DHS Overlapping Missions

Overlapping Missions of Operating Agencies within DHS The mission set of each and every one of the operational agencies within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is critical in the overall success of the DHS mission, keeping America free from terrorist activity. The task of protecting our nation against terror is a no-fail mission, and each of the organizations with the DHS has a critical role with their own staff of expert personnel, trained and proficient in a unique set of skills to contribute to this highly important mission. In any organization charged with providing security, it is imperative to ensure there are no gaps in the protection to be provided. Within the Department of Homeland Security this is no different,
One way that ICE aids in the support of the Homeland Security mission is through narcotic smuggling interdiction operations, and they do so by, “…conducting undercover operations, utilizing confidential informants, special enforcement operations and conducting contraband smuggling investigations.” (www.ice.gov, n.d.). ICE executes these operations all around this country, on land, sea, and air, with High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces. With highly competent and well-trained agents in the narcotics interdiction field, the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement provide our nation with a valuable weapon against the ever-growing and evolving war on drugs. These drug enforcement assets, however, are not the only entities that play an important role within this organization, for the Counterterrorism and Criminal Exploitation Unit provides invaluable support to Homeland Security’s mission of keeping our nation safe against a growing threat of
This combined effort, known as the Office of Air and Marine, is an entity within the CBP that provides aviation and vessel support to our many challenging tasks of law enforcement, counter-drug and terrorism operation, as well as disaster and emergency relief. In order to bring together these many different organizations, a Senior Guidance Team comprised of CBP, ICE and USCG personnel work together to maximize the effectiveness of the OAM. With this combined effort, these three organizations multiply their ready response and efficiency, and future operations against the threats posed to our nation will only be made easier to deal with as they