DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Comstock and Carrizo Springs Stations collaborated with  U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations (AMO) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), Jan 27 to arrest multiple illegal aliens.

“Technology systems like the UAS allow us to greatly improve our presence on the border,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz. “We are always looking for innovative ways to implement technology into our time honored law enforcement response.”

In two separate events on Jan. 27, UAS crews located 13 illegal aliens, leading to their arrests. Eight illegal aliens were spotted and arrested near Comstock, and another five were located and subsequently arrested near Carrizo Springs.

“One aspect of National Air Security Operations Center-San Angelo’s mission is to safeguard our nation by anticipating and confronting security threats at the border using innovative law enforcement technology,” said Troy Meridith, San Angelo Director of Air and Marine Operations. “The center’s Joint Program Office consisting of Air and Marine Operations, U.S. Border Patrol, and U.S. Coast Guard personnel, fly MQ-9 Unmanned Aircraft Systems technology to provide land and maritime domain awareness along the Texas Border.”

AMO’s UAS crews use cutting-edge systems technology and real-time networked data dissemination and exploitation to detect, identify, monitor, and coordinate a response with law enforcement partners to threats at the nation’s border and on approach to the United States. This real time view allows agents to effectively patrol vast amounts of land that may be otherwise inaccessible to agents.

In fiscal year 2020 to date, the UAS VADER platform has detected 473 illegal aliens attempting to evade detection resulting in 175 arrests in the Del Rio Sector area of operation.

IMPERAL BEACH, Calif.—Tuesday afternoon, a second person succumbed to their injuries as a result of the maritime smuggling event on February 3rd.

Early Monday morning, a distressed vessel quickly overturned in the high surf.  USBP agents were first on scene at the beach and found the capsized boat along with seven people nearby, two of which needed life-saving measures.

USBP agents began cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the two men who were in a critical state until emergency medical services (EMS) arrived.  EMS then transported the two to a hospital where one, a 62-year-old Mexican national, was pronounced dead upon arrival.  The second individual, a 44-year-old Mexican national, was initially in grave condition but was pronounced dead yesterday at 4:03 p.m.

Prior to his passing, due to the man’s condition, San Diego Sector Border Patrol’s International Liaison Unit (ILU) along with the Foreign Operations Branch (FOB) immediately started to coordinate with the Mexican Consulate to have a family member be by the man’s side.  As a result of ILU and FOB efforts, a family member met with a representative from the Mexican Consulate at the hospital early yesterday evening to confirm the identification of the 44-year-old deceased man.

“Maritime smuggling is extremely dangerous and smugglers place an emphasis on monetary gain over victim safety,” statedUSBP’s San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Aaron Heitke.  “I commend all those involved who did everything they could in an attempt to save these victims’ lives.”

MASSENA, N.Y. - U.S. Border Patrol agents, along with Franklin County Sheriff’s Department (FCSD), New York State Police (NYSP) and CBP Air and Marine Operations aircraft were involved in a more than 200 mile vehicle pursuit stretching from Massena to the Albany area on Monday.   

On February 10, Border Patrol agents observed two suspicious vehicles near State Road 37.   Agents stopped both vehicles separately after observing one illegally enter Canada and reenter the United States.  One of the vehicles –a blue Chevrolet Tahoe – fled shortly after being stopped. Agents pursued the vehicle and were joined by NYSP and FCSD.  The pursuit was terminated after more than an hour due to safety concerns.  A CBP helicopter joined the pursuit to locate the vehicle as it traveled south on I-87.  

NYSP troopers located the vehicle and arrested the suspects outside Albany, more than 200 miles from where the incident began. A search revealed 50 pounds of marijuana in the vehicle.

“This is a great example of various law enforcement partners working together”, said Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia. “Thanks to the hard work of our agents and our partners, our communities are safer.”  

The Swanton Sector is responsible for securing the land border between ports of entry in Vermont, New Hampshire and northeastern New York. The coordination with assistance of citizens is invaluable to the Border Patrol's border security mission and we welcome community members' help to keep our nation’s borders safe. Please report suspicious activity at 1-800-689-3362.

For more on Customs and Border Protection’s mission at our nation’s ports of entry with CBP officers and along U.S. borders with Border Patrol agents, please visit the Border Security section of the CBP website.

MOUNT LAGUNA, Calif.—U.S. Border Patrol agents rescued two people who were lost near the Cuyapaipe Indian Reservation in San Diego’s east county after they entered the county illegally yesterday.  Unfortunately, three other people who were with them died after all lifesaving efforts were exhausted.

On February 10, at approximately 2:15 p.m., California Highway Patrol (CHP) 911 operators notified Border Patrol dispatch of a group of five people in need of immediate medical attention in the Laguna Mountains.  San Diego Sector agents, including the Border Search Trauma and Rescue team (BORSTAR) reacted immediately.  As they neared the area, agents began searching to locate the group in the remote and rugged terrain.

With temperatures dropping, BORSTAR agents located two men from the group, later identified as Mexican nationals who admitted to entering the U.S. illegally.  The two men stated three females from the group were in desperate need of medical attention.  At approximately 5:06 p.m., with the aid of an Air and Marine Operations (AMO) helicopter, agents were able to locate the women.  Two of the women were found unresponsive with no signs of life.  BORSTAR agents quickly triaged them both and attempted to resuscitate the two, to no avail.  The third woman was in and out of consciousness, prompting agents to start life saving measures.

Local partners also responded to aid agents, but due to the inclement weather all rescue efforts were fruitless and all lifesaving attempts were exhausted.  The three females succumbed to their injuries, the last person died at approximately 7:26 p.m.  Weather conditions did not permit any successful hoist attempts and all other viable extraction options were not feasible.

Today, February 11, if the current weather allows a safe recovery, agents will attempt to extract the three deceased people via helicopter.

The two Mexican men, ages 22 and 37-years-old were arrested for illegal entry and taken to a nearby station for processing and evaluation.  The three deceased females will be turned over to the Coroner’s Office once they are recovered.

“This incident that resulted in the tragic loss of lives was totally avoidable,” stated San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Aaron Heitke. “We have said it many times, do not place your life or the lives of your loved ones in the hands of ruthless smugglers.”  Chief Heitke continued, “I am proud of the heroic efforts that these agents and our partners made to locate and provide aid to those in need.  Our agents also put their own lives at risk traversing the dangerous routes that these criminal organizations smuggle people through in an attempt to avoid apprehension.”

To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on corridors of egress away from our Nation’s borders.  To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.

GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. – On February 21, U. S. Border Patrol agents working on Grand Island received a report of a missing 12-year-old girl with autism. Several Border Patrol agents joined the search for the girl alongside the New York State Police, Erie County Sheriff's Office and Grand Island Police Department. Helicopters from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP), Air and Marine Operations and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office also assisted in the search. At approximately 12:30 p.m., a Border Patrol agent located the girl near Stony Brook and Ransom roads.

“This was a great example of interagency cooperation and dedication of our law enforcement professionals to help those in distress,” said Eduardo Payan, Chief Patrol Agent for the Buffalo Sector.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-800-331-0353 toll free.

Follow us on Twitter @CBPBuffalo and @USBPChiefBUN

AGUADILLA, Puerto Rico–U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents apprehended 5 aliens from the Dominican Republic Monday morning following an extensive search in response to a landing near Rincon. 

Near midnight of on Feb.23, a CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) Marine Patrol Aircraft detected a wooden “yola” vessel Agents navigating towards the coast of Rincon, Puerto Rico.

Ramey Border Patrol Agents found the vessel near Corcega beach in Rincon.  After an extensive search, agents arrested five illegal aliens, all adults males claiming citizenship of from the Dominican Republic.

All aliens were transported to the Ramey station for immigration processing and removal.  

CBP officers and agents lead CBP’s border security mission at ports of entry, along U.S. borders by agents from the United States Border Patrol and from the air and sea by agents from Air and Marine Operations. 

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

Follow us on Twitter: @CBPCaribbean @USBPChiefRMY @USBPDepChiefRMY

AGUADILLA, Puerto Rico–Los agentes de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza (CBP) detuvieron a 5 dominicanos el lunes por la mañana luego de una extensa búsqueda en respuesta a un desembarco cerca de Rincón.

Cerca de la medianoche del 23 de febrero, un avión de patrulla marina de Operaciones Aéreas y Marítimas (AMO) de CBP detectó una "yola" que navegaba hacia la costa de Rincón, Puerto Rico.

Los agentes de la Patrulla Fronteriza Ramey encontraron la embarcación cerca de la playa de Córcega en Rincón. Después de una búsqueda exhaustiva, los agentes arrestaron a cinco extranjeros ilegales, todos los hombres adultos reclamando la ciudadanía de la República Dominicana.

Todos los extranjeros fueron transportados a la estación de Ramey para su procesamiento y remoción de inmigración.

Los agentes y agentes de CBP lideran la misión de seguridad fronteriza de CBP en los puertos de entrada, a lo largo de las fronteras de los Estados Unidos por agentes de la Patrulla Fronteriza de los Estados Unidos y desde el aire y el mar por agentes de Operaciones Aéreas y Marítimas.

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

Síganos en Twitter: @CBPCaribbean @USBPChiefRMY @USBPDepChiefRMY

DEL MAR, Calif. — Following a disrupted maritime smuggling event, local, state, and Federal agencies rescued 13 people and continue to search for three more.  The event occurred early Friday morning less than one mile off the shore of Del Mar.

A Unified Command was established for the crisis and included U.S. Border Patrol (USBP), Air and Marine Operations AMO), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), the Del Mar Fire Department, the Oceanside Police Department, California State Parks, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, Oceanside Police Department, the City of Del Mar, and Del Mar Lifeguards.

The event began at approximately 4:45 a.m., when the Joint Harbor Operation Center received multiple reports regarding individuals on the beach near 12th Street in Del Mar.  USBP, AMO, USCG, local law enforcement, and local emergency services responded immediately to the area.

Once on scene, first responders found 10 people already onshore and three people that Encinitas Life Guards had rescued by boat.  All 13 were transported to nearby hospitals due to symptoms of hypothermia.

“This is another example of smugglers placing profit over human life.  They forced women and children into deep ocean water and abandoned them,” said San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Aaron Heitke.  “If not for the actions of our agents and partnering agencies, the results could have been tragic.”

USBP agents later determined that the rescued group were members of a maritime smuggling event and subsequently took custody of all.  Out of the 13, there was one 15-year-old female, one 13-year-old and one 15-year-old male, four adult females, and six adult males.  All 13 are Mexican nationals.

Reports from members of the group indicate there may have been as many as 18 people, including two smugglers, on board the vessel.  The individuals also stated they were told to exit the vessel and swim to shore when they were still far from shore and beyond the surf line. 

At this time, the Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue dive team; Del Mar Lifeguards; the San Diego County Sheriff's Dive Team; the Coast Guard Cutter Sockeye crew; Air and Marine boat crew; a Coast Guard Station San Diego 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew; and a Sector San Diego MH-60 Jayhawk Helicopter crew are actively searching for more people.  An AMO boat crew headed south to search for a panga.

Chief Heitke added, “Our agents and partners will continue to protect our Nation, save lives, and educate the public as to the dangers of crossing the border illegally.”

As of FY20, USBP San Diego Sector and its partners have apprehended 368 individuals who attempted to enter into the U.S. illegally via maritime smuggling.

If you have information about maritime smuggling or suspicious activity along the coast of California, call 9-1-1, and you will be directed through the proper channels. 

YUMA, Ariz.– Yuma Sector Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue operators along with Wellton Station agents and Air and Marine Operations – Yuma Air Branch rescued a lost illegal alien in distress Monday.

At approximately noon, Mexican officials notified the Yuma Sector Operations Center that they had received a call from an individual lost in the desert. The male Mexican national had contacted Mexico’s emergency services stating that he had entered the U.S. from Mexican Federal Highway 2 without food or water. Initial attempts to call the subject on the phone were unsuccessful. BORSTAR operators were able to re-establish communication with the lost man and determined his location. BORSTAR operators and Wellton Station agents, utilizing U.S. Customs and Border Protection air assets, located and rescued the lost alien who was unable to walk after climbing high up a desert hillside.

The rescued illegal alien was a 34-year-old Mexican national. A U.S. Border Patrol Emergency Medical Technician examined the subject once he was located. The individual was in good health although he was treated for exhaustion. He will be charged with immigration violations.

SAN DIEGO, Calif.—U.S. Border Patrol agents working alongside Air and Marine Operations (AMO), San Diego Fire Department, and Cal-Fire, helped rescue five people after receiving a distress call Wednesday night.

The incident began on March 18 at approximately 9:30 p.m. when members of San Diego Sector’s Foreign Operations Branch (FOB) received a phone call from a group of Mexican nationals who said they were lost and cold in a mountainous area near the border.  The FOB team, who works closely with stake-holders and law enforcement in Mexico, contacted SDC’s Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) team.

The BORSTAR team and assets from AMO joined efforts to locate the group.  After several hours of coordination between FOB, BORSTAR, and AMO, the group was located at approximately 1:00 a.m. in an area referred to as Colonel’s Ridgeline.  The area is rugged, mountainous, and located about two miles north of the U.S/Mexico International Boundary and three miles east of the Otay Mesa Port of Entry.

The group of five were determined to be Mexican nationals illegally present in the U.S.  During their initial medical evaluation, an 18-year-old female in the group displayed signs of hypothermia and was in and out of consciousness.  Using life-savings techniques, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, BORSTAR agents stabilized the woman and prepared her for transport. 

Due to inclement weather and low visibility, air asset extraction of the woman at the spot of her injury was not possible.  Therefore, several agents carried her up extremely rugged terrain to a fire-break road where air assets could safely land.  Using San Diego Fire Department air assets, the woman was transported to a local hospital for further care.

The four remaining people in the group were men, which included a 17-year-old boy.  They were guided safely to nearby vehicles and driven to a local Border Patrol station for processing.

The woman is in critical condition at the hospital and remains unconscious. FOB is coordinating with the Mexican Consulate to locate and contact the woman’s family because of the dire circumstances.

“We have said it many times, do not place your life or the lives of your loved ones in the hands of ruthless smugglers,” said San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Aaron Heitke. “I am proud of the heroic efforts that these agents and our partners made to locate and provide aid to those in need.  These criminal organizations smuggle people through dangerous routes in an attempt to avoid apprehension.” Chief Heitke continued, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the woman and her family during this difficult time.”

In fiscal year 2020, U.S. Border Patrol agents have recorded 36 rescues of individuals in the San Diego Sector.

San Diego Sector Border Patrol reported several recent smuggling incidents requiring mountain rescues, some which also had loss of life: 

Severe Weather and Harsh Terrain Claims 3

Border Patrol Rescues Two Lost Deep in Mountains

BORSTAR

To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on corridors of egress away from our Nation’s borders.  To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is working closely with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other federal, state, and local agencies to support the whole-of-government effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep everyone safe.

Please visit coronavirus.gov and USA.gov/coronavirus for official government-wide information and CDC.gov/coronavirus for health-related updates about COVID-19.Visit DHS.gov/coronavirus for homeland security updates and FEMA's website to distinguish between rumors and facts regarding the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

CBP Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates and Announcements 

From her station at Seattle’s international airport, CBP Officer Shannice Brown checked the passports of international arrivals.

“Thank you. Next, please!” she said as she finished talking to one traveler and readied for the next.

In a lot of ways, it’s business as usual for this recent transplant from the East Coast to America’s Pacific Northwest. But in this time of COVID-19, or coronavirus, in an area that has been a hotspot for the disease, the protective measures and increased awareness of what she needs to do to protect America – and herself – remains at the forefront of her mind.

“There is a good amount of personal protective equipment – masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, etc. – available to all of our officers,” she said, pointing out many of the safe practices during this time of coronavirus have always been done. “Even before this outbreak, [personal protective equipment] was always available. It’s an officer safety concern.”

As a CBP officer she doesn’t medically screen passengers; that’s left to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention employees located at the airport. CDC actually goes up to the gates of the planes, visually checks everyone, and gives them CDC contact forms to gather phone numbers and addresses of those arriving.

“By the time they get down to us in the primary processing area, they’ve already been seen, and we already have their contact information,” Brown said. “We enter that contact information into our system as well in the event we need to access it later.”

CBP continues to process cargo, international mail and express consignment packages. The CDC has not identified any threat as it relates to these shipments. Currently all CBP ports of entry are following the same operational guidance as issued by recent presidential proclamations and the Department of Homeland Security.

U.S. citizens returning from abroad from certain countries are proceeding to standard customs processing. They will then continue to CDC enhanced entry screening where the passenger will be asked about their medical history, current condition, and asked for contact information for local health authorities. Passengers will then be given written guidance about the coronavirus and directed to proceed to their final destination, and immediately home-quarantine in accordance with CDC best practices.

 Recent travel restrictions slowed the rate of international travelers coming through her airport to much lower volume than normal, but the work is still there.

“Whether or not our passenger count has changed, our duty is to remain constant, identifying anything that could potentially be a risk to our nation,” she said.

It’s a scene being played out across CBP. Supervisory Marine Interdiction Agent Kris Goland said he told his agents headed out to patrol off San Diego’s Pacific Ocean coast to exercise extra caution with whomever they might encounter.

“It’s a constant reminder to slow down, gather your situational awareness, and look at the circumstances, rather than quickly jumping on board [a smuggling vessel] like we normally would be doing,” Goland said. He added safety officers are counting face masks to make sure agents and possible violators have the needed protective equipment before the crews hit the seas. “We’ve already come across a migrant vessel, and all the migrants were given face masks to protect themselves and the law enforcement officers involved in the action.”

He said many of the precautions they’re taking now mirror protections the marine agents were already practicing to protect themselves against diseases, such as tuberculosis, and dangerous drugs like fentanyl, which can kill if not handled properly.

Further up the west coast, Marine Interdiction Agent Bill Scammell said the “Stay-at-Home, Stay Safe” orders in Washington state are helping them do their job. This time of year would be a crowded time as Canadian and American fishermen chase salmon in the shared waters each are allowed to transit. But now, there’s not a thousand boats to watch; maybe just a handful.

 “It’s kind of like what we deal with in the winter months, when the weather is more adverse and less people out on the water,” Scammell said. “It makes it a little easier for us.”

Scammell said their boats are also well-stocked with the gloves and face masks needed to do the job.

In the desert of Arizona, Border Patrol Agent Monica Cruz said they’re taking the same safety precautions as always – face masks, gloves – when encountering people who have illegally crossed the border. Only now, they don’t take them back to her Border Patrol station near Yuma.

“We’re doing everything in the field,” she said, following certain protocols, depending on the person’s country of origin: Mexicans and Central Americans have their records checked for any criminal history and expelled to Mexico expeditiously at the port of entry; persons from other countries are isolated within Border Patrol holding facilities to the greatest extent possible until they can be put on a flight back to their home country. “We’re trying to limit the [physical] contact we have with the detainees.”

Cruz said as a certified emergency medical technician, she finds many are actually unaware of the pandemic and the dangers it brings.

 “If they are infected and taking it to their loved ones in the states, it just defeats the whole purpose of the safety measures federal, state and local officials have put out,” she said. “We need to protect our people, but they also need to protect theirs.”

To make sure all CBP frontline personnel have what they need and the knowledge to protect themselves, Dr. David Tarantino, CBP’s senior medical advisor, works closely with CBP human resources and safety and health professionals.

“CBP developed a comprehensive, mission-specific, risk-based job hazard analysis and personal protective equipment assessment,” Tarantino said. “This analysis is based on guidance from the Department of Homeland Security, CDC and other experts.”

Tarantino said the information is available to all CBP employees through the agency’s internal intranet website. The site contains that CBP guidance, DHS guidance, CDC information and much of the same information the general public has been hearing – wash your hands frequently and for 20 seconds with soap and water, recognize the signs of COVID-19, and practice social distancing, among others. In addition, it advises CBP employees what they should do for protective equipment: gloves, face masks and respirators for direct contact with high-risk passengers down to maybe just good hygiene techniques for those in offices or working from home.

“We encourage everyone concerned about a potential exposure to the coronavirus to alert their supervisor,” Tarantino said.

CBP also stood up an emergency operations center at agency headquarters in Washington, D.C., on March 1. Staffed by experts from components throughout CBP, it supports the agency's planning and response to the coronavirus and assists people in the workforce.

"When we stand up an operation such as this, it's in response to a major event," said Dario Lugo, operations manager for the center. "Our main concern is the safety of CBP personnel in the field and their families. The accountability of our staff is paramount. This is not unlike how we respond to hurricanes, floods, or other acts of nature."

Scammell is glad to get the equipment, knowledge and support from the experts back at headquarters. He said the agents he works with just want to be good CBP employees and good citizens.

“As a community here, we need to do our part, including using [protective measures] and social distancing,” Scammell said. “One day, we’ll have this in the rearview mirror, and it will be gone.”

“Our job is to protect our borders and the people who are here. This is one way that we can do so,” Cruz said.

Brown said she hopes the public understands how hard CBP is working to make sure everyone is safe.

“We are doing our best to maintain their safety, as well as ours, during this time,” Brown said.

Air Interdiction Agent James Litz passed away of an apparent heart attack while on a TDY assignment in Panama in support of Joint Interagency Task Force South.  On the day of his passing, AIA Litz was engaged in mission planning for an upcoming air mission when he left the flight planning room to prepare the aircraft.  He was later discovered unconscious without a pulse outside the planning room.  CPR was attempted, but was unsuccessful. 

AIA Litz entered on duty with the U.S. Customs Service on August 27, 1990.  He also served in the U.S. Navy for eight years.

AGUADILLA, Puerto Rico—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) agents detected and intercepted Friday a wooden makeshift vessel with 35 undocumented aliens from the Dominican Republic and Haiti attempting to reach the southwestern coast.   

“Making the journey across the Mona Passage is extremely treacherous and dangerous,” stated Johnny Morales, Director of CBP’s Air and Marine Operations in the Caribbean. “Traversing to Puerto Rico illegally during this worldwide pandemic adds a danger to the lives of these illegal migrants.”  

Near midnight on April 2, the crew of an AMO DHC-8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft observed single-engine “yola” type vessel moving east without navigational lights about 40 miles from the municipality of Cabo Rojo.    

The crew of the MPA maintained constant surveillance of the vessel, contacting an AMO Marine Interceptor Vessel crew, which intercepted the vessel 18 nautical miles from the island, finding 35 people onboard.   

AMO agents provided protective masks to all the aliens inside the boat.  The aliens claimed to be from the Dominican Republic and Haiti; 30 males, 4 females and 1 minor.   

Following the Caribbean Border Interagency Group (CBIG) protocols, the 35 aliens boarded the US Coast Guard cutter Joseph Tezanos for biometric processing and repatriation. 

The mission of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations 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. 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. 

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. 

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AGUADILLA, Puerto Rico - Agentes de Operaciones Aéreas y Marinas (AMO) de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza (CBP) Estados Unidos detectaron e interceptaron el viernes una yola con 35 indocumentados de nacionalidad dominicana y haitiana que intentaban llegar a la costa suroeste.

“Hacer el viaje a través del Pasaje de Mona es extremadamente traicionero y peligroso, " dijo Johnny Morales, Director de Operaciones Aéreas y Marinas de CBP en el Caribe. "Viajar ilegalmente a Puerto Rico durante esta pandemia mundial agrega un peligro a la vida de estos inmigrantes ilegales.”

Cerca de la medianoche del 2 de abril, la tripulación de un avión de patrulla marítima AMO DHC-8 observó un buque monomotor tipo "yola" moviéndose hacia el este, sin luces de navegación, a unas 40 millas del municipio de Cabo Rojo.

La tripulación del avión mantuvo una vigilancia constante de la embarcación, contactando a la tripulación de un buque interceptor marino AMO, que interceptó la embarcación a 18 millas náuticas de la isla, encontrando 35 personas a bordo.

Los agentes de AMO proporcionaron máscaras protectoras a todos los indocumentados dentro del bote. Los extranjeros afirmaron ser de la República Dominicana y Haití; 30 hombres, 4 féminas y una menor.

Siguiendo los protocolos del Grupo Interagencial de la Frontera del Caribe (CBIG), los 35 extranjeros abordaron el escampavías Joseph Tezanos de la Guardia Costera de los Estados Unidos para el procesamiento biométrico y para su eventual repatriación.

La misión de las Operaciones Aéreas y Marítimas (AMO, por sus siglas en ingles) de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza, de Estados Unidos es salvaguardar nuestra nación anticipando y confrontando las amenazas de seguridad a través de nuestra experiencia en la aplicación de la ley de aviación y marítima, capacidades innovadoras y asociaciones en la frontera y más allá. Con 1.800 agentes federales y personal de apoyo a la misión, 240 aeronaves y 300 embarcaciones marinas que operan en los Estados Unidos, Puerto Rico y las Islas Vírgenes estadounidenses.  AMO utiliza sus flotas sofisticadas para detectar, clasificar, interceptar, rastrear y capturar criminales en diversas ambientes dentro y fuera de las fronteras de los Estados Unidos.

En julio de 2006, CBIG se creó formalmente unificando los esfuerzos del Negociado de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza (CBP), el Servicio de Guardacostas (USCG), el Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE), la Oficina Fiscal Federal para el Distrito de Puerto Rico, y las unidades de FURA de la Policía de Puerto Rico, con la meta común de mantener control y seguridad de las zonas costeras de la isla. 

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