SAN DIEGO - An Air and Marine Operations boat crew in San Diego rescued 12 people after their boat started to take on water foiling their human smuggling attempt early Monday morning.
On Sept. 9, 2019 at approximately 3:05 a.m., the Joint Harbor Operation’s Center (JHOC) notified Air and Marine Operations (AMO) boat crew that San Diego Lifeguards had reported a vessel taking on water with 12 people on board in the vicinity of the Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma, Calif.
AMO responded in a 41-foot Safeboat Coastal Interceptor Vessel and searched for the distressed boat, a 24-foot Monterey cuddy cabin. Around 3:45 a.m., the AMO boat crew located the vessel with one person in the water hanging on to the vessel’s bow 11 other passengers on the vessel wearing life jackets. The person in the water got back into the disabled vessel. The vessel was too close to the high surf for AMO boat to safely place the vessel in tow.
Shortly after, the San Diego Lifeguards arrived on scene and were able to place the disabled vessel in stern tow and pulled the vessel away from the surf zone. The AMO crew then took the disabled vessel in tow to Ballast Point and secured the passengers.
Agents with the Coastal Border Enforcement Team (CBET) responded to Ballast Point where the AMO crew turned the vessel over for an immigration check. All 12 onboard were determined to be Mexican national men who had no documentation to be in the country.
“Maritime smuggling is very common in our area, however, it is also very dangerous,” said Hunter Davis, the Director of Air and Marine Operation in San Diego. “ People should not risk their lives or their loved ones and place them in the hands of smugglers who place profit over human lives. Many times people are placed in unseaworthy vessels, on unpredictable seas with an unskilled maritime crew and without life jackets, or if in life jackets, these can be old and worn and may not keep one afloat.”
There were no injuries reported in this incident.
~ CBP ~
“The Regional Coordinating Mechanism (ReCoM) is another example of the evolution of joint operations among interagency partners. Located in San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco the ReCoM partnerships include the U.S. Coast Guard, CBP’s Office of Air and Marine, Office of Field Operations, U.S. Border Patrol, and ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations in cooperation with state and local law enforcement partners operating along the California coast.”
MCALLEN, Texas – On Tuesday, a UH-60 Blackhawk from the McAllen Air Branch of Air and Marine Operations rescued a Border Patrol agent after he was attacked by bees and stung hundreds of times.
The Blackhawk was conducting patrol operations when the crew heard radio traffic about the injured agent and a request for EMT services. The aircrew flew to the location due to ground distance for the EMT and the agent having issues breathing. The Blackhawk flew the injured agent to a local hospital where he was met by ER nurses.
Air and Marine Operations employs agents trained as EMT’s and paramedics as crew members in its aircraft to assist in rescue operations. The Air and Marine Emergency Medical Service (AMEMS) was established by Air and Marine Operations to provide specialized medical capabilities and highly skilled tactical practitioners in austere airborne and maritime environments. Each AMEMs or EMT goes through 8 weeks of intensive studying during an online course followed by a week long training of hands-on experience.
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Four aircrews from Air and Marine Operations (AMO), National Air Security Operations Center Corpus Christi (NASOC-CC) provided vital relief flights to the disaster-stricken Bahama Islands in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.
Between Aug. 29 and Sept. 8, NASOC-CC’s aircrews deployed to Birmingham, Alabama, and
Two AMO aircraft stand ready as NASOC-CC crews prepare for Hurri- cane Dorian missions.
Miami, Fla., and stood ready as Hurricane Dorian made its way across the Bahama Islands toward the eastern seaboard of the United States. The crews conducted real-time aerial damage assessments of airports and facilities in the Bahama Islands, which helped prioritize rescue and recovery plans. They also provided airborne radar coverage, helping prevent midair collisions of search and rescue assets and civilian aircraft.
“Air and Marine Operations aircrews have demonstrated remarkable resiliency helping those in need after recent hurricanes,” said NASOC-CC Director Robert Blanchard. “Our folks are displaying extraordinary commitment once again to provide vital services and support relief efforts after Hurricane Dorian.”
NASOC-CC is a division of AMO, and operates the Lockheed P-3 Orion, which conducts counter-drug patrol missions over the Eastern Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Together with NASOC in Jacksonville, Fla., Customs and Border Protection P-3 crews seized or disrupted 261,939 pounds of cocaine in various operations conducted in fiscal year 2018.
AMO is a federal law enforcement organization dedicated to serving and protecting the American people through advanced aeronautical and maritime capabilities.
ST. THOMAS, Virgin Islands – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (AMO) agents, seized Friday nearly $800,000 in undeclared currency found inside a 25-foot vessel that departed Fajardo navigating to St. Thomas.
Jose Ernesto Vazquez Colon and Abnel Belordo Colon made their initial appearances in federal court on Saturday in St. Thomas.
“This is the second incident within one week in which Transnational Criminal Organizations seek to move currency,” stated Johnny Morales, Director, Air and Marine Operations for the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch. “AMO has very advanced aeronautical and maritime capabilities to detect and interdict them throughout our coastal borders.”
Near midnight of Sep. 20, AMO Marine Interdiction agents (MIAs) in St. Thomas received information about a suspicious boat, departing the vicinity of Fajardo.
The MIAs located a 25’ a fiberglass center console vessel, with a single outboard engine, operating without navigation lights and moving east toward St. Thomas, with two occupants onboard.
The MIAs activated the blue lights, and the vessel operator failed to heave, continuing toward St. Thomas, as the other occupant jettisoned bags into the water. Agents marked the location with a glow sticks. The agents fired warning shots and the vessel continued making evasive moves. .
The Agents disabled the engine, stopping the vessel, and arrested the two occupants.
The MIAs recovered multiple packages of cash from the vessel as well vacuum-sealed bags of cash that were loosely floating in the water.
Special Agents with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations will undertake he investigation and prosecution of this incident.
Assistant United States Attorney Nathan Brooks is leading the case. A complaint is merely a formal charging document, and it is not evidence of guilt.
Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
On Sep. 17, MIAs seized over $1.1 million and arrested three men transporting currency from Vieques, Puerto Rico towards St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.
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.
ST. THOMAS, Islas Vírgenes - Agentes de Operaciones Aéreas y Marinas de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza de los Estados Unidos (AMO), incautaron el viernes 800 mil en moneda no declarada que se encontro dentro de un barco de 25 pies que partió de Fajardo navegando hacia St. Thomas.
José Ernesto Vázquez Colón y Abnel Belordo Colón hicieron sus apariciones iniciales en la corte federal el sábado en St. Thomas.
"Este es el segundo incidente dentro de una semana en el que las organizaciones criminales transnacionales buscan mover dinero", dijo Johnny Morales, Director de Operaciones Aéreas y Marítimas de la Rama Aérea y Marina del Caribe. "AMO tiene capacidades aeronáuticas y marítimas muy avanzadas para detectarlas e interceptarlas en nuestras fronteras costeras".
Cerca de la medianoche del 20 de septiembre, los agentes de interdicción marina en St. Thomas recibieron información sobre un barco sospechoso que partía de las cercanías de Fajardo.
Los agentes marítimos ubicaron una embarcación de consola central de fibra de vidrio de 25 '', con un solo motor fuera de borda, operando sin luces de navegación y avanzando hacia el este hacia St. Thomas, con dos ocupantes a bordo.
Los agentes activaron las luces azules, y el operador de la embarcación no pudo lanzar, continuando hacia St. Thomas, mientras el otro ocupante arrojaba bolsas al agua. Los agentes marcaron la ubicación con palitos luminosos. Los agentes dispararon tiros de advertencia y la embarcación continuó haciendo movimientos evasivos. .
Los agentes desactivaron el motor, detuvieron la embarcación y arrestaron a los dos ocupantes.
Los agentes recuperaron múltiples paquetes de efectivo del barco, así como bolsas de efectivo selladas al vacío que flotaban libremente en el agua.
Agentes especiales con Investigaciones de Seguridad Nacional de Inmigración y Aduanas (ICE-HSI) llevarán a cabo la investigación y el enjuiciamiento de este incidente.
El fiscal federal adjunto Nathan Brooks lidera el caso. Una queja es simplemente un documento formal de acusación, y no es evidencia de culpabilidad.
Se presume la inocencia de cada acusado hasta que, a menos que se lo encuentre culpable más allá de una duda razonable en un tribunal de justicia.
El 17 de septiembre, los agentes marítimos confiscaron más de $ 1.1 millones y arrestaron a tres hombres que transportaban dinero desde Vieques, Puerto Rico hacia St. Thomas, Islas Vírgenes de los Estados Unidos.
AMO es una organización federal, adscrita a Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza (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.
Three rescued after four days adrift in West Caribbean Sea
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas— A P-3 aircrew from Air and Marine Operations is credited with saving three Costa Rican fishermen stranded aboard a disabled fishing vessel drifting in the vast open waters of the Western Caribbean Sea. Sept. 24
Three fishermen were adrift for four days in the vast open waters of the Western Caribbean Sea before a CBP AMO crew spotted them leading to their rescue.
The three fishermen had been adrift for four days, out of food and water and near death when rescued.
The Corpus Christi-based aircrew aboard a Lockheed P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft was operating in the Western Caribbean Sea searching for drug smugglers when a radar operator noticed a small return on the screen. It was when the aircraft approached the target, that the aircrew saw three people aboard a small fishing vessel. When the fishermen saw the aircraft, they began waving their arms and using a signal mirror to hail the aircraft.
The aircrew then coordinated their rescue with the U.S. Coast Guard and within several hours, a USCG ship approached and deployed a helicopter and small boat to pick up the fishermen. The Coast Guard rendered first aid and then transferred the crewmembers to Costa Rican authorities who transported them to Limon, their home port.
“This is one of the reasons we enjoy what we do,” said Deputy Director of Air and Marine Operations Scott Peterson. “Although we’re out there looking for people smuggling large loads of illegal narcotics, we’re glad we were there for those fishermen in their time of need.”
The crew of P-3 Orion Long Range Tracker from the National Air Security Operations Center - Corpus Christi is credited with saving three Costa Rican fishermen lost at sea.
When rescued, the fishermen said they left port early the morning of Sept. 21 for a short fishing trip when their single-engine boat became disabled. They continued to drift eastward over the next four days. By Sept. 23, they were out of food, water, and had lost any hope of rescue.
The National Air Security Operations Center—Corpus Christi is a division of Air and Marine Operations and operates the Lockheed P-3 Orion conducting counterdrug patrol missions over the Eastern Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Together with the National Air Security Operations Center in Jacksonville, Florida, Customs and Border Protection P-3 crews seized or disrupted 261,939 pounds of cocaine in 2018.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations' mission is to serve and protect the American people. It applies advanced aeronautical and maritime capabilities and employs its unique skill sets to preserve America’s security interests. With 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, Air and Marine Operations uses its sophisticated fleets to detect, sort, intercept, track and apprehend criminals in diverse environments at and beyond U.S. borders
Subject used the Proceeds of his Cocaine Empire to purchase Jet Planes, Houses, and Cars
TRENTON, N.J. – CBP’s Air and Marine Operations Center (AMOC) located in Riverside, CA, collected evidence which led to the arrest and successful prosecution of a Passaic County, New Jersey man. Khamraj Lall, 52, of Ringwood, New Jersey, was found guilty previously by a federal jury in Trenton of all eight counts of a superseding indictment, including counts charging him with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, money laundering, structuring monetary instruments, and conspiracy to commit money laundering and structuring.
The AMOC is an international, multi-domain federal law enforcement center that has been focusing on suspicious general aviation and non-commercial maritime activities in the Western Hemisphere for over three decades.
Between 2011 and 2016, AMOC agents and officers from the Intelligence, Law Enforcement, Systems, and Operations Divisions assisted federal investigators in identifying and tracking assets belonging to Lall in an effort to help define his criminal actions.
Lall owned a private jet charter business called Exec Jet Club based in Gainesville, Florida, and used the proceeds of his cocaine empire to purchase jet planes, houses, and cars. He also paid over $2 million in cash stuffed into suitcases to a Florida contractor to build an airplane hangar in Guyana.
In November 2014, Lall was flying one of his jets from the U.S. to Guyana and stopped in Puerto Rico to refuel. An outbound search of the plane uncovered $470,000 in cash stuffed into a suitcase hidden in the tail of the plane, and another $150,000 in cash hidden under a seat.
In Trenton federal court, U.S. District Judge Anne E. Thompson imposed the sentence of 156 months in prison for trafficking hundreds of kilograms of cocaine into New Jersey and New York and then laundering over $10.2 million in cash drug proceeds.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Thompson sentenced Lall to five years of supervised release. The Court previously ordered Lall to forfeit his interest in two jet airplanes, two airplane hangars, multiple properties, a Lexus SUV, and other property traceable to his crimes. The Court also entered a money judgment against Lall for $9.3 million.
The AMOC is an international, multi-domain federal law enforcement center that has been focusing on suspicious general aviation and non-commercial maritime activities in the Western Hemisphere for over three decades.
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.
SAN DIEGO—U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) partners, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations and the U.S. Border Patrol, arrested 57 people and confiscated more than 779 pounds of marijuana in multiple events during a four day period.
The first incident occurred around 5 p.m., on Fri., Oct. 4th, when an Air and Marine Operations (AMO) Air Interdiction Agent (AIA) spotted a suspicious 28-foot sailing vessel heading north across the Maritime Boundary Line (MBL). AMO agents notified the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), who responded immediately. Arriving within minutes, USCG was at the scene and reported 12 people onboard the sail boat. The 12 people were transferred to the USCG boat and taken to the Coast Guard Sector-San Diego pier. U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) agents responded and questioned the 12 people, determining that all were Mexican nationals illegally present in the U.S.
Agents identified two of the people as the smugglers. Agents took the 12 illegal aliens to a nearby Border Patrol station for processing.
The second event occurred at approximately 11 a.m., on Oct. 5th, when AMO agents spotted a suspicious vessel west of Coronado, Calif. Coordinating with USBP agents, AMO watched as the vessel docked at the Coronado ferry landing. Already alerted by AMO, USBP agents approached the people as they exited the vessel and attempted to get into nearby vehicles.
Agents arrested a total of 13 people. Eleven were illegally present in the U.S. and two were U.S. citizens. The group was transported to a nearby Border Patrol station for processing. USBP seized two vehicles.
The third incident occurred later that same day. At around 1:45 p.m., an Operation Stonegarden patrol encountered a 20-foot cuddy-cabin vessel approximately three nautical miles offshore of Oceanside, Calif. The boat was overloaded and clearly violating a number of safety regulations. There were 12 people on board and all were transferred to the Stonegarden boat then taken to a nearby dock. The Joint Harbor Operations Center (JHOC) was notified. JHOC relayed the group’s location to USBP agents. Upon arrival, agents questioned the 12 individuals and determined they were all Mexican nationals illegally present in the U.S. Two people in the group were identified as the smugglers. All 12 were arrested and taken to a nearby Border Patrol station for processing.
A fourth event transpired only minutes later around 2 p.m. Agents received a report about an abandoned boat near Point Loma, Calif., with suspicious bundles inside. Agents arrived and found 14 large bundles of marijuana. The marijuana weighed 779.11 pounds and had an estimated street value of $3,116,440.
Agents discover over $3 million of marijuana from an abandoned boat.
The fifth incident occurred on Oct. 5th, at around 4 p.m. A USCG Cutter requested assistance in pursuing a vessel of interest that refused to yield. The site was approximately 12-nautical miles west of Torrey Pines State Park. A second USCG vessel responded and quickly made contact with the 29-foot, cuddy-cabin vessel. Twenty people were on board and were turned over to USBP agents.
All 20 occupants admitted to being illegally present in the U.S. Two of the suspects were identified as the smugglers, who were both Mexican nationals. The remaining 18 consisted of 16 Mexican nationals, one Guatemalan citizen, and one El Salvadorian citizen. The group was transported to a nearby Border Patrol station for processing.
The sixth event occurred on Oct. 7th, at approximately 8:25 a.m., the JHOC received a report regarding a small boat off-loading subjects at the dingy dock near Hawthorne St. and Harbor Dr. Ten unidentified people exited the boat and loaded into an awaiting vehicle, which immediately fled from the scene. The JHOC was able to confirm that the incident was a smuggling event. The small boat absconded the area and agents were unable to locate any of the people.
The last incident also occurred on Oct., 7th, at approximately 10 a.m., when USBP agents responded to a call from California State Parks officials in San Clemente, Calif. The park rangers indicated that there was an abandoned pleasure craft at Torrey Pines State Beach. Seven life-jackets were found onboard the vessel, no subjects were located or associated with the vessel.
The 57 arrested included 53 male subjects, three females, and one juvenile, including 53 Mexican nationals, 2 U.S. citizens, one Salvadoran citizen, and one Guatemalan citizen. Seven individuals were identified as suspected smugglers. The seven suspected smugglers will be charged with 8 U.S.C. 1324 – Alien Smuggling including formal removal proceedings. Four were found to have criminal convictions with prior removals and will be charged with 8 U.S.C. 1326 – Re-entry after deportation and the remaining 42 smuggled aliens will remain in DHS custody pending removal proceedings. Six of the vessels involved in the incidents were seized by AMO.
Maritime smuggling is an extremely dangerous activity for numerous reasons and smugglers will prioritize monetary gain over the wellbeing of their passengers. If you have information about maritime smuggling or suspicious activity along the coast of California, please contact the Joint Harbor Operations Center at 1-800-854-9834 or call 9-1-1 and you will be directed through the proper channels.
FAJARDO, Puerto Rico – U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations (AMO) agents, seized Tuesday 44 pounds (20 Kilos) of cocaine found inside a vessel at Villa Marina in Fajardo. The estimated value of the seized cocaine is $500,000.
“Our Marine Interdiction Agents (MIAs) have been very effective interdicting the smuggling of narcotics and currency between Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands,” stated Johnny Morales, Director, Air and Marine Operations for the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch. “They are the best at what they do, and are vital to impeding the efforts of transnational criminal organizations.”
On Oct. 7, MIA’s in Fajardo received information on a suspect vessel navigating south of Culebra, PR and heading towards the general area of Villa Marina and the Puerto Chico Marina.
The MIAs observed a center console vessel entering Villa Marina and approached the vessel conducting an inspection of the vessel and the captain.
A Puerto Rico Police Department canine alerted positive to the presence of narcotics inside the vessel.
After an extensive search of the vessel, the MIAs found 20 bricks, which tested positive to the properties of cocaine, inside a hidden compartment.
US Homeland Security Investigations Special Agents arrested the boat captain and assumed custody of the narcotics and vessel 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.
FAJARDO, Puerto Rico - Agentes de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza adscritos a Operaciones Aéreas y Marinas (AMO), incautaron el martes 44 libras (20 Kilos) de cocaína encontrada dentro de un bote en Villa Marina en Fajardo. El valor estimado de la cocaína incautada es de $500,000.
"Nuestros Agentes de Interdicción Marítima (MIA) han sido muy efectivos al interceptar el contrabando de narcóticos y divisas entre Puerto Rico y las Islas Vírgenes estadounidenses", dijo Johnny Morales, Director de Operaciones Aéreas y Marítimas de la Rama Aérea y Marítima del Caribe. "Son los mejores en lo que hacen, y son vitales para impedir los esfuerzos de las organizaciones criminales transnacionales".
El 7 de octubre, los MIA en Fajardo recibieron información sobre una embarcación sospechosa que navegaba al sur de Culebra, PR y se dirigía hacia el área general de Villa Marina y la Marina de Puerto Chico.
Los agentes observaron que una embarcación que ingresaba a Villa Marina y se le acercaron realizando una inspección de la embarcación y el capitán.
Un canino del Departamento de Policía de Puerto Rico alertó positivamente sobre la presencia de narcóticos dentro del bote.
Después de una búsqueda exhaustiva del bote, los MIA encontraron 20 ladrillos, que dieron positivo a las propiedades de la cocaína, dentro de un compartimento oculto.
Agentes especiales de Investigaciones de Seguridad Nacional (HSI) arrestaron al capitán del barco y asumieron la custodia de los narcóticos y el buque para su investigación y procesamiento.
AMO es una organización federal, adscrita a Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza (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.
WASHINGTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (AMO) delivered an OH-6A helicopter to the National Border Patrol Museum in El Paso, Texas, Sept. 18.
AMO delivered this OH-6A to National Border Patrol Museum in El Paso, Texas.
U.S. Border Patrol and AMO used the OH-6A, single engine, light helicopter to protect our nation’s borders from 1979 until 2011.
“This helicopter means a great deal to me personally, as a Vietnam veteran, I flew in them in Vietnam, and knowing its brave history in that conflict, it is especially gratifying to have it to display,” said Border Patrol Museum director, David Ham. “This helicopter has an equally proud history with the United States Border Patrol. We feel it would be a proud representative of the brave men and women who have flown her for the United States Border Patrol."
Due to its historical value, the National Border Patrol Museum so that it could be a static display to serve as a memorial to Border Patrol aviation agents, for their service and dedication.
An AMO aviation maintenance operator, supported by the maintenance contractor PAE, spent more than 240 hours restoring the identified aircraft. The aircraft was in pieces, covered in years’ worth of dust, was missing some parts and required removal of other parts.
"It is our great honor to have been able to acquire, restore, and deliver this aircraft to the museum,” said Materiel Readiness aircraft manager, Daryl Carter. “The Office of Air and Marine, now Air and Marine Operations, has a long and celebrated partnership with the U.S. Border Patrol, to protect our nation and serve the American people.”
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.
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.
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; 2,373 arrests and 47,744 apprehensions of illegal aliens.
To learn more about how AMO secures the nation, click here.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.– U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Air and Marine Operations (AMO) teamed up with the U.S. Coast Guard and a network of local law enforcement and community partners in South Florida to make a dream come true for a 5-year-old boy battling an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Giovanni wanted to spend a day on the water with the highly-trained professionals protecting our coastal borders. Air and Marine Operations West Palm Beach Marine Unit joined the U.S. Coast Guard and teams of local law enforcement personnel from across Palm Beach County to make the wish become a reality on Oct. 9
“We are a part of communities across the state of Florida and it is a privilege and an honor that Air and Marine Operations had an opportunity to participate alongside Homeland Security partners,” said Hector Rojas, Deputy Director, Marine Operations at the Miami Air and Marine Branch. “Boosting the spirits of this young boy with dozens of community partners is just another reminder that Air and Marine Operations is a federal law enforcement organization dedicated to serving and protecting the American people.”
Palm Beach County-based local, state and federal law enforcement teams cheered Giovanni on as the young boy climbed aboard for a joint patrol next to more than half a dozen vessels along the Intracoastal Waterway.
“The extraordinary courage and strength displayed by this boy facing brain cancer is something for us all to admire,” said Martin Wade, Director of the Miami Air and Marine Branch. “The spirit of service and the outpouring of support is a testament to the teams of teams that work together safeguarding the homeland every day.”
CBP’s Air and Marine Operations (AMO) aircrews deployed to impacted areas in the Bahamas airlifting over 150 Bahamian and U.S. citizens to hospitals or local shelters in Nassau, Bahamas following Hurricane Dorian. Crews transported vital supplies during humanitarian flights and actively supported relief operations and assessments.
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.
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.
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; 2,373 arrests and 47,744 apprehensions of illegal aliens.
WASHINGTON —For the first time, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations (AMO) conducted a maritime enforcement training for Trinidad and Tobago Customs and Excise (TTCE) officers. A decade has passed since TTCE officers have received any formal marine training from the United States.
The two nations determined that a joint interagency training was necessary to enhance the capability to interdict, stop, and arrest those that are smuggling a wide variety of illegal importations into Trinidad.
Both agencies have similar missions in the maritime domain. With AMO serving as the nation’s experts in airborne and maritime law enforcement, the instruction focused on some of the best practices and lessons learned from detection, interception, interdiction, and boardings.
An AMO Marine Interdiction agent instructs a TTCE officer on proper procedure during a maritime scenerio-based training.
Four specialized Marine Interdiction Agents from various locations throughout the United States provided the training to give a better understanding of tactics and authority.
“The Maritime Capacity Building Initiative for Trinidad involved sound training principles which resulted in their increased vigilance and domain awareness. They now have some new tactics in their fight to better protect their maritime border,” said lead instructor Alex Rodriguez, Marine Interdiction Agent with AMO. “The Customs and Excise officers of the Marine Interdiction Unit demonstrated professionalism, motivation, and an esprit de corps only found in tightly knit units. The hospitality of the officers and senior leadership was truly memorable, and it is great to know that the Customs and Excise brotherhood is alive and well”.
The training, given to 19 Trinidadian law enforcement officers, lasted two weeks in September in the town of Chaguaramas, Trinidad, a mere 8-mile boat ride from the country of Venezuela.
After the full course, the Trinidad and Tobago Customs and Excise Marine Interdiction Unit had a full understanding of methods and tactics that will be applied to their ever-growing regional marine threat. Some tactics included vessel pursuit and interception, post-boarding procedures, arrests, and firearms.
Two TTCE Marine Interdiction Unit vessels participate in maritime interdiction training off the coast of Chaguaramas, Trinidad.
"The United States remains a strong friend and partner to the government of Trinidad and Tobago. [We] share similar visions in the fight against smuggling illegal goods across our borders,” said Lucia Foglia, CBP International Officer. “This collaboration has helped us to successfully join operations and facilitation on trade."
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.
SAN DIEGO—Working with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) partners, San Diego Sector Border Patrol and Air and Marine Operations agents arrested 30 people during three maritime smuggling events within a 24 hour period this week.
The first event began at approximately 2 p.m., on Thursday afternoon, when a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) cutter encountered a 19-foot pleasure-craft vessel that was broken down off the coast of San Diego.
When USCG officers boarded the vessel, they became suspicious of an illegal entry into the U.S. However, assessing the immediate situation, they had to move quickly. The vessel was taking on water and only four of the 10 passengers were wearing life vests.
Officers removed all passengers from the sinking vessel and transported them to a nearby USCG facility, where waiting Border Patrol agents took custody of the 10 people. USCG also towed the vessel to the same facility concurrently.
The group of 10 aliens included four Mexican national males, two Mexican national females, and four Chinese national males. All admitted to entering the U.S. illegally. Three of these individuals face Federal human-smuggling charges. CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) crews seized the vessel.
The second event began at approximately 12:15 a.m., Friday morning, when AMO agents spotted a suspicious vessel heading north near Trestles, Calif. Shortly after, the vessel, a panga styled boat, landed on a beach near San Mateo Point. Thirteen people got off the boat and ran into a nearby community.
A panga style boat used for smuggling sits in the surf off a beach near San Mateo Point.
Border Patrol agents, already alerted by AMO, responded and quickly detained nine out of the 13 people. Six individuals were Chinese nationals, including one woman, and the remaining three were Mexican nationals. All nine were determined to be illegally present in the U.S.
The group was transported to a nearby Border Patrol station for processing. During routine questioning, one individual admitted to being the captain of the boat and faces Federal human-smuggling charges. AMO crews seized the panga vessel.
The third event began at approximately 8 a.m., Friday morning, when the Joint Harbor Operation Center (JHOC) received information from a concerned citizen beachgoer of a panga vessel dropping off individuals near a beach in La Jolla, Calif.
At approximately 9:15 a.m., USBP agents arrived and swiftly detained 11 subjects. Three individuals were Chinese nationals and the remaining eight were Mexican nationals. All 11 were determined to be illegally present in the U.S. and transported to a nearby Border Patrol station for processing.
Concurrently, USCG witnessed the La Jolla smuggling vessel traveling southbound towards Mexico and intercepted it. The captain of the panga was a Mexican national illegally present in the U.S. He was arrested on human-smuggling charges and AMO crews seized his boat.
San Diego Sector has seen an increase in maritime smuggling events recently, which is attributed to the completion of the new 18-foot primary border-wall and the ongoing construction of the 30-foot secondary wall. See a related story here.
If you have information about maritime smuggling or suspicious activity along the coast of California, call 911, and you will be directed through the proper channels.
Eighty bales found inside a vessel with two men from the Dominican Republic arrested
PONCE, Puerto Rico – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (AMO) interdicted a vessel Thursday operated by two men from the Dominican Republic transporting 80 bales of cocaine near the southern coast of the island.
The 80 bales had cocaine bricks that weighed a total of 4,192 pounds (1,902 Kilos). The estimated value is $47.5 million.
“AMO has very advanced aeronautical and maritime capabilities to detect and interdict smuggling attempts throughout our Caribbean coastal borders,” stated Johnny Morales, Director, Air and Marine Operations for the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch.
On Oct. 30, the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch (CAMB) launched DHC-8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) crew to conduct a border security patrol south of Puerto Rico. Near noon the MPA crew detected a white twin engine center console vessel navigating north with two persons on board approximately seventy-four nautical miles south of Guayama, Puerto Rico.
An AMO UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew departed to support the interdiction efforts as well as Marine Interdiction Agents from Ponce and Fajardo Marine Unit to interdict the vessel once it entered United States customs waters.
The crew of the MPA maintained constant surveillance of the vessel while two Ponce Marine Interceptor crews were able to intercept the vessel near the city of Guayama.
Two men who claimed to be nationals of the Dominican Republic were found inside the boat and 80 bales of what was tested as having the properties of cocaine.
Special Agents with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations will undertake the investigation and prosecution of this incident.
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.
Ochenta fardos fueron encontrados en un bote y se arrestaron a dos dominicanos
PONCE, Puerto Rico - Las Operaciones Aéreas y Maritimas de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza de los Estados Unidos (AMO) interceptaron el jueves un barco operado por dos hombres de la República Dominicana que transportaba 80 fardos de cocaína cerca de la costa sur de la isla.
Los 80 fardos tenían ladrillos de cocaína que pesaban un total de 4,192 libras (1,902 Kilos). El valor estimado es de $ 47.5 millones.
"AMO tiene capacidades aeronáuticas y marítimas muy avanzadas para detectar e interceptar los intentos de contrabando a través de nuestras costas del Caribe", declaró Johnny Morales, Director de Operaciones Aéreas y Marítimas del Caribe.
El 30 de octubre, Operaciones Aéreas y Marítimas del Caribe (CAMB, por sus siglas en inglés) despego para una patrulla marítima a bordo de un avión DHC-8 para realizar una patrulla de seguridad fronteriza al sur de Puerto Rico. Cerca del mediodía, la tripulación del AMP detectó un bote bimotor blanco que navegaba hacia el norte con dos personas a bordo aproximadamente a setenta y cuatro millas náuticas al sur de Guayama, Puerto Rico.
Una tripulación de helicóptero UH-60 Black Hawk partió para apoyar los esfuerzos de interdicción, así como los Agentes de Interdicción Marítima de Ponce y de Fajardo para interceptar el bote una vez que ingresó a las aguas aduaneras de los Estados Unidos.
La tripulación del MPA mantuvo una vigilancia constante de la embarcación, mientras que dos equipos de interceptores marítimos de Ponce pudieron interceptar la embarcación cerca de la ciudad de Guayama.
Dos hombres que afirmaban ser ciudadanos de la República Dominicana fueron encontrados dentro del bote y 80 fardos con bloques lo que se comprobó que tenía las propiedades de la cocaína.
Agentes especiales con Investigaciones de Seguridad Nacional del Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE) estarán a cargo de la investigación y el procesamiento de este caso.
AMO es una organización federal, adscrita a Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza (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.
WASHINGTON— U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Air and Marine Operations (AMO), released AMO Vision and Strategy 2030 today.
AMO Vision and Strategy 2030 establishes a renewed vision, mission, and five strategic goals to move AMO forward. AMO’s vision is to be the nation’s leading aviation and maritime law enforcement organization. The mission of AMO is to safeguard our nation by anticipating and confronting security threats through our aviation and maritime law enforcement expertise, innovative capabilities, and partnerships at the border and beyond. AMO will accomplish its vision and mission by focusing on five strategic goals:
Goal 1: People - Build a Mission-Ready Workforce
Goal 2: Safety - Foster a Culture of Safety
Goal 3: Operations - Increase the Effectiveness of Operations
Goal 4: Integration - Enhance and Integrate Business and Resource Functions Across AMO
Goal 5: Communication - Tell Our Story
“AMO Vision and Strategy 2030 highlights the importance of our people operating together—safely, effectively, and proactively—to meet evolving threats with increased emphasis on domain awareness, partnerships, and intelligence, as well as continuing joint operations and exercises,” said Edward Young, Executive Assistant Commissioner, Air and Marine Operations.
The challenges AMO faces today are different from those the organization faced when CBP was created more than 15 years ago. AMO Vision and Strategy 2030 was established to account for emerging threats, current and forecasted trends at home and abroad, and to identify a structured plan for the future.
To learn more about AMO and read AMO Vision and Strategy 2030, please visit the CBP.gov website at /border-security/air-sea.
For more information about CBP, visit: CBP.gov, Flickr, DVIDS, or follow us on Twitter at @CBP
Alpine, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents with the Big Bend Park Substation coordinated across multiple law-enforcement agencies to locate and rescue four individuals lost in the desert yesterday. Brewster County Sheriff’s Office, National Park Services, and Air and Marine Operations partnered together with Border Patrol to locate and rescue the four individuals from rugged terrain inaccessible by road.
Four Mexicans from CBP helo
Chief Patrol Agent of Big Bend Sector Matthew Hudak stated: “Our agents addressed this emergency situation with great patience and perseverance and once again saved lives. I continue to be proud of the dedication our agents display in securing our nation’s borders and saving lives in some of the most remote and rugged areas of West Texas.”
On November 4, Big Bend National Park Dispatch contacted Big Bend Park Substation and requested translation services on a 911 call. The caller advised that he and a group of three other individuals were lost in the desert. Brewster County Sheriff’s Office was able to retrieve cellular information of the group’s possible location. An Air and Marine Operations aircrew responded from Alpine to the possible location of the lost group when the air crew noticed a small fire, signaling the group’s location. AMO Agents were able to secure the group members and transported them to an awaiting ambulance for medical evaluation. All individuals were assessed by National Park Service Emergency Medical Technicians and were all found to be in good health.
Upon further investigation, all individuals – two adult males and two adult females, were determined to be citizens of Mexico illegally present in the United States. All individuals were transported to the Alpine Border Patrol Station and were processed according to the applicable immigration laws.
Big Bend Sector Border Patrol agents, patrol 517 miles of the southwest border, an area that extends from Sierra Blanca, Texas to Sanderson, Texas.The U.S. Border Patrol is made up of over 19,000 brave men and women who courageously secure our nation’s borders. Help us secure our homeland, find out more at cbp.gov/careers.
WASHINGTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) retired its C-550 Citation aircraft. AMO agents flew the high-speed aircraft for the last time Thursday to Houston.
AMO retired the C-550 Citation aircraft which worked to intercept illegal air smuggling.
During the 1970s, drug smugglers flew tons of narcotics directly into the United States via private aircraft. The U.S. Customs Service (USCS) needed a high-speed, interceptor aircraft to address this growing vulnerability and found that solution in the C-550.
“The Citation became the workhorse of AMO’s fleet throughout the 80s and 90s. The introduction of this aircraft with its unique intercept and tracking capabilities was the primary factor making illegal air smuggling into the United States a thing of the past,” said Edward Young, Executive Assistant Director, Air and Marine Operations. “It is the perfect example of how a law enforcement agency identifies a threat, develops a solution, trains its people and successfully implements an operational capability. Because of the Citation, this method of delivering illicit contraband into the U.S. no longer exists.”
USCS turned to Cessna to incorporate existing sensor and communication technology onto a Citation II airframe, to create an aircraft that could detect and intercept smugglers. The C-550 was equipped with a military “fire-control” radar, sophisticated infrared camera, modified instrument panels, and law enforcement communication package.
Cessna built 24 of these aircraft on the regular Citation II production line and modified an additional four for USCS. In total, 28 aircraft were built/modified into USCS high performance aircraft. The citation C-550 continued its service under USCS and then with AMO, protecting our nation’s borders for over 40 years.
Since 2012, the C-550 aircraft contributed to $1.4 million in seized currency, seizure of 741 pounds of cocaine, 11,687 pounds of marijuana, 608 pounds of methamphetamine, 83 weapons, 5 aircraft, and 58 vehicles. The C-550 conducted 260 hours of surveillance during Super Bowls, flew 33 hours searching for escaped prisoners in New York in 2015, and 20 hours securing the presidential inauguration and United Nations.
A total of 28 of these Citations were built for the agency and patrolled the nation's borders for over 40 years.
AMO’s four remaining C-550 aircraft will be sold at auction at the end of the year.
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 2019, AMO enforcement actions resulted in the seizure or disruption of 284,825 pounds of cocaine, 101,874 pounds of marijuana, 51,058 pounds of methamphetamine, 935 weapons and $34.1 million, 1,575 arrests, 52,036 apprehensions of illegal aliens.
For more information about CBP, visit: CBP.gov, Flickr, DVIDS, or follow us on Twitter at @CBP
AGUADILLA, Puerto Rico—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) agents detected and intercepted Wednesday a wooden makeshift vessel with 32 undocumented aliens from the Dominican Republic attempting to reach the northwestern coast.
“We remain committed to working with other federal and local law enforcement partners to detect and deter smuggling attempts throughout the Caribbean,” stated Johnny Morales, Director of CBP’s Air and Marine Operations in the Caribbean.
On Nov. 20, the crew of an AMO DHC-8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft observed a 30ft single-engine “yola” type vessel navigating east about 26 miles from the city of Aguadilla.
The crew of the MPA maintained constant surveillance of the vessel, contacting an AMO Marine Interceptor Vessel crew which intercepted the vessel, finding 32 people onboard, 30 males and two females, all claiming to be nationals of the Dominican Republic.
Following the Caribbean Border Interagency Group (CBIG) protocols, the 32 aliens boarded the US Coast Guard cutter Donald Horsley for biometric processing.
On Nov. 21, Coast Guard transported 4 aliens to the Mayaguez Port of entry where Ramey Station Border Patrol agents arrested them pending prosecution for violations to federal immigration law.
A US Coast Guard cutter Donald Horsley repatriated the remaining 28 aliens to the Dominican Republic.
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.
CBIG was formally created to unify efforts of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Puerto Rico, and Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces of Rapid Action (FURA, for its Spanish acronym), in their common goal of securing the borders of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands against illegal migrant and drug smuggling.
