AGUADILLA, Puerto Rico –U.S. Border Patrol agents, along with Air and Marine Operations (AMO) and the Isabela Municipal Police Department, searched and apprehended Tuesday 11 aliens from the Dominican Republic and Haiti after landing in northwestern Puerto Rico. 

“The arrival of unaccompanied alien minors is an unusual occurrence in our area,” indicated Xavier Morales, Chief Patrol Agent of the Ramey Sector. “Having minors venture across the Mona Passage is a very dangerous situation for which we are very concerned.”

Border Patrol Agents discovered a 25ft makeshift vessel with two outboard motors abandoned in a beach in Isabela, Puerto Rico, containing food products originating from the Dominican Republic.  

Border Patrol Agents, AMO and Isabela Police conducted an extensive search and apprehended a total 11 illegal aliens, seven of which are juveniles; four Dominican females, one Haitian female, two Dominican males, as well as three adult Dominican females, and one adult Haitian male.

The Municipal Police from Isabela, Operation Stonegarden partners, assisted in the transportation of the migrants that will be processed under US immigration law.  The juveniles are under the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Health and Human Services.

The Operation Stonegarden Grant Program (OPSG) is designed to enhance cooperation and coordination from the U.S. Border Patrol with local, tribal, territorial, state and federal law enforcement agencies in a joint mission to secure the border.   

The Ramey Sector is one of the twenty-one Sectors spread out across the United States. Encompassing the U.S. territorial islands of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, it is the only Border Patrol Sector located outside the continental United States. The Sector's entire border area is made up of coastline and its area of responsibility is made up of some 6,000 square miles of land and water area, including the twelve-mile band of territorial water surrounding the Islands.

For anonymous tips contact us at 1(800)981-1313.

Follow us on Twitter: @CBPCaribbean

AGUADILLA, Puerto Rico - Agentes de la Patrulla Fronteriza, junto con las Operaciones Aéreas y Marítimas (AMO, por sus siglas en inglés) y la Policía Municipal de Isabela, registraron el martes 11 extranjeros detenidos de República Dominicana y Haití después de desembarcar en el noroeste de Puerto Rico. 

"La llegada de menores extranjeros no acompañados es un hecho inusual en nuestra área", indicó Xavier Morales, Jefe de la Patrulla en el Sector Ramey. "Hacer que los menores se aventuren por el Paso de Mona es una situación muy peligrosa por la que estamos muy preocupados". 

Los agentes de la Patrulla Fronteriza descubrieron una yola de 25 pies con dos motores fuera de borda abandonados en una playa en Isabela, Puerto Rico, que contenía productos originarios de la República Dominicana. 

Los agentes de la Patrulla Fronteriza, AMO y la Policía de Isabela realizaron una búsqueda exhaustiva y detuvieron a un total de 11 extranjeros ilegales, siete de los cuales son menores de edad; cuatro mujeres dominicanas, una mujer haitiana, dos hombres dominicanos, así como tres mujeres dominicanas adultas y un hombre haitiano adulto. 

La Policía Municipal de Isabela, socios de Operation Stonegarden, asistió en el transporte de los migrantes que serán procesados ​​bajo la ley de inmigración de los Estados Unidos. Los menores están bajo la custodia del Servicio de Inmigración y Aduanas de los EE. UU. Y del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos. 

El Programa de Subvenciones de Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) está diseñado para mejorar la cooperación y la coordinación de la Patrulla Fronteriza las agencias locales, tribales, territoriales, estatales y federales en una misión conjunta para asegurar la frontera. 

El Sector Ramey es uno de los veintiún sectores repartidos por todo Estados Unidos. Abarcando las islas territoriales de los Estados Unidos de Puerto Rico y las Islas Vírgenes, es el único Sector de la Patrulla Fronteriza ubicado fuera del territorio continental de los Estados Unidos. Toda la zona fronteriza del Sector está formada por costas y su área de responsabilidad está formada por unas 6,000 millas cuadradas de tierra y agua, incluida la franja de doce millas de agua territorial que rodea las Islas. 

Para confidencias anónimas contáctenos al 1 (800) 981-1313. 

Siganos en Twitter: @CBP @CBPCaribbean

AGUADILLA, Puerto Rico – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (AMO), assisted the U.S. Marshal Service Tuesday in the extradition from the Dominican Republic of Wilson M. Vasquez-Rodriguez, one of the 10 most wanted criminals by law enforcement in Puerto Rico.

“We always support our federal, state and local partners in bringing dangerous criminals to justice,” stated Johnny Morales, Director, Air and Marine Operations for the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch.

An AMO DHC-8 Marine Patrol Aircraft flew two U.S. Marshals to the San Isidro Air Base in the Dominican Republic where the agents from the Dominican Republic’s National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD) handed over custody.  Mr.  Vasquez-Rodriguez was flown to the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport.

The Supreme Court of Justice of the Dominican Republic issued an arrest warrant against Mr. Vasquez-Rodriguez in response to a request for extradition from the United States.  Agents from the DNCD and the Public Ministry arrested Mr. Vásquez Rodríguez, 37, in the town of Matancita.

On Feb. 17, 2011, a Puerto Rico court accused Mr. Vasquez-Rodriguez, in absentia, for attempted murder and illegal use of a weapon on February 17, 2011, allocating a $ 750K bond.  Mr. Vasquez-Rodriguez faces charges of shooting the security guard in a San Juan nightclub.

Mr. Vasquez-Rodriguez appeared today in a San Juan court for arraignment.

AMO is a federal law enforcement organization dedicated to serving and protecting the American people through advanced aeronautical and maritime capabilities.  With approximately 1,800 federal agents and mission support personnel, 240 aircraft, and 300 marine vessels operating throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands, AMO conducts its mission in the air and maritime environments at and beyond the border, and within the nation's interior.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.— A CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) P-3 Orion Long Range Tracker crew assigned to the National Air Security Operations Center-Jacksonville, was conducting maritime patrols when they located and tracked a cocaine-filled go-fast style vessel in the Western Caribbean on July 26. 

The AMO P-3 crew maintained the initial radar contact of the target of interest, a 45-foot long, blue, open hull go-fast with four out-board engines.  Five individuals could be seen onboard removing a tarp that covered a portion of the vessel.  The crew provided the updated location of the vessel to partner agencies.

Two Panamanian Naval aircraft and a Panamanian Interceptor boat responded and arrived on scene to assist.

After spotting the aircraft and vessel, the individuals onboard the go-fast began dumping the suspected contraband into the sea.  The go-fast departed the area after dumping over 80 bales of contraband, later identified as cocaine.

The Panamanian Navy interdicted the go-fast, and took five Colombians into custody.  In addition, 8,791 pounds of cocaine was recovered from the scene, at an estimated wholesale value of $114.6 million.

The National Air Security Operations Center-Jacksonville forms half of the P-3 operations wing, along with its partner center in Corpus Christi, Texas. These P-3 aircraft operate throughout North and South America in defense of the borders of the United States and to prevent attempts to smuggle persons or contraband. The center is an active partner with FEMA, the U.S. Department of Energy and NORAD in times of national crisis such as Hurricane Harvey or post 9/11.

AMO is a federal law enforcement organization dedicated to serving and protecting the American people through advanced aeronautical and maritime capabilities. AMO interdicts unlawful people and cargo approaching U.S. borders, investigates criminal networks and provides domain awareness in the air and maritime environments, and responds to contingencies and national taskings. With approximately 1,800 federal agents and mission support personnel, 240 aircraft and 300 marine vessels operating throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands, AMO serves as the nation’s experts in airborne and maritime law enforcement.

In Fiscal Year 2018, AMO enforcement actions resulted in the approximate seizure or disruption of 283,503 pounds of cocaine; 301,553 pounds of marijuana; 180,444 pounds of methamphetamine; 872 weapons and $34.2 million. AMO enforcement actions also facilitated 2,373 arrests and 47,744 apprehensions of illegal aliens.

For more information about CBP, visit: CBP.gov, Flickr, DVIDS, or follow us on Twitter at @CBP and @CBP Florida.

DEL RIO, Texas – Agents from, CBP’s Air and Marine Operations rescued a woman who became severely ill while kayaking on the Pecos River, Aug. 3.

“I commend our agents for their swift, efficient action in responding to this potentially life-threatening situation,” said Director of Air and Marine Operations Quinton Burough. “In remote areas, often CBP Air and Marine Operations personnel and aircraft are the only lifeline for people in distress.”

Around 7:30 a.m., a Texas Parks and Wildlife game warden notified AMO agents at the Uvalde Air  Branch that a rescue beacon on the Pecos River had been activated. An AMO helicopter crew flew to the remote location and spotted a group of 6-8 people near the beacon. Due to the rugged terrain in the area, the helicopter crew could not land near the group. After landing on a nearby ridge, an aircrew member made his way down to the group, wading across the Pecos River. The AMO agent learned that a woman in the group had been  suffering from severe abdominal pains for 6-7 hours, and was very weak.

Rather than wait for ground transportation to arrive at the isolated, rugged location, agents decided to transport the woman by helicopter. Aircrew members and kayakers worked to clear a spot close to the woman, allowing the helicopter to land safely nearby.

The AMO helicopter crew flew the woman to the Comstock Border Patrol Station, where a waiting ambulance transported her to a Del Rio hospital for treatment.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Two off-duty firefighters have been reported lost at sea since Friday, Aug. 16, near Port Canaveral, Fla.  CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) is currently conducting search and rescue missions in hopes of locating the two men.   

Air and Marine Operations assets conducting search and rescue mission.

AMO in Jacksonville has deployed a P-3 Orion Long Range Tracker crew, two Multi-Role Enforcement Aircraft crews, and a marine crew onboard an Interim Midnight Express to assist in the search.

AMO in Jacksonville has been closely communicating with the U.S. Coast Guard in an effort to find the vessel and the individuals.

“I’ve seen the incredible support the families of these two men are receiving on social media,” said Director of Air and Marine Operations Jesse Wozniak.  “There are a lot of people working to find them and praying for their safety.  We are launching crews and assets with advanced maritime search capability in coordination with the Coast Guard to try to find them.”

AMO is a federal law enforcement organization dedicated to serving and protecting the American people through advanced aeronautical and maritime capabilities. AMO interdicts unlawful people and cargo approaching U.S. borders, investigates criminal networks and provides domain awareness in the air and maritime environments, and responds to contingencies and national taskings. With approximately 1,800 federal agents and mission support personnel, 240 aircraft and 300 marine vessels operating throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands, AMO serves as the nation’s experts in airborne and maritime law enforcement.

In Fiscal Year 2018, AMO enforcement actions resulted in the approximate seizure or disruption of 283,503 pounds of cocaine, 301,553 pounds of marijuana, 108,444 pounds of methamphetamine, 872 weapons, and $34.2 million; 2,373 arrests; and 47,744 apprehensions of illegal aliens.

For more information about CBP, visit: CBP.gov, Flickr, DVIDS, or follow us on Twitter at @CBP and @CBP Florida.

FAJARDO, Puerto Rico – U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations (AMO) agents, with support from the Puerto Rico Army National Guard and Caribbean Border Interagency Group (CBIG) partners seized Monday night 1,493 pounds (677 kilos) of cocaine and arrested two men near the Punta Santiago area of the municipality of Humacao, in the island’s east coast.  The estimated value of the seized cocaine is $17 million.

“Our collaborative efforts with federal and local law enforcement partners has been vital to detecting smuggling incidents such as this one,” stated Johnny Morales, Director, Air and Marine Operations for the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch.  

On the evening of Aug. 19, CBP AMO Marine Interdiction Agents from the Fajardo Marine Unit received a notification that a Puerto Rico Army National Guard helicopter had detected a lights out “yola” type vessel entering the area of Punta Santiago in Humacao, Puerto Rico. The aircraft crew could observe two persons on board and multiple bales of suspected contraband, as well as five individuals on the shoreline.

As the National Guard aircrew got closer the individuals on the shore absconded, but the crew maintained surveillance of the “yola” with the contraband. 

AMO Marine Interdiction Agents were able to intercept the vessel at the shoreline and arrested the two persons on board, finding 20 bales of suspected narcotics inside. 

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents assumed custody of the contraband and the individuals for investigation and prosecution. 

AMO is a federal law enforcement organization dedicated to serving and protecting the American people through advanced aeronautical and maritime capabilities.  With approximately 1,800 federal agents and mission support personnel, 240 aircraft, and 300 marine vessels operating throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands, AMO conducts its mission in the air and maritime environments at and beyond the border, and within the nation's interior.

Follow us on Twitter @CBPCaribbean

FAJARDO, Puerto Rico -Agentes de Operaciones Aéreas y Marítimas de Aduana y Protección Fronteriza de los Estados Unidos (AMO), con el apoyo de la Guardia Nacional de Puerto Rico y los socios del Grupo Interagencial de la Frontera del Caribe (CBIG) confiscaron el lunes por la noche 1,493 libras (677 kilos) de cocaína y fueron arrestados dos hombres cerca del área de Punta Santiago del municipio de Humacao, en la costa este de la isla. El valor estimado de la cocaína incautada es de $ 17 millones. 

"Nuestros esfuerzos de colaboración con socios federales y locales encargados de hacer cumplir la ley han sido vitales para detectar incidentes de contrabando como este", declaró Johnny Morales, Director de Operaciones Aéreas y Marítimas de la Rama Aérea y Marítima del Caribe. 

En la noche del 19 de agosto, los agentes de interceptación marina de CBP AMO de la Unidad de Fajardo Marine recibieron una notificación de que un helicóptero de la Guardia Nacional del Ejército de Puerto Rico había detectado un barco tipo "yola" apagado en el área de Punta Santiago en Humacao, Puerto Rico. La tripulación del avión pudo observar a dos personas a bordo y múltiples pacas de presunto contrabando, así como a cinco personas en la costa. 

A medida que la tripulación de la Guardia Nacional se acercaba, los individuos en la orilla se fugaron, pero la tripulación mantuvo la vigilancia del "yola" con el contrabando. 

Los agentes de interdicción marina de AMO pudieron interceptar el barco en la costa y arrestaron a las dos personas a bordo, encontrando 20 fardos de presuntos narcóticos en el interior. 

Los agentes de Investigaciones de Seguridad Nacional (HSI) del Servicio de Inmigración y Aduanas de los Estados Unidos (ICE) asumieron la custodia del contrabando y de las personas para su investigación y enjuiciamiento. 

AMO es una organización federal, adscrita a CBP, de ley y orden, dedicada a servir y proteger al pueblo estadounidense utilizando recursos aeronáuticos y marítimos avanzados. Con aproximadamente 1.800 agentes federales y personal de apoyo, 240 aviones y 300 embarcaciones marítimas que operan en los Estados Unidos, Puerto Rico y las Islas Vírgenes estadounidenses.  AMO lleva a cabo su misión en el aire y el mar, dentro y fuera de la frontera y el interior del país.

Follow us on Twitter @CBPCaribbean

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A helicopter crew from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) Bellingham Air and Marine Branch (BAMB) located a missing 90-year-old man on Thursday night.

The man was located after AMO received notification of a 90-year-old man with possible cognitive disabilities missing from a home in Ferndale. Two BAMB Air Interdiction Agents launched in an AMO AS-350 helicopter to conduct a joint search with Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office personnel.  Approximately 50 minutes after takeoff, the BAMB agents located the man. The BAMB agents directed ground search personnel to the man’s location and sheriff's office personnel evaluated the man’s condition.

The Bellingham Air and Marine Branch is Homeland Security’s Federal air and marine law enforcement arm within the Pacific Northwest. 

AGUADILLA, Puerto Rico– U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Border Patrol and Air and Marine Operations (AMO) agents, along with partners under the Caribbean Border Interagency Group (CBIG) apprehended seven aliens Tuesday from the Dominican Republic that landed in Playa Mujeres Beach in Mona Island.

Since the announced watch of Tropical Storm Dorian, CBP components and partners have apprehended 72 aliens from the Dominican Republic, and seized 42 pounds of cocaine. 

“This is a clear example how human smuggling organizations have complete disregard for the safety of the people they transport and assume that law enforcement is not vigilant.  They placed these individuals in the direct path of this tropical storm making them believe they made it to the main island of the archipelago of Puerto Rico,” indicated Xavier Morales, Chief Patrol Agent of the Ramey Sector.

On Aug. 27, Park Rangers from the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA), a Stonegarden partner, reported the landing of seven undocumented individuals claiming to be from the Dominican Republic.

US Coast Guard and CBP helicopters safely transported the seven aliens to the Aguadilla Rafael Hernandez International Airport, where Border Patrol Agents took custody of six males and one female, for immigration processing. 

All aliens claimed and appeared to be in good health. The smuggling vessel was not located.

CBIG was formally created to unify efforts of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) the United States Attorney's Office, District of Puerto Rico, and Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces of Rapid action (FURA) in their common goal of securing Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands against illegal maritime traffic and gaining control of our nation's Caribbean borders.

For anonymous tips contact the Ramey Border Patrol Sector at 1(800)981-1313.

Follow us on Twitter: @CBPCaribbean

AGUADILLA, Puerto Rico - Agentes de la Patrulla Fronteriza y Operaciones Aéreas y Marinas (AMO) de Aduana y Protección Fronteriza de los Estados Unidos (CBP), junto con socios del Grupo de Interagencial Fronterizo del Caribe (CBIG), capturaron a siete indocumentados el martes de la República Dominicana que desembarcaron en Playa Mujeres Playa en la isla de Mona. 

Desde el anuncio anunciado de la tormenta tropical Dorian, los componentes y socios de CBP han capturado a 72 extranjeros de la República Dominicana y han incautado 19 kilos de cocaína. 

"Este es un claro ejemplo de cómo las organizaciones de contrabando de seres humanos ignoran por completo la seguridad de las personas que transportan y asumen que las fuerzas del orden público no están vigilantes. Colocaron a estos individuos en el camino directo de esta tormenta tropical haciéndoles creer que llegaron a la isla principal del archipiélago de Puerto Rico ", indicó Xavier Morales, Jefe de Patrullas del Sector Ramey. 

El 27 de agosto, los guardaparques del Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales de Puerto Rico (DRNA), un socio de Stonegarden, informaron el desembarco de siete personas indocumentadas que afirman ser de la República Dominicana. 

La Guardia Costera de EE. UU. Y los helicópteros CBP transportaron de manera segura a los siete extranjeros al Aeropuerto Internacional Aguadilla Rafael Hernández, donde los Agentes de la Patrulla Fronteriza tomaron la custodia de seis hombres y una mujer, para el procesamiento de inmigración.

Todos los indocumentados reclamaron y parecían gozar de buena salud. La embarcacion de contrabando no fue localizada. 

CBIG se creó formalmente para unificar los esfuerzos de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza de EE. UU. (CBP), la Guardia Costera de EE. UU. (USCG), el Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE), la Fiscalía de los Estados Unidos, el Distrito de Puerto Rico y las Fuerzas Conjuntas de Policía de Puerto Rico Acción rápida (FURA) en su objetivo común de proteger a Puerto Rico y las Islas Vírgenes de los Estados Unidos contra el tráfico marítimo ilegal y obtener el control de las fronteras caribeñas de nuestra nación. 

Para obtener sugerencias anónimas, comuníquese con el Sector de la Patrulla Fronteriza de Ramey al 1 (800) 981-1313. 

Síganos en Twitter: @CBPCaribbean

SAINT AUGUSTINE, Fla.— Four United States citizens, clinging on to an overturned vessel, were spotted by an Air and Marine Operations (AMO) crew that had just departed the National Marine Training Center (NMTC) in Saint Augustine, Florida yesterday.  The crew was enroute to conduct training when they noticed and quickly responded to the rescue situation.  Breaking waves were pounding the vessel and the individuals just outside the Saint Augustine inlet.  The AMO crew, aboard a 38-foot Secure Around Flotation Equipped (SAFE) Boat, maneuvered close enough to the vessel, where they successfully tossed life jackets to each of the four individuals. 

The crew was able to pull each person onboard the AMO vessel by using a life ring.  All individuals seemed uninjured and were transported to an awaiting fire rescue vessel that arrived at the scene. 

“I am incredibly proud of the lifesaving efforts of our agents today. Four people are safe because of the training and dedication of NMTC Instructors, students, and agents,” said Director of National Marine Training Center Allen Gustafson.  “It is the responsibility of all mariners to respond to vessels in distress. In the performance of our mission safeguarding the maritime border of the U.S., AMO Marine Agents are always equipped and prepared to respond.”

AMO is a federal law enforcement organization dedicated to serving and protecting the American people through advanced aeronautical and maritime capabilities. AMO interdicts unlawful people and cargo approaching U.S. borders, investigates criminal networks and provides domain awareness in the air and maritime environments, and responds to contingencies and national taskings. With approximately 1,800 federal agents and mission support personnel, 240 aircraft and 300 marine vessels operating throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands, AMO serves as the nation’s experts in airborne and maritime law enforcement.

In Fiscal Year 2018, AMO enforcement actions resulted in the approximate seizure or disruption of 283,503 pounds of cocaine, 301,553 pounds of marijuana, 108,444 pounds of methamphetamine, 872 weapons, and $34.2 million; 2,373 arrests; and 47,744 apprehensions of illegal aliens.

For more information about CBP, visit: CBP.gov, Flickr, DVIDS, or follow us on Twitter at @CBP and @CBP Florida.

GRAND FORKS, ND – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO), National Air Security Operations Center - Grand Forks (NASOC-GF) officially opened its new facility on Grand Forks Air Force Base (GFAFB) today.

In April 2017, the U.S. Air Force (USAF) asked NASOC-GF to relocate its operational facility, due to the expanding USAF Global Hawk mission and the adjacency to their existing Global Hawk mission.  To facilitate this request Congress provided AMO $8,000,000 to fund the relocation effort on GFAFB. The relocation was completed with an expedited schedule, as was required, in order to support the USAF critical mission requirements.  

 “We have a lot to celebrate here today,” said Jonathan Miller, Executive Director, National Air and Security Operations. “This is one of very few MQ9 training programs outside the DOD and of those, the only federal law enforcement program. We have scores of new pilots and sensor operators who come through this center every year.”

The newly renovated facility has also enabled AMO to consolidate its unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and manned aircraft operations under one organizational structure and facility on Grand Forks Air Force Base. Prior to this consolidation, all manned CBP aircraft were located at Grand Forks International Airport.

“I could not ask for better integration and collaboration across the board,” said William “Hunter” Robinson, Director Air and Marine Operations. “I’m honored to lead an incredible team of consummate law enforcement professionals, as well as technical experts within our mission space.”

National Air Security Operations-Grand Forks operates fixed and rotary-wing aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems, conducts initial and recurrent UAS training, and enforcement operations with manned and unmanned aircraft. Additionally, NASOC-GF aids in disaster relief and emergency response efforts of its federal, state, local and tribal partners.

SAN DIEGO – Customs and Border Protection Air & Marine Operations Air & Marine Operations  (AMO) conducted two lifesaving rescues this week of five individuals who entered the country illegally.

The first rescue occurred on Tuesday at 5 p.m., after El Centro Sector Border Patrol requested air service for a group of distressed individuals in the remote mountainous area of Jacumba Wilderness Area near El Centro, Calf.  AMO launched a UH-60 Black Hawk  crew from Naval Air Station North Island.

The UH-60 crew proceeded to the remote area of El Centro and located the four distressed migrants who precariously ignited a small brush fire as a signal of their location.

The UH-60 crew landed and contacted the migrants.  An onboard Air & Marine Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) performed an initial assessment of one of the individuals who was unresponsive and appeared to be in advanced stages of heat stroke.  The other three migrants had succumbed to the elements and were provided hydration by the crew.  The UH-60 crew extinguished the small brush fire before it spread.

The aircrew coordinated with the El Centro Sector Border Patrol’s Border Search Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) team to transport and turn over the four migrants to them at a nearby access road. Three migrants were turned over to the BORSTAR team and the unresponsive migrants was flown to a Medical Center in Brawley, Calif., for emergency services. All four individuals were Mexican national men aged between 20 and 38-years-old.

The second rescue occurred on Wednesday at approximately 9 a.m., after a San Diego Air & Marine Branch UH-60 Black Hawk received a request from a San Diego Sheriff Department helicopter for help in locating a distressed migrant.  The migrant could not be located due to adverse weather and terrain.

At around 9:45 a.m., the distressed migrant was located down a steep ridgeline in a remote area on Otay Mountain via a phone patch between the alien’s cell phone and the aircraft. 

An onboard BORSTAR agent was deployed via a one-wheel landing due to the adverse terrain to assess the migrant’s condition.  The distressed man was dehydrated and had sustained multiple injuries as a result of a fall.  The man, a 41-year-old Mexican national, claimed to have been in the mountains for five days and without food or water for the last three days.

An onboard Air & Marine EMT hastily administered fluids intravenously to the man while the Black Hawk crew transported him to the Brown Field airport to awaiting San Diego Sector Border Patrol and local medical personnel.  Agents took the migrant to a nearby hospital for evaluation and treatment.

“It is inherently dangerous to illegally cross the border,” said Hunter Davis, Director of Air & Marine Operations in San Diego.  “Those dangers are heightened exponential in mountainous and remote areas especially during inclement weather.”

SAN DIEGO- A San Diego based Air and Marine Operations (AMO) boat crew on patrol rescued 12 people on the water in two separate events within an hour of each other this Labor Day.

The first incident occurred on Monday, at around 1:20 p.m., after an Air and Marine boat crew on patrol spotted a sinking 21-foot vessel within San Diego bay.

When they arrived, they found nine people had abandoned the sinking boat and pulled all the people to the safety of their 41-foot Secure Around Flotation Equipped (SAFE) boat.

A San Diego Harbor Police (SDHP) vessel arrived on scene and the AMO crew transferred all nine persons to the SDHP vessel.  The AMO commander informed the United States Coast Guard (USCG), which launched a small boat to investigate the incident.  One female passenger complained about chest pains and was transferred to awaiting Emergency Medical Services.

Soon after, at around 2 pm., the AMO boat crew heard a “May Day” “call on their VHF radio which stated a vessel was on fire in the San Diego bay near the Coronado Bay Bridge.  The crew arrived on scene and found an approximately 38-foot Sport Fisher boat bellowing black smoke from the engine room.

The AMO crew rescued three adults from the vessel and placed them onboard their CBP vessel.  The AMO crew also fought a fire in the boats’ engine room until the San Diego Harbor Police and United States Coast Guard arrived on scene.

“I am proud of the work our Air and Marine boat crew conducted this busy Labor Day,” said Hunter Davis, Director of Air and Marine Operations in San Diego. “Their vigilance helped minimize the prospect that these events would have resulted in a tragic loss of life on the water.”

While fighting the fire a Marine Interdiction Agent and one Border Patrol agent, who was part of the AMO crew, suffered from smoke inhalation and were taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation and treatment.

Highlights achievements and accomplishments during Fiscal Year 2018.

*Editor’s Note: Downloadable imagery can be acquired at the following links:

• Still photos (FLICKR): https://flic.kr/s/aHsmGzAteL
• Video (DVIDS): https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/cbpdorian
• Follow CBP’s Hurricane Dorian response at https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/hurricane-dorian

MIAMI – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is assisting in Bahamas rescue efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian over the weekend, and continuing preparations to respond when Dorian makes landfall in the United States.

CBP is working with the U.S. Agency for International Aid (USAID), a governmental agency that helps coordinate urgently needed disaster assistance in foreign lands, and with the government of the Bahamas.

CBP launched two H60 Blackhawk helicopters Tuesday and crews airlifted 10 injured Bahamas residents to hospitals in Nassau, Bahamas. CBP P-3 aircraft conducted real-time aerial damage assessments for the government of the Bahamas that help prioritize rescue and recovery plans. CBP aircraft are conducting similar flight missions today.

Additionally, a CBP team of Field Operations Special Response Team officers (SRT) and Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue Team agents (BORSTAR) are prepared to deploy and conduct swift water rescues and emergency medical care during a search for survivors trapped in flooded structures. SRT and BORSTAR members are trained in urban search and rescue and possess advanced life-saving skills.

“Our hearts and prayers are with the Bahamian people who have just experienced a disastrous and horrific hurricane,” said CBP’s Region IV Lead Field Coordinator Diane J. Sabatino. “Customs and Border Protection is prepared to support the government of The Bahamas and USAID by continuing life-saving and life-sustaining operations to help get our nearest neighbors on the path to recovery. “

CBP has established a Command Center at Miami International Airport to coordinate the response to humanitarian flights arriving from the Bahamas and is engaged with local commercial charter vessels and marina clubs to support maritime relief efforts.

CBP remains in constant communication with local travel and trade stakeholders to facilitate business resumption operations when it is safe to do so. Miami and Port Everglades resumed processing cruise and cargo ships Tuesday, and airports are resuming international flights behind Hurricane Dorian.

CBP Region IV continues to adjust response plans as Hurricane Dorian tracks north, and established the Atlanta Area Command Monday to assist local, state and federal partners respond to rescue efforts in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.

CBP Region IV covers Florida, Georgia, Alabama, North and South Carolina, Mississippi, Kentucky, Tennessee, the Caribbean, Puerto Rico and the U.S Virgin Islands.

Historically, CBP officers and agents support local, state, and federal agency partners during natural or man-made disasters or other national emergencies. CBP contributes a variety of personnel and unique capabilities — including aerial and urban search and rescue, advanced first aid, and aviation assets with real-time aerial damage assessment and tracking and detection capabilities.

CBP’s highest priorities during a hurricane responses are to promote life-saving and life-sustaining activities, the safe evacuation of people leaving the impacted area, the maintenance of public order, the prevention of the loss of property to the extent possible and the speedy recovery of the region.

For information updates on preparedness and response efforts follow U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Instagram, Flickr and Twitter at @CBP, @CBPFlorida and @CBPSoutheast.

For CBP's coordinated response to Hurricane Dorian, please visit https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/hurricane-dorian

For media entities: b-roll and additional photos are posted to Dvids, https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/cbpdorian

For Flickr photos of CBP preparedness and response efforts, please visit https://flic.kr/s/aHsmGzAteL

NEW ORLEANS, LA— Agents and officers from throughout the U.S. Customs and Border

Protection’s (CBP) New Orleans Area of Operations mobilized over the weekend and traveled to the East Coast in the wake of Hurricane Dorian, which delivered catastrophic damaging winds and endless flooding conditions to the Bahamas over the weekend.

Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers and U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) agents combined to form a special response team to provide relief on the ground, while Air and Marine Operations (AMO) in Hammond dispatched emergency medical technicians to Florida along with providing resupply missions and a maritime patrol aircraft to the Bahamas.

“Our Air Interdiction Agents are fully engaged in providing relief to those affected by this hurricane,” said Francisco Rodriguez, New Orleans AMO Director. “Ensuring their safety is a high priority.”

The special response team joined local, state, and federal first responders today in the coastal region to provide emergency response, equipment resupply, search and rescue operations, and tactical communication support in coastal communities and the Bahamas, under FEMA Region IV to support CBP Hurricane response missions.

“The New Orleans Field Office personnel located along the Central Gulf Coast are uniquely aware of the magnitude of destruction caused by hurricanes,” said Steven Stavinoha, Director of Field Operations in New Orleans. “They are always alert and prepared to answer the call for assistance during these types of natural disasters.”

Although Dorian has been downgraded to a Category 2, the storm remains a threat to the east coast of Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas, making CBP assistance critical. 

For the latest on CBP hurricane relief efforts and CBP New Orleans contributions, follow CBP on Twitter @CBPSoutheast, @CBPGulfCoast, @CBPFlorida, and @CBPMidAtlantic.

CALEXICO, Calif. – Air and Marine Operations (AMO) out of Yuma, Ariz. and U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the El Centro Sectorrescued a suspected illegal alien lost in the desert 25 miles east of  the Calexico West Downtown Port of Entry on Thursday evening.

The incident occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m., when AMO agents observed foot sign going north from the International Boundary Fence towards Interstate 8.  AMO agents followed the foot sign and encountered a woman north of Interstate 8 who appeared to be unconscious.  AMO notified Border Patrol agents patrolling near the area.

Border Patrol agents arrived on scene, requested Emergency Medical Assistance (EMS) and quickly rendered first aid.  A Border Patrol agent certified as an Emergency Medical Technician administered oxygen and performed rapid cooling techniques while they waited for EMS. 

“Air and Marine Operations agents are highly experienced and skilled individuals, to track foot sign from the air ship is amazing,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Ryan J. Scudder. “Their actions allowed for our Border Patrol agents to respond and quickly render lifesaving aid to someone that otherwise would have perished.”

EMS arrived on scene and transported the woman to the Yuma Regional Medical Center for further evaluation and care.

** Editor’s Note: Downloadable imagery can be acquired at the following links:

• Still photos (FLICKR): https://flic.kr/s/aHsmGzAteL
• Video (DVIDS): https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/cbpdorian
• Follow CBP’s Hurricane Dorian response at https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/hurricane-dorian

MIAMI – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) continued to airlift Hurricane Dorian survivors Thursday from devastated areas in Abaco Island and Grand Bahama Island, Baha,mas while staging response teams in the Carolinas to support potential rescue operations there.

So far, CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) H60 Blackhawk helicopter crews have airlifted 80 Bahamas and United States citizens to hospitals or local shelters in Nassau, Bahamas.

“Customs and Border Protection is pleased that we can help our neighbors in the Bahamas respond to and recover from this horrific hurricane by airlifting injured and stranded survivors to safety,” said CBP’s Region IV Lead Field Coordinator Diane J. Sabatino. “CBP is a vital border security agency that possesses a wide variety of personal and technical capabilities ideally suited for these types of life-saving and humanitarian missions.”

Additionally, CBP AMO P-3 aircraft crews continue to fly real-time coastal damage assessment missions and serve as local air traffic controller missions for interagency aircraft supporting Bahamas response efforts.

Meanwhile, CBP aircraft, trailered-vessels, and agents and officers are staged in the Carolinas and ready to support federal, state and local emergency response efforts once Hurricane Dorian passes. These units may conduct swift-water rescue, advanced life-saving care, and aerial and urban search and rescue.

CBP Region IV covers Florida, Georgia, Alabama, North and South Carolina, Mississippi, Kentucky, Tennessee, the Caribbean, Puerto Rico and the U.S Virgin Islands.

Historically, CBP officers and agents support local, state, and federal agency partners during natural or man-made disasters or other national emergencies. CBP contributes a variety of personnel and unique capabilities — including aerial and urban search and rescue, advanced first aid, and aviation assets with real-time aerial damage assessment and tracking and detection capabilities.

CBP’s highest priorities during a hurricane responses are to promote life-saving and life-sustaining activities, the safe evacuation of people leaving the impacted area, the maintenance of public order, the prevention of the loss of property to the extent possible and the speedy recovery of the region.

For information updates on preparedness and response efforts follow U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Instagram, Flickr and Twitter at @CBP, @CBPFlorida and @CBPSoutheast