Which agency absorbed the duties of INS and Border Patrol in 2003?

The duties of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and the Border Patrol were absorbed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in 2003 as part of a larger restructuring of the U.S. government's approach to immigration and border security following the events of September 11, 2001. The establishment of DHS aimed to unify various agencies and functions to enhance national security and streamline efforts in combating terrorism and managing immigration.

This restructuring led to the creation of several divisions within DHS, including the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which took on many of the operational responsibilities related to border security that were previously under the jurisdiction of the INS and Border Patrol. However, it is important to recognize that while CBP handles enforcement and border security functions, the overall strategic direction and framework of these responsibilities came under the DHS as the overarching agency.

Thus, the correct answer reflects the broader organizational change that occurred with the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security, which integrated various functions and agencies to respond more effectively to security challenges.