Intelligence and Security during Bush’s Second Administration

In this essay, Patricia de los Ríos analyses the legal and political aspects of the process that led to the creation of the Homeland Security Department (HSD) by taking a closer look at its objectives, functions and elements of its structure. Created one month after the September 11 terrorist attacks by President George W. Bush with a view to reorganizing the US security system, the objectives of the HSD include: preventing terrorist attacks on the United States; reducing the country’s vulnerability to terrorism; minimizing damage and facilitating recovery in the event of a possible attack. The author goes on to point out that, faced with the onerous task of directing such an ambitious project, questions have been raised as to whether or not the HSD is the most effective means of guaranteeing national security in the face of a terrorist threat. She also refers to major changes that have strengthened the Republican position during the second administration of President Bush, causing rifts among the opposition. Finally, as regards the relationship between Mexico and the United States, De los Ríos mentions two new agreements intended to promote bilateral cooperation in the area of security: a mechanism between the HSD and the CISEN in Mexico, and the US-Mexico Border Partnership.