Human Trafficking

CBP Air and Marine agents rescue migrants from South Florida waters

jquinones — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 11:42:15 +0000

CBP Air and Marine agents rescue migrants from South Florida waters jquinones Thu, 11/16/2023 - 06:42

MIAMI – Early Tuesday morning, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) agents successfully resuscitated an unresponsive individual who had entered the ocean from a vessel near Sunny Isles Beach, Florida.

AMO agents had been on overnight maritime patrol and encountered a vessel operating without navigational lights that was headed toward the beach. The vessel appeared to have multiple persons on board. As AMO agents attempted to stop the vessel, it turned away and the individuals onboard entered the water in an apparent attempt to flee.

“This event spotlights both the danger of these kind of voyages, and the dedication of AMO agents and staff”, said AMO Southeast Region Executive Director John Priddy. “This event further demonstrates the value of integrated teamwork with our Federal and local partners.”

AMO agents quickly worked to assist all, and successfully rescued eleven suspected migrants. The migrant vessel capsized, and one person became entangled underneath it, requiring an AMO agent to enter the water to assist. After freeing the subject and pulling him onboard, AMO agents found him to be unresponsive. CPR was immediately administered, and after approximately 15 minutes, the victim was resuscitated.

Shortly thereafter, a Miami-Dade Fire Rescue boat arrived and transported the subject to be airlifted for further medical treatment and observation at a local hospital.

AMO turned over eleven migrants to U.S. Coast Guard Station Miami for repatriation. Three migrants successfully swam to shore and were subsequently apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol Agents.

DHS partner agencies are actively investigating the case.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the comprehensive management, control, and protection of our nation’s borders, combining customs, immigration, border security, and agricultural protection at and between official ports of entry.

Release Date

Thu, 11/16/2023

San Diego Border Patrol and Mexican authorities increase binational operations to combat human smuggling

michael.j.scappechio — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 17:01:17 +0000

San Diego Border Patrol and Mexican authorities increase binational operations to combat human smuggling michael.j.scappechio Wed, 09/27/2023 - 13:01

For More Information

(202) 344-1780

SAN DIEGO — Acknowledging the continued need for a united front against transnational criminal organizations, the San Diego Border Patrol and its Mexican counterparts have intensified binational collaboration to address the issue of increased human smuggling throughout the San Diego/Tijuana border region.

The San Diego Sector Border Patrol, Instituto Nacional de Migracion, Guardia Nacional, and the Secretaria de La Defensa Nacional are ramping up mirrored and southside patrols along the immediate border and are dedicating additional resources toward information sharing efforts that deliver consequences to bad actors, uphold the principles of lawful immigration, and secure border communities.

These operations target smugglers who exploit vulnerable individuals seeking illegal entry into the United States, disrupt bandit activity, and assist with stemming the flow of migrants into the United States. Last week these coordinated efforts led to the arrest of two suspected cartel members in Mexico who were armed with an assault rifle near the Otay Mountain Wilderness Area.

Continued collaboration and partnership with Mexican authorities led to the arrest of two suspected cartel members and the seizure of an assault rifle and ammunition just south of the international boundary.

“Transnational criminal organizations have little regard for human life and frequently place migrants in danger along the shared U.S. / Mexico border,” stated Chief Patrol Agent Patricia D. McGurk-Daniel. “This collaboration with our Mexican counterparts signifies our mutual commitment to addressing the grave challenges posed by criminal organizations involved in human smuggling. Together, we are working tirelessly to dismantle their operations and keep people out of their dangerous grasp.”

Release Date

Wed, 09/27/2023

San Diego, CA

Blaine Sector Border Patrol agents rescue three people stranded in mountains

jgivens — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 22:36:15 +0000

Blaine Sector Border Patrol agents rescue three people stranded in mountains jgivens Thu, 09/07/2023 - 18:36

BLAINE, Wash. — Blaine Sector Border Patrol agents from the Sumas Station rescued three people in the mountains near Sumas Friday morning.

Blaine Sector Border Patrol agents rescued three people in the mountains near Sumas.

The rescue occurred after agents received a distress call from a woman who said she and two other people had been abandoned by a human smuggler and that they were stranded in the mountains. The agents were able to determine the individuals’ location based on GPS coordinates and photos sent from the woman’s phone.

Blaine Sector Special Operations Detachment conducted a technical rope rescue on the sheer face of the mountains at approximately 7:30 a.m. and rescued the three individuals.

All three were medically cleared and determined to be undocumented immigrants from Mexico.

“Human smugglers are callous individuals who do not value human life. They put these individual’s lives in danger by abandoning them in the mountains,” said Blaine Sector Chief Patrol Agent Rosario Vasquez. “Fortunately, in this case, Border Patrol agents who are highly trained in search-and-rescue techniques were able to locate them and get them safely out of the mountains.”

Release Date

Thu, 09/07/2023

Border Patrol Breaks Ground on New Station in Champlain, New York

rbrissette — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 19:21:59 +0000

Border Patrol Breaks Ground on New Station in Champlain, New York rbrissette Thu, 08/03/2023 - 15:21

CHAMPLAIN, NY – On August 2, Swanton Sector Border Patrol conducted a ground-breaking ceremony in Champlain, NY., commemorating the beginning of construction on a new Border Patrol Station.

The 36,000-square-foot facility is scheduled for completion in August 2025 and is designed to accommodate 50 Border Patrol agents and support staff.

The keynote speakers for the event were Swanton Sector's Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia and Acting Patrol Agent in Charge of the Champlain Station Raymond Bresnahan.

Chief Garcia began by sharing with the audience of approximately 60 guests the unprecedented number of apprehensions Champlain Station and Swanton Sector as a whole are currently experiencing and stated: "The Champlain Station is the busiest station in the busiest sector on our entire northern border." This fiscal year alone, as a sector, in 10 months, we have surpassed eight prior whole fiscal years' worth of apprehensions of illegal border crossings."

Patrol Agent in Charge Bresnahan's speech followed; "As the threats to our nation changed over the years, so did the staffing and operational tempo," he said. "Champlain station currently leads not only Swanton Sector but the entire northern border in noncitizen apprehensions. The list of challenges handling this type of increased workload in such a small, outdated facility is staggering."

The current station on Ridge Road was constructed in 1989 and designed to accommodate 15 agents. The station is responsible for approximately 29 miles of the international boundary from the New York/Vermont border to Churubusco, NY, and plays a crucial role in maintaining operational control of our nation's border.

The Swanton Sector is responsible for securing the land border between ports of entry in Vermont, New Hampshire, and northeastern New York. Citizens reporting suspicious activity is invaluable to the Border Patrol's mission, and we welcome community members' information to help to keep our nation's borders safe. To report suspicious activity in Swanton Sector, please call 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.

Release Date

Thu, 08/03/2023

Border Patrol Agents apprehend suspect in connection with a homicide investigation

rkise — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 19:20:21 +0000

Border Patrol Agents apprehend suspect in connection with a homicide investigation rkise Wed, 08/02/2023 - 15:20

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – On August 1, Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol agents arrested a homicide suspect attempting to flee to Mexico.

The Mexican national was encountered at the Brownsville, Texas bus station as a part of a local, state, and federal interagency coordination with Fort Brown and Brownsville Stations. The suspect is identified by agents as a migrant who overstayed her visitor visa and was successfully taken into custody.

Agents are actively collaborating with other federal agencies and the Houston, Texas Police Department to have the suspect extradited to Harris County in connection to an on-going homicide investigation.

“Extremely proud of our Border Patrol Agents for their collaboration with our law enforcement partner agencies, their vigilance, and relentless pursuit, ensuring our community's safety by apprehending the wanted suspect. Their bravery and commitment are a testament to our Agency's excellence,” stated RGV Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez.

Please visit www.cbp.gov view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter CBPRGV and USBPChiefRGV.

Release Date

Wed, 08/02/2023

Human smuggling attempt foiled at Harlingen Airport

rkise — Sat, 27 May 2023 14:32:01 +0000

Human smuggling attempt foiled at Harlingen Airport rkise Sat, 05/27/2023 - 10:32

HARLINGEN, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol agents alongside Harlingen Police Department stopped an attempt to smuggle four migrants in an airplane.

On May 25, Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol Intelligence agents responded to suspicious activity at Gulf Aviation at the Valley International Airport. With the assistance of the Harlingen Police Department, law enforcement personnel approached the aircraft and interrupted a human smuggling event including two pilots and four migrants determined to be in the United States illegally. The four migrants were from the countries of Guatemala and Honduras. All subjects were placed under arrest. Harlingen Police Department seized the aircraft for its involvement in human smuggling.

“Great work to all involved,” said Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez, “This particular case highlights the importance of our law enforcement partnerships, especially intercepting unconventional smuggling methods.”

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter @CBPRGV and @USBPChiefRGV.

Release Date

Fri, 05/26/2023

Border Patrol Agents foil human smuggling attempt

sbansbach — Fri, 12 May 2023 20:37:36 +0000

Border Patrol Agents foil human smuggling attempt sbansbach Fri, 05/12/2023 - 16:37

CARIBOU, Minn. - U.S. Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Grand Forks Sector, along with the Kittson County Sheriff’s Office, stopped a human smuggling attempt near Caribou, Minnesota on May 11.

The Kittson County Sheriff’s Office notified Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Pembina and Warroad Stations that they witnessed multiple people walking south from the international border with Canada. Officers also noticed two cars in the area and stopped the vehicles. Border Patrol Agents arrived shortly afterwards and discovered 20 people that had just crossed the border illegally.

“This was a great example of our agents and our local law enforcement partners working together,” Chief Patrol Agent Scott D. Garrett said. The communication and collaboration between our agencies was the reason we were able to catch the migrants. As a reminder, it is unlawful to enter the United States anywhere other than a designated Port of Entry.”

All the migrants were brought to the Pembina Border Patrol Station for processing and were placed into removal proceedings. Custody was transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement/Enforcement and Removal Operations. The group was comprised of 16 adult males, five adult females and one child with ages ranging from 3 to 43. All 20 of the migrants were determined to be citizens of Mexico and the two drivers were citizens of Guatemala.

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter @USBPChiefGFN.

Release Date

Fri, 05/12/2023

Falfurrias agents stop major human smuggling attempt

rkise — Tue, 02 May 2023 15:56:42 +0000

Falfurrias agents stop major human smuggling attempt rkise Tue, 05/02/2023 - 11:56

FALFURRIAS, Texas – Falfurrias Border Patrol agents interdicted the driver of a commercial vehicle attempting to smuggle 45 people on Monday morning.

On May 1, 2023, Falfurrias agents encountered a commercial vehicle at the USBP Checkpoint near Falfurrias, Texas. While searching the vehicle following a canine alert, agents discovered 45 non-citizen migrants in the vehicle including two juveniles. The migrants encountered were from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. All subjects were placed under arrest, including the driver of the commercial vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations took lead of the investigation.

This year, RGV Sector agents have disrupted over a hundred smuggling attempts in commercial vehicles.

This smuggling attempt is a grim reminder of the treatment and endangerment of migrants by human smuggling organizations. There is no compassion or care for those smuggled, sick or injured. Also, these smuggling events often include children”, said Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez.

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter @CBPRGV and @USBPChiefRGV.

Release Date

Tue, 05/02/2023

Unaccompanied Child found, family reunification initiated in the RGV

rkise — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 14:00:44 +0000

Unaccompanied Child found, family reunification initiated in the RGV rkise Thu, 04/27/2023 - 10:00

RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas – Rio Grande City Border Patrol Station (RGC) agents encountered an unaccompanied two-year-old child within a group of migrants illegally present in the United States near Roma, Texas.

Recently, RGC agents encountered a group of migrants walking in the brush west of Roma, Texas. As agents conducted immigration inspections on all members of the group, they noticed that the adults were distancing themselves from a small child. No one in the group claimed knowledge or having a familial relationship with the child. The child's clothing had telephone numbers and names written all over. Agents utilized Mobile Intake capabilities out in the field to reference the information written on the child's clothing and identified family members. The child and information obtained by the agents will be turned over to the Office of Refugee Resettlement for future reunification.

"Extremely proud of our Border Patrol agents and their resourcefulness out in the field. Our Border Patrol Agents not only encountered a group, but utilized cutting edge technology to assist an unaccompanied child to have him rejoined with his family,” said Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez.

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter @CBPRGV and @USBPChiefRGV.

Release Date

Wed, 04/26/2023

CTPAT Trade Compliance Forced Labor Requirements FAQs

drichburg — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 18:29:16 +0000

CTPAT Trade Compliance Forced Labor Requirements FAQs drichburg Tue, 04/25/2023 - 14:29

PBRB # 3227-0523

FAQs

Attachment	Ext.	Size	Date
CTPAT Trade Compliance Forced Labor Requirements FAQ	PDF	327.35 KB	06/09/2023