March 3, 2006 - Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and the Secretary of Governance of Mexico, Carlos Abascal, signed an Action Plan to combat border violence and improve public safety. The commitment between the two nations will strengthen procedures between federal law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border to respond to different scenarios ranging from accidental crossings to incidents of violence, or other situations that present risks to those who live, work, or travel at our common border.

“Criminal networks operating at the border are increasingly emboldened and represent alarming risks to our security and public safety.  Their lawlessness is intolerable, and together we will confront them with the full force of the law,” said Secretary Chertoff.  “We are pledging swift and aggressive action to combat violent criminal activity at the border, and we'll continue to share critical information to target and dismantle these dangerous criminal networks.”

February 24, 2006 - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has implemented a multi-layered strategy to keep U.S. ports safe and secure.  Since 9/11, federal funding for port security has increased by more than 700 percent, new technologies have been deployed, and additional technologies are being developed.   To bolster security, $630 million has been provided to our largest ports, including $16.2 million to Baltimore; $32.7 million to Miami; $27.4 million to New Orleans, $43.7 million to New York/New Jersey; and $15.8 million to Philadelphia.

How to Get Help   Response and recovery information for survivors and businesses. Links to government benefits, services, and education. (DisasterHelp.GOV)

Donate and Volunteer  (USA Freedom Corps)

Finding Friends and Information  Find loved ones, replace your records (vital records, driver’s license, passport), hotlines and answers to questions about the hurricane. (FirstGov)

Health and Safety   Links to health, water, food, and worker safety. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC)

What Government is Doing   Overall view of what government agencies are doing. Links to resources for the media. (DHS)

En Espanol   Enlaces a información en español sobre salud, seguridad y cómo solicitar asistencia. (FirstGov)