Significant Cases

Whether you’re a screenwriter, student, or simply interested in the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the pages in this section will provide a unique glimpse into what went on behind the scenes of some of the Department’s most well-known cases.

Though you may have heard these stories on the news or read them in a press release, what you’ll find here you won’t find anywhere else. These case histories are written in a unique serialized narrative fashion to give the reader a sense of how it actually felt to be a first responder, special investigator, or crisis management coordinator during some of the most impactful events in recent American history.

From Hurricane Sandy, to the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing, to rescuing victims of human trafficking and stopping drug smugglers in their tracks; you’ll find it here. Simply click through a topic that interests you to get started.

Border Security Cases

Explore the strategies and special equipment used to maintain the integrity of the Nation’s border across a range of challenging environments, from tundra to tunnels.
Cyber Crime Cases

In the age of the Internet, crime has truly gone global. Explore how DHS’ digital detectives track down cyber criminals, no matter where in the world they hide.
Fraud Investigation Cases

From counterfeit designer clothing to bogus pharmaceuticals, fraud by its very nature is a crime of deception. Explore how DHS sees past the fake facade to bring the makers to justice.
Human Trafficking Cases

Human trafficking is a hidden and heartbreaking crime perpetuated by sophisticated criminal networks. Explore how DHS wages war against this form of modern-day slavery and rescues victims.
Immigration Enforcement Cases

By land, sea, and air, dangerous individuals attempt to illegally enter the United States every day. Explore how DHS detects and removes those who pose the biggest threat to our national security.
Major Event Security Cases

Our most celebrated and high-profile events, like the Super Bowl and the State of the Union Address, make ideal targets for terrorists and other criminals. Explore DHS’ process for covering every angle and thwarting would-be attacks.
Natural Disasters and Severe Weather Cases

Few events have the kind of devastating, destructive power on scale with natural disasters and severe weather events. Explore how DHS mobilizes against the forces of nature to mitigate their effects and help the nation recover.
Smuggling Cases

For as long as there have been illegal goods, there have been those trying to sneak them past authorities. Explore how DHS detects and systematically dismantles vast smuggling empires.
Terrorism Cases

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security was created as the result of the worst terrorist attack in our nation’s history. Explore how DHS fights to prevent such attacks, as well as how it responds to acts of terrorism and hunts down the perpetrators.
Transportation Security Cases

The free movement of people and goods is key to our prosperity and to freedom itself. Explore how DHS personnel safeguard the nation’s transportation networks and the individuals using them.