C.B.P. Media Releases Feb. 2015


Record Breaking Marijuana Seizure at Otay Mesa Cargo: CBP Officers Find More Than 15 Tons of Marijuana Hidden in Mattress Shipment
Friday, February 27, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseOTAY MESA, Calif. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Otay Mesa cargo port of entry Thursday seized more than 15 tons of marijuana hidden in a cargo shipment of mattresses. The seizure is the largest narcotics seizure ever at the...
Read More

CBP Field Operations, HSI Seize a Total of Over $200K in Unreported Currency in Outbound Enforcement Action at the Gateway International Bridge
Friday, February 27, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseBROWNSVILLE, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) at the Gateway International Bridge in Brownsville, Texas arrested a man and a woman from Bryan, Texas for allegedly...
Read More

U.S. Citizen Faces Drug Charges, Fine for Illegal Entry
Friday, February 27, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseYUMA, Ariz. -- Early Thursday (Feb. 26), a Yuma Station Border Patrol agent arrested a man who illegally entered the United States by crossing the Colorado River. The subject claimed to be a United States citizen and that he crossed illegally...
Read More

CBP Laredo Field Office Hosts Informed Compliance Briefing on Cabotage
Thursday, February 26, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseLaredo, Texas –U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Laredo Field Office this week held a briefing aimed at providing transportation industry representatives employing drivers with B1/B2 laser visas with a better understanding of cabotage to help...
Read More

OAM, Border Patrol Make Dual Seizures in Ajo
Thursday, February 26, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseTUCSON, Ariz. — Agents from the Office of Air and Marine and the Office of Border Patrol together conducted two seizures in the Ajo area Feb. 19, netting more than 1,600 pounds of marijuana, two vehicles, and two suspects arrested. In the first...
Read More

Douglas CBP Officers Seize $48K in Marijuana
Thursday, February 26, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseCBP officers assigned to the Port of Douglas seized nearly 96 pounds of marijuana from the tires of a smuggling vehicle. TUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers assigned to the Port of Douglas arrested a 56-year-old man from...
Read More

Lukeville CBP Officers Seize $57K in Hard Drugs
Thursday, February 26, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseTUCSON, Ariz. — A 33-year-old Phoenix woman was arrested after a failed drug smuggling attempt at the Port of Lukeville. CBP officers at the Port of Lukeville were alerted to the presence of meth and heroin inside the trunk of a smuggling vehicle,...
Read More

CBP Officers Seize Nearly $146K in Hard Drugs
Thursday, February 26, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseTUCSON, Ariz. – Customs and Border Protection officers arrested a Mexican national Feb. 23 in connection to a failed attempt to smuggle more than 23 pounds of heroin and methamphetamine through the Port of Nogales. Officers and a CBP narcotics-...
Read More

Border Patrol Prevents MS-13 Gang Members, Convicted Sex Offenders From Hitting U.S Streets
Thursday, February 26, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseTUCSON, Ariz. –Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents made 12 significant arrests between Jan. 29 and Feb. 24 involving MS-13 gang members and illegal immigrants convicted of sex crimes. Agents from the Ajo, Casa Grande and Tucson stations arrested one...
Read More

Nogales CBP Agriculture Specialists Intercept Dangerous Citrus Pest
Thursday, February 26, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseNOGALES, Ariz. –U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists at the Port of Nogales commercial facility intercepted a significant citrus pest, an Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri) (Kuwayama), while inspecting a shipment of...
Read More

CBP Officers At El Paso Port Remove Smuggled Alien From Hidden Compartment
Thursday, February 26, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseEL PASO, TEXAS - U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operation officers working at the El Paso port of entry apprehended an alien smuggler Wednesday. The driver of a pickup truck was arrested after CBP officers discovered a female...
Read More

Eagle Pass CBP Officers Seize $800,000 worth of Cocaine at Port
Thursday, February 26, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseEAGLE PASS, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry foiled a cocaine smuggling attempt yesterday, seizing nearly $800,000 worth of drugs. CBP officers at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry foiled a cocaine...
Read More

Construction to Close 905 Southbound into Mexico for Two Nights March 11-12; Construction Planned from February 22 - March 27
Thursday, February 26, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseSAN DIEGO — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials are notifying travelers of closures due to construction that may affect border crossers planning to use the Otay Mesa border crossing into Mexico during the month of March. CBP began...
Read More

CBP Air and Marine Apprehend Migrants Near Miami
Thursday, February 26, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseMIAMI- U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Air and Marine (OAM) personnel apprehended 10 migrants in the waters off Miami after deploying warning shots and disabling fire to successfully interdict a vessel on Feb. 24. Marine interdiction...
Read More

Mobile Passport Control App Expands to Miami International Airport
Thursday, February 26, 2015 | National Media ReleaseWASHINGTON—U.S. Customs and Border Protection today announced the expansion of Mobile Passport Control (MPC) to Miami International Airport. MPC is the first authorized app to expedite a traveler’s entry process into the United States. Eligible...
Read More

CBP Arrests Global Entry Applicant
Thursday, February 26, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseSAN ANTONIO – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the San Antonio International Airport arrested a Global Entry applicant on an active arrest warrant when he arrived for his CBP interview as part of the Global Entry process...
Read More

RGV Sector Border Patrol Seizes over 1,900 Pounds of Marijuana
Wednesday, February 25, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseRIO GRANDE CITY, Texas — U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Rio Grande City Border Patrol Station successfully interdicted three narcotics seizures totaling over 1,900 pounds of marijuana on Tuesday, with an estimated value of more than $1.5...
Read More

Border Patrol Agent Assaulted by Brush Guide
Wednesday, February 25, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseRIVIERA, Texas ̶̶ A Border Patrol agent was assaulted in the brush during the apprehension of several subjects on Monday, Feb. 23. The incident occurred just south of Highway 285, north of the Sarita Border Patrol Checkpoint. At approximately 5...
Read More

Agents Intercept Three Human Smuggling Loads near U.S./Mexico Boundary Line
Wednesday, February 25, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseCAMPO, Calif.—Earlier this week, U.S. Border Patrol agents from San Diego Sector arrested 23 illegal aliens north of the border approximately 17 miles east of the Tecate Port of Entry in East San Diego County. Early Monday morning, a Border Patrol...
Read More

Del Rio Sector Border Patrol Agents Seize 1,100 Pounds of Marijuana Worth $1 Million
Wednesday, February 25, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseDEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents working in the Del Rio Sector seized more than 1,100 pounds of marijuana, with an estimated value of $1 million in five different incidents, in recent weeks. On Feb. 21 at approximately 10 p.m., agents from...
Read More

CBP Marine Unit Apprehends Migrants After Boat Chase in Florida
Wednesday, February 25, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseMIAMI – U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Air and Marine (OAM) Marine Interdiction Agents (MIAs) apprehended 37 migrants and a suspected smuggler near Fort Lauderdale on Feb. 23. CBP OAM marine agents apprehend migrants off the coast of...
Read More

$3 Million Marijuana Bust Leads to Discovery of Sophisticated Smuggling Tunnel
Wednesday, February 25, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseNACO, Ariz. – Federal agents continue to investigate Tuesday morning’s discovery of a sophisticated cross-border drug tunnel uncovered overnight in Naco, following a traffic stop by local police that yielded more than two tons of marijuana....
Read More

San Juan CBP Seizes 222 pounds of cocaine inside container
Tuesday, February 24, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseSAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) field operations officers seized Sunday 222 pounds (100.5 Kilos) of cocaine inside a duffle bag concealed inside a container arriving from Caucedo, Dominican Republic. The estimated...
Read More

CBP Seizes 124 Pounds Of Marijuana At Presidio Port Of Entry
Tuesday, February 24, 2015 | Local Media ReleasePRESIDIO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers working at the Presidio port of entry seized 124 pounds of marijuana Monday morning. CBP Officers at the Presidio port of entry discovered that the specially...
Read More

CBP Officers Nab Man Attempting To Smuggle Methamphetamine in Landscaping Equipment
Monday, February 23, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseTECATE, Calif. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Tecate port of entry Friday arrested a man after discovering almost 84 pounds of methamphetamine stashed inside a lawn mower and garden trash can that were being transported in the...
Read More

CBP Intercepts Suspect Vessel Loaded with Contraband after Detection by the USCG
Monday, February 23, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseSAN DIEGO – A U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Air and Marine (OAM) crew intercepted a suspect vessel near Santa Rosa Island in California on February 17. The vessel was initially detected and tracked by a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) C-130...
Read More

Crystal Methamphetamine Seized By CBP At El Paso Port
Monday, February 23, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseEL PASO, Texas -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers working at the El Paso port of entry seized 9.26 pounds of methamphetamine in a seizure on Sunday. The estimate street value of the seized contraband is $222,...
Read More

Calexico Station Border Patrol Arrest Four after Intercepting Marijuana Smuggling Attempt
Monday, February 23, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseCALEXICO, Calif. – Friday, El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Calexico Station arrested four individuals after discovering approximately 148 pounds of marijuana in a vehicle. Shortly before 7 p.m., Border Patrol agents observed...
Read More

CBP Rescues Hitchhiking Baby Squirrel
Monday, February 23, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseHOUSTON – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the George Bush Intercontinental Aircraft were notified by aircraft operations employees Feb. 18 about a baby squirrel discovered aboard an aircraft. The aircraft had just arrived from...
Read More

CBP Canine at SFO Makes 10,000th Agriculture Seizure
Monday, February 23, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseSAN FRANCISCO—Benny, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture canine working at San Francisco International Airport, reached a notable milestone last month when he and his CBP agriculture specialist handler Maria Bertram made their 10,000th...
Read More

Dulles CBP Arrests Herndon, VA Man Wanted for Sex Assault on a Minor
Friday, February 20, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseSTERLING, Va., — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers arrested Daniel Alexander Hernandez Amaya, 20, Wednesday at Washington Dulles International Airport on multiple Herndon felony charges for sex assault on a minor. Hernandez Amaya was...
Read More

San Diego Border Patrol Arrest Two who Entered US Illegally via Jet Skis
Friday, February 20, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseIMPERIAL BEACH, Calif.—U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested two adults this morning at the south end of Coronado Silver Strand State Beach. The male and female subjects had entered the U.S. illegally by jet ski. The incident began at approximately 5:...
Read More

CBP and EPA Seize and Re-export More Than 730 Illegal Vehicles, Engines at LA/Long Beach Seaport
Thursday, February 19, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseLOS ANGELES— Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced the results of a 90-day joint operation targeting foreign-made vehicles and equipment imported without proper emission controls in...
Read More

CBP Officers At El Paso Port Make Four Marijuana Seizures Wednesday
Thursday, February 19, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseEL PASO, TEXAS -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operation officers working at the El Paso port of entry seized 236 pounds of marijuana Wednesday. The drugs were seized in four different cases. “CBP...
Read More

CBP Officers Bust Internal Heroin Carrier at Del Rio Port
Thursday, February 19, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseDEL RIO, Texas – Federal authorities at the Del Rio Port of Entry arrested a local man after discovering he had nearly three ounces of heroin hidden in a body cavity. “Our frontline CBP officers’ experience and attention to detail are essential in...
Read More

Shooting Under Investigation
Thursday, February 19, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseDel Rio, Texas – A U.S. Border Patrol agent assigned to the Carrizo Springs Border Patrol Station was involved in a shooting yesterday wherein an undocumented alien sustained a gunshot wound. The incident occurred at approximately 9 a.m. yesterday...
Read More

RGV Sector Border Patrol Agents Make Large Marijuana Seizure, Apprehend Two Subjects
Wednesday, February 18, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseFALCON HEIGHTS, Texas - U.S. Border Patrol agents (BPAs) assigned to the Rio Grande City Station this week seized more than 2,000 pounds of marijuana in Falcon Heights, Texas. Two subjects were also taken into custody. Bundles containing 2,918...
Read More

San Luis CBP Officers Seize Nearly $207K in Meth
Wednesday, February 18, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseSAN LUIS Ariz. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the San Luis Port of Entry seized $206,850 in methamphetamine during three unrelated weekend incidents. Officers arrested a 38-year-old local man after a canine alerted...
Read More

Nogales CBP Officers Seize Nearly $5.8 Million in Drugs
Wednesday, February 18, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseTUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Nogales, Arizona seized more than $5,796,000 worth of marijuana and heroin during five unrelated weekend incidents. An officer’s canine assistant at the Nogales Commercial facility Feb....
Read More

Douglas CBP Officers Seize $125,275 in Marijuana
Wednesday, February 18, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseTUCSON, Ariz. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers assigned to the Port of Douglas arrested a 24-year-old Mexican national after finding more than 250 pounds of marijuana concealed in a hidden compartment within the bed of a 1997 Ford...
Read More

Calexico Station Border Patrol Seizes Marijuana Near Port of Entry
Wednesday, February 18, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseCALEXICO, Calif. – Tuesday, El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Calexico Station arrested three Mexican citizen men for suspected drug smuggling after discovering more than 145 pounds of marijuana in their vehicle. El Centro...
Read More

CBP Laredo Field Office Rolls Out PRIDE Initiative, Names Professionalism Service Managers
Wednesday, February 18, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseLAREDO, TEXAS –U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Laredo Field Office today announced the rollout of the PRIDE Initiative, a re-dedication to Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity and Excellence throughout the CBP officer workforce at...
Read More

Norfolk, Va., CBP Intercepts Destructive Khapra Beetle and Region’s First Plane Tree Bug
Wednesday, February 18, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseNORFOLK, Va., — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists at the Port of Norfolk, Va., have made several significant interceptions since the start of the fiscal year, including the region’s first documented discovery of a...
Read More

CBP Preclearance Intercepts Cocaine Hidden in the Lining of a Suitcase
Wednesday, February 18, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseORANJESTAD, Aruba— U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Oranjestad-Aruba Preclearance facility intercepted 7.25 pounds of cocaine concealed in the lining of a traveler’s suitcases. The subject and narcotics were turned over to Aruba...
Read More

CBP Identifies, Coordinates Interdiction of Suspect Aircraft with State Police, ICE
Wednesday, February 18, 2015 | National Media ReleaseALEXANDRIA, La. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Air and Marine (OAM) identified and interdicted a suspect aircraft at the Alexandria International Airport in Alexandria, Louisiana, Feb. 11. More than 34 pounds of contraband with an...
Read More

CBP Officers Seize Over 12,174 Pounds of Marijuana at Brownsville Port of Entry’s Veterans’ Bridge Cargo Facility
Tuesday, February 17, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseBrownsville, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized alleged marijuana valued at nearly $2,434,760 at the Veterans’ International Bridge import lot. Bundles containing part of a total of 12,174 pounds of marijuana...
Read More

CBP Field Operations Arrests Outstanding Fugitives at Rio Grande Valley International Bridges
Tuesday, February 17, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseHIDALGO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo and Roma International Bridges arrested eight persons wanted on outstanding arrest warrants for violations ranging from sexual and aggravated assault...
Read More

Trusted Traveler Attempting to Smuggle Drugs Arrested at Peace Bridge
Tuesday, February 17, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseBuffalo, N.Y. – On Monday, Feb. 16, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers arrested a U.S. citizen female at the Peace Bridge after she was found to be in possession of methadone, prescription pills and other drug paraphernalia. “This was an...
Read More

RGV Sector Border Patrol Agents Apprehend Subject Wanted for Murder out of Harris County, Texas
Sunday, February 15, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseENCINO, Texas - Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol agents this weekend apprehended a fugitive near Encino, Texas who had an outstanding arrest warrant for murder from Harris County, Texas. The incident occurred on Feb. 14 when agents from the...
Read More

Valentine’s Day Flowers Insect Free
Friday, February 13, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseJAMAICA, NY – Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists working at the New York area ports of entry are busy making sure that imported flowers used in Valentine’s Day bouquets are free...
Read More

Indio Agents Seize Cocaine at Highway 86 Checkpoint
Friday, February 13, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseSALTON CITY, Calif. – Thursday, El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Indio Station checkpoint arrested a man, for suspected drug smuggling after discovering more than 31 pounds of cocaine in the 1999 Jeep Cherokee he was driving. At...
Read More

Don’t Delay, Get Your I-94 Today
Friday, February 13, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseTUCSON, Ariz. – Travelers holding a Mexican border-crossing card (or “laser visa”), and planning to make an extended visit to the United States during the Easter holiday season, are urged to apply for their I-94 early to avoid expected delays at...
Read More

Savannah, GA CBP Hosts Exercise with Seaport Partners to Test Cargo Ops Business Resumption Plan
Friday, February 13, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseSAVANNAH, Ga., — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations at the Port of Savannah hosted a multi-agency and industry tabletop exercise January 21 at Georgia Ports Police Department Auditorium to test CBP Savannah’s...
Read More

San Juan International Airport among top 10 in cut flower volume in the United States
Thursday, February 12, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseSAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Flowers are one of the most popular gift items during the yearly celebration of Valentine’s Day and other popular yearly celebrations, but they could also be the hiding place for dangerous pests. Detecting and preventing...
Read More

CBP Reminds Travelers About Prohibited Flowers From Mexico; Chrysanthemums, Gladiolas, Murraya Not Permitted at Passenger Ports of Entry
Thursday, February 12, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseSAN DIEGO — With Valentine’s Day approaching, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials want to remind travelers of prohibited flowers from Mexico, so there are no surprises at the border. Chrysanthemums, gladiolas, and orange jasmine from Mexico...
Read More

Rio Grande Valley agents seize 1,600 pounds of marijuana
Thursday, February 12, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseBundles seized by Rio Grande Valley agents EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol agents confiscated more than $1 million worth of marijuana during multiple seizures. The largest seizure occurred while Rio Grande City Station...
Read More

CBP Accepts Modernized UH-1N Twin-Engine Helicopter after Complete Overhaul
Thursday, February 12, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseVAN NUYS, Calif. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Air and Marine (OAM) received the first of eight completely overhauled UH-1N twin-engine helicopters this week. This economical overhaul allows OAM to maintain critical capabilities...
Read More

CBP Officers Find 133 Pounds of Hard Narcotics in Minivan with Family of Four; Methamphetamine, Cocaine, and Heroin Worth $1.4 Million
Wednesday, February 11, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseOTAY MESA, Calif. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Otay Mesa port of entry Tuesday seized about 133 pounds of methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine concealed within the wall panels and seats of a minivan with a family of four....
Read More

Douglas CBP Officers Seize Ammunition at Port
Wednesday, February 11, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseCBP officers in Douglas, Ariz. locate a box of ammunition hidden in the waist of a smugglers pants. TUCSON, Ariz. — Three hundred rounds of ammunition headed for Mexico were seized Feb. 10 by Customs and Border Protection officers assigned to the...
Read More

Three undocumented migrants to be prosecuted for attempting to re-enter the US
Wednesday, February 11, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseSAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Three citizens of the Dominican Republic will be prosecuted for violation to federal immigration law after being intercepted by the Caribbean Border Interagency Group (CBIG) while attempting to re-enter the US last weekend...
Read More

Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol arrests man with murder warrant and two sex offenders
Wednesday, February 11, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseEDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Rio Grande Valley Sector arrested a man with an outstanding murder warrant in Mexico and two sex offenders over the weekend. All were attempting to illegally enter the United States. Agents...
Read More

Dulles CBP Finds Over 5.5 Lbs of Liquid Methamphetamine
Wednesday, February 11, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseSTERLING, Va., – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) at Washington Dulles International Airport seized over five and one-half pounds of liquid methamphetamine from an El Salvadoran woman Saturday that was...
Read More

RGV Sector agents seize nearly $3.2 million worth of marijuana on Monday alone
Wednesday, February 11, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseEDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol agents confiscated nearly $3.2 million worth of marijuana Monday during multiple seizures. One of several siezures on Monday The largest seizure occurred near Los Barreras when Rio Grande...
Read More

Valentine Flowers and Treats: CBP Field Operations Advises Travelers to ‘Know Before You Go’
Tuesday, February 10, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseDEL RIO, Texas— With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists are advising travelers to “Know Before You Go”. A CBP agriculture specialist inspects flowers for potential foreign plant pests...
Read More

Twenty One Arrested, $688,500 in Marijuana Seized
Tuesday, February 10, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseYUMA, Ariz. — Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents seized 1,377 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $688,500, and arrested 21 suspects during several weekend incidents. Agents working west of Gila Bend apprehended seven individuals Thursday evening...
Read More

Del Rio Border Patrol Agents Arrest Previously Deported Sex Offender
Tuesday, February 10, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseDEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Del Rio Station apprehended a convicted sex offender on Feb. 9. Agents patrolling near the Rio Grande River encountered Sinai Gomez-Yanez, 35, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico....
Read More

Yuma Sector Welcomes Executive Officer
Tuesday, February 10, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseExecutive Officer Luis A. Cuevas YUMA, Ariz. — Yuma Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Eric M. Odden announced today the promotion of a 17-year Border Patrol veteran to the position of Executive Officer. Luis A. Cuevas, formerly a Watch Commander...
Read More

Border Patrol Interdicts Criminals at I-19 Checkpoint
Tuesday, February 10, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseTUCSON, Ariz. – Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents arrested three suspects and seized narcotics worth approximately $263,700 at the I-19 checkpoint over the weekend. On Feb. 6, a canine at the I-19 checkpoint assisted agents in the discovery of $35,...
Read More

Douglas CBP Officers Seize $235K in Marijuana
Tuesday, February 10, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseCBP officers at the Port of Douglas seized 349 packages of marijuana from a smuggling vehicle, including numerous packages underneath the hood. TUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers assigned to the Port of Douglas arrested a...
Read More

Four Arrested, More Than $257,000 in Drugs Seized
Tuesday, February 10, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseTUCSON, Ariz. – Customs and Border Protection officers arrested two Mexican nationals and two U.S. citizens during separate recent attempts to smuggle methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and marijuana through the Port of Nogales. Officers at the Dennis...
Read More

CBP Agriculture Specialists Prevent Harmful Insects from Entering the United States
Tuesday, February 10, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseMIAMI—In the weeks leading to Valentine’s Day, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) highly trained agriculture specialists inspect millions of cut flower imports because some of these flowers may carry hitchhiking pests and diseases that could...
Read More

CBP, Coast Guard and HSI interdict $29 million dollar cocaine shipment north of Puerto Rico
Tuesday, February 10, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseSAN JUAN, Puerto Rico —U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Air and Marine, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), seized a 989 kilograms (2,180 pounds) cocaine...
Read More

Douglas CBP Officers Seize $49K in Marijuana
Tuesday, February 10, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseCBP officers at the Port of Douglas seize marijuana from within a smuggling vehicle including the spare tire. TUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers assigned to the Port of Douglas arrested a 33-year-old woman from Hermosillo...
Read More

Naco CBP Officers Seize $254K in Heroin
Tuesday, February 10, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseCBP officers located 18 pounds of heroin within the manifold area of a smuggling vehicle. TUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers arrested two Mexican nationals Feb 6 for attempting to smuggle 18 pounds of heroin through the...
Read More

CBP Inspects Flowers and More
Tuesday, February 10, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseGREAT FALLS, Mont. — Every day U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists inspect imports of flowers, fruit, grain, and seeds to make sure they are free from pests and diseases. Historically, CBP agriculture specialists...
Read More

CBP In El Paso Ensures Valentine’s Day Flowers Are Pest-Free
Tuesday, February 10, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseEL PASO, Texas – In the weeks leading to Valentine’s Day, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s highly trained agriculture specialists ensure that plant diseases and plant pests are detected and stopped from being introduced into the United States...
Read More

CBP Seizes Live Giant African Snails
Monday, February 9, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseHOUSTON -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport seized six live giant West African snails from a passenger’s baggage on Feb. 2. Giant West African Snails were seized at a Houston...
Read More

CBP Ensures Pest-free Flowers for Valentine’s Day
Monday, February 9, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseLAREDO, Texas – In the weeks leading to Valentine’s Day, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s highly trained agriculture specialists stand poised to examine millions of flower stems to ensure that plant diseases and plant pests are detected and...
Read More

Calexico CBP Officers Discover 125 Pounds of Liquid Meth in Fuel Tank
Monday, February 9, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseCALEXICO, Calif. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Calexico downtown port of entry Sunday arrested a man after discovering more than 15 gallons or 125 pounds of liquid methamphetamine concealed in the fuel tank of the pickup he...
Read More

Four Illegal Aliens on Jet Skis Intercepted
Monday, February 9, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseIMPERIAL BEACH, Calif.—Last night, U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested three women and a male juvenile on the north end of Coronado Silver Strand State Beach who had entered the U.S. illegally by jet ski. The incident began at approximately 10 p.m.,...
Read More

El Centro Sector Border Patrol Halts Drug Smuggling Attempt by Ultra-Light Aircraft
Monday, February 9, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseCALEXICO, Calif. – On Sunday, U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Calexico station seized more than 230 pounds of marijuana near Bowker Road and Interstate 8. It was suspected that the drugs were smuggled into the United States via ultra-...
Read More

El Centro Sector Border Patrol Discovers Half a Ton of Marijuana along River
Monday, February 9, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseCALEXICO, Calif. – Monday, U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Calexico station on patrol discovered more than 1000 pounds of abandoned marijuana along the Alamo River with an estimated value of more than $628,000. Agents discovered 1048 pounds of...
Read More

CBP Preclearance Intercepts Liquid Cocaine Concealed in Luggage
Monday, February 9, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseORANJESTAD, Aruba—U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Oranjestad-Aruba Preclearance facility intercepted 11.46 pounds of liquid cocaine concealed inside a traveler’s luggage. The subject and narcotics were turned over to Aruba Customs...
Read More

CBP Nassau Preclearance Leads in Currency Seizures among Preclearance Facilities
Monday, February 9, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseNASSAU, Bahamas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Nassau Preclearance facility seized approximately $845,000 in unreported currency from passengers traveling to the United States from the Bahamas in fiscal year 2014. Individuals are...
Read More

Calexico CBP Officers Uncover Almost 400 Pounds of Marijuana Stashed in Tour Bus
Friday, February 6, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseCALEXICO, Calif. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Calexico East port of entry Thursday arrested the driver of a commercial touring bus after discovering more than 391 pounds of marijuana concealed inside the vehicle’s fuel tank...
Read More

Joint Targeting South Texas Corridor Team Efforts Result in 100 Years of Jail Time
Friday, February 6, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseSOUTH TEXAS -The South Texas Campaign, an integrated enforcement effort that harnesses the joint capabilities of federal, state and local law enforcement to break down criminal networks and their ability to operate in the South Texas corridor,...
Read More

El Centro Sector Border Patrol Assists Local Elementary School with Nutrition Olympics
Friday, February 6, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseEL CENTRO, Calif. -- Agents from the El Centro Sector Border Patrol’s Border Community Liaison Program assisted the Imperial County Public Health Department and Westmorland Union Elementary School in conducting their annual “Nutrition Olympics” on...
Read More

More Than 156,000 Hazardous Toys and 15,000 Counterfeit Knives Seized by CBP Baltimore
Friday, February 6, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseBALTIMORE — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and import specialists at the Port of Baltimore seized over 156,000 hazardous toys and over 15,000 counterfeit folding knives in two different shipments during the months of September and...
Read More

CBP Agriculture Specialists Detect Two Destructive Pests in South Florida
Friday, February 6, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseMiami, Florida - U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists (CBPAS) at two south Florida ports of entry recently intercepted two destructive pests within commercial produce shipments. A specimen of Helicoverpa armigera, intercepted...
Read More

Rio Grande Valley Sector Agents Seize Nearly $3.8 Million Worth of Marijuana in 4 Days
Friday, February 6, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseEDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol agents have seized nearly $3.8 million worth of marijuana since the beginning of February. Multiple seizure net millions in marijuana The largest seizure occurred Tuesday night near Rio...
Read More

CBP Opens a Global Entry Enrollment Center at Nashville International Airport
Thursday, February 5, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseNASHVILLE, Tenn.—U.S. Customs and Border Protection opened today a new Global Entry Enrollment Center at Nashville International Airport. Global Entry, a CBP trusted traveler program, allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers...
Read More

Border Patrol Agents Seize more than $500,000 of Hard Narcotics Stuffed in SUV
Thursday, February 5, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseSAN CLEMENTE, Calif.—San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents arrested a woman on Wednesday who had more than $500,000 of methamphetamine and cocaine hidden in her SUV. More than 46 lbs. of narcotics were discovered in SUV by San Diego Border Patrol...
Read More

Passport Imposter Arrested at Peace Bridge
Thursday, February 5, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseBUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry arrested a traveler who attempted to enter the U.S. using another person’s passport. “An individual is considered an imposter when they present a...
Read More

Douglas CBP Officers Seize $132K in Marijuana
Thursday, February 5, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseThe entire headliner of a smuggling vehicle is found to contain a large number of packages of marijuana. TUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers assigned to the Port of Douglas arrested a 21-year-old man from Agua Prieta,...
Read More

CBP, Harbor Police Arrest New Orleans Murder Suspect in Port Fourchon
Thursday, February 5, 2015 | Local Media ReleasePORT FOURCHON, La. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers and CBP Office of Air and Marine (OAM) interdiction agents participated in the arrest in Port Fourchon, La., Wednesday of a subject wanted in New...
Read More

CBP Intercepts Destructive Beetle in Luggage
Thursday, February 5, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseDALLAS -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists stationed at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport learned in January that they intercepted Khapra beetles from passenger baggage on five different occasions in recent months...
Read More

Border Patrol Agents Arrest Three, Seize $215K in Marijuana
Thursday, February 5, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseYUMA, Ariz. — Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to Wellton Station seized 430 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $215,000, Feb.4. The agents were patrolling near the Cabeza Prieta Wildlife Refuge when they spotted footprints of a small...
Read More

CBP Rescues Migrant in Huachuca Mountains
Thursday, February 5, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseTUCSON, Ariz. – Agents from the Tucson Sector Border Patrol and the Office of Air and Marine’s Tucson Air Branch rescued an injured illegal immigrant in the Huachuca Mountains near Sierra Vista, Arizona. On Feb. 3, at approximately 4 p.m., agents...
Read More

Border Patrol Agents Join Operation Crazy Bull to Target Drug Traffickers in Northwest Pennsylvania
Thursday, February 5, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseFAIRVIEW, Pa. – On February 4, Erie Station Border Patrol Agents participated in Operation Crazy Bull, targeting drug traffickers in northwest Pennsylvania and other states. The effort included federal and state agencies, result of a two-year...
Read More

San Diego Border Patrol Agents Arrest Two Women with Two Men Stashed Inside Car Trunk
Wednesday, February 4, 2015 | Local Media ReleasePINE VALLEY, Calif.—U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested two women at the Interstate 8 checkpoint yesterday for smuggling two men. Two Mexican national men were hidden inside car trunk. At approximately 5 p.m., Border Patrol agents encountered a...
Read More

CBP Employees Receive Award for Blood Donations
Wednesday, February 4, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseBUFFALO, N.Y. – On February 4, Unyts, western New York’s only organ, eye, tissue and community blood center, presented U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Port of Buffalo with a plaque to commemorate their blood donations during the 2014...
Read More

CBP Seizes $12 Million in Counterfeit Goods in Operation Super Fake
Wednesday, February 4, 2015 | National Media ReleaseCINCINNATI—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) interdicted nearly 700 shipments of counterfeit merchandise valued at $12 million as a part of a Super Bowl XLIX focused operation conducted from January 26 through 29 at the express consignment...
Read More

CBP Field Operations at Hidalgo Port of Entry Seizes Over $2 Million in Narcotics During January
Wednesday, February 4, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseHIDALGO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry seized $2,293,000 worth of narcotics, arrested 37 persons wanted on arrest warrants and assessed $2,550 in penalties for...
Read More

Douglas CBP Officers Seize $58K in Marijuana
Wednesday, February 4, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseCBP officers at the Port of Douglas located and remove packages of marijuana concealed within the doors of a smuggling vehicle. TUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers assigned to the Port of Douglas arrested a 21-year-old...
Read More

United States Nominates Ana B. Hinojosa for World Customs Organization Director Post
Wednesday, February 4, 2015 | National Media ReleaseWASHINGTON—U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced today the nomination of Ana B. Hinojosa as the U.S. candidate for the post of Director, Compliance and Facilitation, of the World Customs Organization. Ana B. Hinojosa as the U.S. candidate...
Read More

Rio Grande Valley Agents Arrest Seven Sex Offenders over the Weekend
Tuesday, February 3, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseEDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Rio Grande Valley Sector arrested seven sex offenders who were illegally present in the United States. The apprehended sex offenders have convictions for sexual assault crimes involving children,...
Read More

CBP Officers Seize More Than $1M in Hard Drugs
Tuesday, February 3, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseTUCSON, Ariz. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Nogales seized nearly 111 pounds of heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine during separate incidents Jan. 28 and 29. CBP officers at the DeConcini crossing seized more than $700,000 worth...
Read More

Naco CBP Officers Seize $79K in Marijuana
Tuesday, February 3, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseTUCSON, Ariz. – Two Mexican nationals were arrested in separate incidents Jan. 28 for attempting to smuggle a combined 157 pounds of marijuana through the Port of Naco. Officers remove 109 pounds of marijuana from the spare tire of a smuggling...
Read More

Douglas CBP Officers Seize $63K in Marijuana
Tuesday, February 3, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseDrug smugglers attempted to hide packages of marijuana within the seats of a smuggling vehicle intercepted at the Port of Douglas. TUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers assigned to the Port of Douglas arrested a 21-year-old...
Read More

Meth and Cocaine Seized at I-19 Checkpoint
Tuesday, February 3, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseTUCSON, Ariz. - Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents seized nearly 27 pounds of methamphetamines and 15 pounds of cocaine at the I-19 checkpoint Jan. 30, with a combined value of $262,102. Border Patrol agents remove meth from the spare tire of a...
Read More

Border Patrol agents arrest 23, seize $326,500 in marijuana during multiple incidents
Tuesday, February 3, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseYUMA, Ariz. — Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to Wellton Station seized 653 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $326,500, and arrested 23 suspects during separate incidents recently. Agents working near Dateland tracked a group of...
Read More

CBP Officers Seize Nearly $125K in Marijuana
Tuesday, February 3, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseTUCSON, Ariz. – Customs and Border Protection officers arrested a pair of Mexican nationals during separate, weekend attempts to smuggle approximately $124,500 in marijuana through the Port of Nogales. Officers at the DeConcini crossing discovered...
Read More

Two Arrested, Nearly $67,000 in Meth Seized
Tuesday, February 3, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseTUCSON, Ariz. – Customs and Border Protection officers arrested two Mexican nationals during separate attempts to smuggle methamphetamine through the Port of Nogales on Jan. 30. CBP officers at the DeConcini crossing seize more than 19 pounds of...
Read More

San Luis CBP Officers Seize Meth from Bicycle
Tuesday, February 3, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseCBP officers at the Port of San Luis locate 26 packages of meth concealed within the bike tire tubes of a mountain bike. TUCSON, Ariz. —Customs and Border Protection officers assigned to the Port of San Luis arrested a 60-year-old Mexican man Jan...
Read More

CBP Premieres New Welcome Videos for International Air Travelers
Tuesday, February 3, 2015 | National Media ReleaseWASHINGTON—U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes more than 100 million international air travelers to the United States each year. CBP premiered four new videos today that demonstrate the improved international arrivals experience and better...
Read More

CBP Begins Naloxone Pilot Program
Tuesday, February 3, 2015 | National Media ReleaseWASHINGTON—U.S. Customs and Border Protection has begun a pilot program to train and equip officers with Naloxone, a potentially life-saving drug for the treatment of opioid overdoses. CBP officers participating in the pilot program receive training...
Read More

CBP Officers were Busy Keeping Drugs from Entering the Country during Super Bowl Weekend
Tuesday, February 3, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseSAN DIEGO, Calif. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Calif. ports of entry stopped 13 drug smuggling attempts over the weekend and seized $2.6 million worth of cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana and heroin. Also, officers...
Read More

CBP Field Operations Arrests Hargill Woman in Connection with Alleged Trunk Smuggling Incident
Monday, February 2, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseHIDALGO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo International Bridge arrested a 44-year-old female resident alien from Hargill, Texas after she allegedly attempted to smuggle an undocumented Mexican...
Read More

CBP Field Operations Seizes $1 Million in Cocaine at Rio Grande Valley International Bridges
Monday, February 2, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseHIDALGO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo and Pharr International Bridges seized $1,051,000 worth of alleged cocaine in two separate, unrelated incidents and arrested two persons in connection...
Read More

CBP Field Operations Seizes over 1,600 pounds of Marijuana at the Del Rio International Bridge
Monday, February 2, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseDEL RIO, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, at the Del Rio International Bridge recently discovered nearly $322,000 worth of marijuana concealed within a shipment of Saltillo tile coming from Ciudad Acuña,...
Read More

CBP To Host Trade Fair In El Paso February 5
Monday, February 2, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseEL PASO, TEXAS - The El Paso Field Office will be hosting a trade fair to provide general and specific information about current trade processes. The target audience for this trade fair includes importers, customhouse brokers, carriers and others...
Read More

CBP Officers At Santa Teresa Port Seize 600+ Pounds Of Marijuana
Monday, February 2, 2015 | Local Media ReleaseSANTA TERESA, N.M. -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operation officers working at the Santa port of entry made two marijuana seizures totaling 614 pounds on Super Bowl Sunday. The drugs were concealed in the ceiling of a van and...
Read More