Fact Sheet

Date: March 2, 2007
Contact: HSTF-SE Joint Information Center

FACT SHEET - Operation Vigilant Sentry

Operations Plan Vigilant Sentry (OVS) is the Department of Homeland Security's comprehensive plan for a Caribbean mass migration. OVS was developed in 2003 by Homeland Security Task Force Southeast (HSTF-SE) under the requirements of Homeland Security Presidential Directive number five, and was signed by the Secretary of Homeland Security in 2004.  

HSTF-SE was established by the Secretary of Homeland Security, as a standing task force that is in effect at all times, although full-activation of the task force does not happen until the mass migration plan is implemented. Pursuant to the Secretary's direction, the Commandant of the Coast Guard designated the Coast Guards Seventh District Commander, Rear Admiral David W. Kunkel, as the Director of the HSTF-SE.  The Director designated the sector Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent, Paul Blocker, as his Deputy.   

A mass migration has the potential to overwhelm independent agency action, and threaten the safety and security of the United States.  Since no single agency has the capability or resources to respond effectively to this contingency, an organizational plan and structure that can rapidly and effectively combine DHS forces with those of other federal, state and local agencies is necessary.

OVS describes the basic organization and structure by which HSTF-SE will deploy resources and direct multi-agency operations to address a potential or full-scale mass migration event.  Additionally, this plan provides guidance for four, broad mass-migration activities:  (1) at sea rescue and interdiction operations in response to a mass migration from Cuba, Haiti, or other Caribbean nations; (2) deterrence and dissuasion; 3) land-based-law enforcement operations; and (4) migrant processing, protection, and detention procedures. 

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