Analysis
The statement aligns with DHS’s foundational mission, as outlined in the **Homeland Security Act of 2002** and subsequent strategic documents, which explicitly prioritize border security as a cornerstone of national security. Napolitano, as DHS Secretary at the time, consistently emphasized this connection in testimony and agency communications. The claim is a factual representation of policy, not a disputable assertion, though its *effectiveness* (not its accuracy) could be debated. No credible evidence contradicts the core premise that border security is framed as a subset of homeland security.
Background
Created in 2002 post-9/11, DHS consolidated agencies like Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the premise that securing borders prevents threats (e.g., terrorism, drug trafficking, illegal immigration). Napolitano’s tenure (2009–2013) focused on 'layered security' strategies, including border enforcement, as documented in DHS’s **2012–2016 Strategic Plan**. Critics argue over *methods* (e.g., deportation priorities) but not the policy linkage itself.
Verdict summary
Janet Napolitano’s 2013 statement accurately reflects the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) long-standing policy framework linking border security to broader homeland security objectives.