose deaths. However, fentanyl remains the most lethal drug trafficked into the country.

2. Influence Operations and Transnational Repression

  • State actors are expected to use subversive tactics to undermine confidence in U.S. domestic institutions. These actors target ethnic and religious minorities, political dissidents, and journalists to silence and harass critics abroad.

3. Border and Immigration Security

  • The complexities of the immigration system and the activities of transnational criminal organizations continue to strain border security. The HTA highlights the need for enhanced measures to manage migration trends and combat criminal activities at the border.

4. Critical Infrastructure Security

  • The threat of disruptive and destructive cyber and physical attacks on critical infrastructure remains significant. These attacks target essential services and networks, posing a risk to national security and economic stability.

5. Economic Security

  • Economic manipulation, coercion, and espionage by foreign actors threaten the economic security of the United States. These activities aim to undermine U.S. economic interests and gain strategic advantages.

Conclusion

The 2025 Homeland Threat Assessment underscores the dynamic and multifaceted nature of the threats facing the United States. By providing detailed insights into these threats, the DHS aims to enhance the preparedness and response capabilities of its partners and ensure the safety and security of the American people. The collaboration between DHS and its federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, and private sector partners is crucial in addressing these challenges and safeguarding the Homeland.

Resource

Department of Homeland Security
DHS.gov

 

By Eugene Nielsen

Eugene Nielsen provides Protective Intelligence, Red Teaming, Consulting and Training Services. He has a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of California. His byline has appeared in numerous national and international journals and magazines.

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