Fact Sheet

Date: March 2, 2007

Contact: HSTF-SE Joint Information Center

Fact Sheet - Homeland Security Task Force Southeast 

Established by Secretary of Homeland Security order dated June 24, 2003 the Homeland Security Task Force Southeast (HSTF-SE) is a joint task force that provides the framework for the coordination of a unified response under a single command and control organization for all Department of Homeland Security agencies. The Task Force strives to bring all of the resources and capabilities of the Department in the most effective and efficient manner while providing for the safety and security of the Southeastern U.S.

By presidential directive, HSTF-SE is responsible for the development and execution of Operations plan Vigilant Sentry (OVS) which includes interdiction, detention, screening, processing and repatriation during a mass migration from a Caribbean nation.

The Task Force is currently activated to exercise the assignment roles of participating agencies in the event of a mass migration from a Caribbean nation. The excercise concept has been developed to enhance the performance of DHS agencies and their federal, state and local partners in a range of contingency operations requiring increased inter-agency coordination

Rear Admiral David W. Kunkel, commander of the Seventh Coast Guard District has been appointed as HSTF-SE Director and Chief Patrol Agent, Paul Blocker, U.S. Border Patrol, is Deputy Director.

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