Agriculture

CBP releases October 2023 monthly update

rlawson — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 13:20:33 +0000

CBP releases October 2023 monthly update rlawson Tue, 11/14/2023 - 08:20

WASHINGTON – U.S. Customs and Border Protection today released monthly operational statistics for October 2023, which show an overall decrease in migrant encounters along the southwest border, even as we continue to see the largest displacement of individuals globally since World War II. CBP Monthly reporting can be viewed online.

“In conjunction with our resumption of removal flights to Venezuela consistent with delivering consequences for those who cross the border unlawfully, CBP saw a 65 percent decrease in southwest border encounters of Venezuelans in the second half of October, compared to the second half of September. In October, CBP also saw an overall decrease of 14 percent between ports of entry, as well as an overall decrease of family units. We continue to enhance our border security posture and remain vigilant,” said Troy A. Miller, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner. “CBP’s narcotics seizures in October highlight our work on the frontline in the fight against fentanyl and other dangerous substances entering the United States – but we need more resources to sustain and increase these efforts. The President’s supplemental budget request is critical to funding the frontline, and would provide much-needed personnel, resources, and technology to go after transnational criminal organizations, enhance border security – including the enforcement of consequences for those who break the law – and support state and local partners, all to keep Americans safe.”

Below are key operational statistics for CBP’s primary mission areas in October 2023. View all CBP statistics online.

Ensuring Border Security and Managing Migration

CBP remains steadfast in enforcing our immigration laws: increasing operational capabilities as needed, deploying new technology, and fielding additional resources to support our border security mission and to act as a force multiplier for our agents and officers on the ground. Recognizing that transnational criminal organizations continue to prey on vulnerable migrants, we are actively working to combat the spread of disinformation by smugglers. We are working closely with foreign governments, including in particular our partners in Mexico, to ensure a regional approach to addressing and curtailing irregular migration.

CBP is processing all noncitizens under Title 8 immigration authorities, and placing noncitizens who cross the border unlawfully into Expedited Removal or Section 240 Removal Proceedings. Noncitizens who cross between the ports of entry or who present themselves at a port of entry without making a CBP One™ appointment and have traveled through another country without claiming asylum are subject to the Circumvention of Lawful Pathways rule. This rule presumes asylum ineligibility for those who fail to use lawful pathways, with certain exceptions.

Individuals and families without a legal basis to remain in the U.S. are subject to removal pursuant to CBP’s longstanding Title 8 authorities. These individuals and families are subject to a minimum five-year bar on reapplying for admission and potential criminal prosecution if they subsequently re-enter without authorization. Through coordination, planning, and execution that includes U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, since May 2023 and through October 31st, DHS removed or returned over 355,000 individuals, including more than 54,000 individual family members. DHS has removed or returned more individual family members in the last six months than in any previous full fiscal year.

In October 2023, the U.S. Border Patrol recorded 188,778 encounters between ports of entry along the southwest border, a decrease of 14% from September 2023. CBP’s total encounters along the southwest border in October were 240,988, a decrease of 11% from September 2023.

Among CBP’s 240,988 total southwest border encounters in October 2023, encounters of family unit individuals decreased by 14% and encounters of unaccompanied children decreased by 16% from September. Additionally, encounters with single adults also decreased by 7%.

On October 5, DHS announced that the United States would begin to return Venezuelans back to their home country. On October 18, DHS conducted the first removal flight to Venezuela and flights have been taking place regularly since then. CBP encounters of Venezuelans at the southwest border dropped 65% from October 15-30, compared to September 15-30.

View more migration statistics and rescues statistics.

CBP One™ App

The CBP One™ mobile application remains a key component of DHS’s efforts to incentivize noncitizens to use lawful, safe, and orderly pathways and disincentivize attempts to cross between ports of entry. In October, CBP processed more than 44,000 individuals at ports of entry utilizing advanced information submitted in CBP One™.

Since the appointment scheduling function in CBP One™ was introduced in January 2023 through the end of October, nearly 324,000 individuals have successfully scheduled appointments to present at a port of entry using CBP One™. The top nationalities who have scheduled appointments are Venezuelan, Mexican, and Haitian.

A percentage of daily available appointments are allocated to the earliest registered CBP One™ profiles, so noncitizens who have been trying to obtain appointments for the longest time will be prioritized. CBP is continually monitoring and evaluating the application to ensure its functionality and guard against bad actors.

Safeguarding Communities by Interdicting Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs

As the largest law enforcement agency in the United States, CBP is uniquely positioned to detect, identify, and seize illicit drugs before they enter our communities. CBP’s combination of interdiction and intelligence capabilities, complemented by its border search authorities, scientific services, non-intrusive inspection equipment, and canine detection teams, places it at the forefront of the U.S. government’s efforts to combat fentanyl and other dangerous drugs.

In October CBP released an updated, comprehensive strategy to continue to fight fentanyl and synthetic drugs. The CBP Strategy to Combat Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Drugs drives a whole-of-CBP approach that feeds into the work taking place all across DHS as we lead interagency efforts against illicit synthetic narcotics. This 2023 strategy aligns resources, enhances partnerships, and builds on the successful enforcement intelligence and data-driven operations CBP has executed this year, while leveraging CBP’s vast expertise and data holdings to disrupt the transnational criminal organizations responsible for the illicit production, distribution, and trafficking of illicit fentanyl, its analogues, and other synthetic drugs in the United States.

As an immediate first step in implementing the updated fentanyl strategy, CBP recently announced Operation Apollo: a southern California counter-fentanyl joint operation, with a focus on intelligence collection. The CBP-led operation will concentrate law enforcement efforts on disrupting drug and chemical supply, collecting and sharing intelligence, and leveraging valuable partnerships. Participating agencies, led by CBP, include state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies as well as federal agencies from within DHS including Homeland Security Investigations, and other federal agencies that have a nexus to narcotics trafficking as well as the intelligence community.

Following the success of Operation Blue Lotus earlier this year, Department of Homeland Security announced the next phase of its surge campaign to target and prevent fentanyl from entering the United States. Operation Artemis, led by CBP, leveraged intelligence and investigative information derived from Blue Lotus to target drug traffickers’ fentanyl supply chains and interdict items required in the production of fentanyl. In four months of operation, Operation Artemis led to over 900 seizures, including over 13,000 pounds of fentanyl precursor chemicals, over 2,590 pounds of non-fentanyl precursor chemicals, 142 pill presses and 325 pill molds, more than 270 pounds of fentanyl pills and powder, and more than 210 pounds of Xylazine, more than 1,160 pounds of methamphetamine, and over 11,230 pounds of other finished synthetic drugs.

CBP seized 1,661 pounds of fentanyl in October 2023. In FY 2023, CBP seized more than 27,000 pounds of fentanyl, compared with over 14,600 pounds in FY 2022. CBP’s fentanyl seizures in FY 2023 increased more than 860% compared to FY 2019.

View more drug seizure statistics.

Facilitating Lawful Trade and Travel and Promoting Economic Security

As international travel rises, CBP continues to leverage technology to streamline efficiency and increase security at air and land ports of entry. Travelers arriving by air into the United States increased 17% from October 2022 to October 2023, and pedestrians arriving by land at ports of entry increased 8.5% over the same period. Passenger vehicles processed at ports of entry increased 2.6% from October 2022 to October 2023.

CBP works diligently with the trade community and port operators to ensure that merchandise is cleared as efficiently as possible and to strengthen international supply chains and improve border security. In October 2023, CBP processed more than $2.9 million entry summaries valued at more than $289 billion. CBP identified nearly $6.8 billion of duties to be collected by the U.S. government. In October, trade via the maritime environment accounted for 40% of the total import value, followed by air, truck, and rail.

View more travel statistics, and trade statistics.

CHNV Parole Processes

Building upon the successful parole process established for Venezuelans one year ago in October 2022, the parole processes for nationals of Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua announced by President Biden on January 5, 2023, have significantly reduced irregular migration and denied smugglers the opportunity to exploit individuals who have instead benefited from the expansion of safe, orderly, and humane pathways.

Through the end of October 2023, 269,744 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans arrived lawfully and were granted parole under the parole processes. Specifically, 57,243 Cubans, 107,697 Haitians, 48,840 Nicaraguans, and 77,021 Venezuelans were vetted and authorized for travel; and 55,568 Cubans, 99,110 Haitians, 43,267 Nicaraguans, and 71,801 Venezuelans arrived and were granted parole.

Protecting Consumers and Eradicating Forced Labor from Supply Chains

CBP continues to lead U.S. government efforts to eliminate goods from the supply chain made with forced labor from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. In October, CBP stopped 504 shipments valued at more than $199 million for further examination based on the suspected use of forced labor.

Intellectual property rights violations continue to put America’s innovation economy at risk. Counterfeit and pirated goods threaten the competitiveness of U.S. businesses, the livelihoods of American workers, and the health and safety of consumers. In October, CBP seized 1,499 shipments that contained counterfeit goods valued at more than $160 million if the items had been genuine.

View more UFLPA enforcement statistics, and intellectual property rights enforcement statistics.

Defending our Nation’s Agricultural System

Through targeting, detection, and interception, CBP agriculture specialists work to prevent threats from entering the United States.

CBP issued 5,803 emergency action notifications for restricted and prohibited plant and animal products entering the United States in October 2023. CBP conducted 94,931 positive passenger inspections and issued 630 civil penalties and/or violations to the traveling public for failing to declare prohibited agriculture items.

View more agricultural enforcement statistics.

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

Tue, 11/14/2023

Importing Biological Materials into the United States

katelynn.cheong — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 17:20:51 +0000

Importing Biological Materials into the United States

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and partner government agencies (PGAs) regulate the importation of biological materials that can pose a threat to agriculture, public health, and natural resources. All biological materials imported into the United States must be documented, labeled, packaged, placarded, and declared in accordance with relevant international, federal, and state regulations. Importers are responsible for knowing and adhering to these regulations, and noncompliance with any regulation may result in importation delays, civil or criminal penalties, and/or seizure of the biological materials.

katelynn.cheong Mon, 10/30/2023 - 13:20

Close all Open all

Biological materials can include the following:

Cell or tissue cultures: such as nonrecombinant or recombinant products, hybridomas, or tissue culture supernatants
Diagnostic specimens: such as blood, tissue, fluids, or other bodily material transported for the purposes of diagnosis or research
Genetic materials: such as synthesized, inactivated, or recombinant chromosomes, genomes, plasmids, DNA/RNA, or transposons
Genetically modified or engineered organisms: such as insects, seeds, plants, or other organisms
Human and veterinary products: such as monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies, antitoxins, antivenom, antisera, vaccines, toxoids, test kits, ascitic fluid, proteins, peptides, enzymes, extracts, blood, plasma, clotting factors, or histopathological slides
Infectious substances: such as cultures of hepatitis B virus, rabies virus, or poliovirus
Microorganisms: such as live, killed, or inactivated and nonrecombinant or recombinant bacteria, fungi, yeast, protozoa, viruses, prions, and helminths
Select agents and toxins: such as anthrax, botulinum neurotoxins, ricin, African swine fever virus, Ebola virus, Rift Valley fever virus, or Xanthomonas oryzae disease
Vectors and hosts: such as ticks, mosquitoes, or laboratory and scientific research animals

PGAs, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration, may require documents or permits for biological materials. Importations must be accompanied with all the required documents or permits upon arrival at a CBP port of entry. If the biological materials require a permit, the importer is responsible for ensuring that the biological materials follow the permit’s conditions.

Biological materials can be regulated and permitted according to a variety of factors, including: the material’s source; the quantity, weight, or amount; the method of production or synthesis; the packaging (as bulk ingredients or in final dosage form); the end use in humans, animals, or research; the state of infectiousness; the potential as a vector of human, animal, or plant disease; and the status as an endangered species (if applicable).

Biological materials transported via culture or transport media may require additional documents or permits if the media contains animal ingredients, such as fetal bovine serum, bovine serum albumin, or porcine trypsin.

Biological materials that are dangerous goods or hazardous materials, such as infectious substances or select agents and toxins, must be packaged, placarded, and transported according to the regulations of the Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration. These regulations also include dry ice used to maintain a temperature range for the biological materials.

Biological materials imported through passenger or pedestrian travel must be presented to CBP for inspection. The biological materials must be declared by either providing an oral declaration or by using a mobile application (such as Mobile Passport Control), self-service kiosk (such as Global Entry or Automated Passport Control), or CBP Form 6059B. More information on these requirements can be found in the following Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.): 19 C.F.R. § 122.27, 19 C.F.R. § 148.11, 19 C.F.R. § 148.12, and 19 C.F.R. § 148.13.

Prior to travel, passengers using CBP Preclearance locations should verify import requirements by directly contacting the Preclearance location or by calling the CBP Info Center at either 1-877-227-5511 (general inquiries) or 202-325-8000 (international callers). Biological materials may be subject to preclearance agreements and host country limitations.

The CBP inspection process may be expedited by scheduling an appointment via the CBP One™ mobile application, which can be used to facilitate the importation of compliant biological materials at select ports of entry.

If the biological material requires a permit, the permit must specifically authorize hand-carry as a condition of importation. Importers are responsible for knowing and adhering to the permit’s importation conditions. Most select agents and toxins cannot be hand-carried since these are hazardous materials.

Biological materials imported by cargo, including express couriers, and mail shipments must be shipped with a description that accurately describes the shipment’s contents. All shipments must include the paperwork needed for the CBP clearance process, such as invoices and/or PGA required documents.

Certain biological materials, if hazardous materials, cannot be imported in mail shipments due to international mail agreements and U.S. Postal Service regulations.

CBP and PGA regulations apply regardless of whether the biological materials are goods for research or personal use or are commercial goods for profit or resale. A formal entry, which requires a bond and the payment of duties, taxes, or fees, may be required if the biological materials are commercial goods that exceed $2,500 in value, it is deemed necessary by the port of entry for the purposes of enforcing entry or admissibility requirements, or the port of entry has deemed it necessary to support the efficient conduct of customs business.

Some importations of biological materials may not require a formal entry with a bond, but may require the payment of duties, taxes, or fees. If the biological materials are below a value of $800, importers of these shipments can voluntarily participate in the optional Entry Type 86 Test program, which allows for the electronic filing of an entry in the Automated Commercial Environment system for shipments subject to PGA requirements.

Using a licensed Customs Brokers can assist importers with the entry filing process, since Customs Brokers are licensed by CBP to conduct customs business on behalf of importers. Customs Brokers can also interact with CBP’s Centers of Excellence and Expertise (Centers). Certain biological materials requiring an entry may be assigned to the Pharmaceuticals, Health & Chemicals Center, which specializes in pharmaceuticals, health-related equipment, and products of the chemical and allied industries.

There is no legal requirement to hire a licensed Customs Broker. Many importers opt to do so for convenience, since Customs Brokers are familiar with CBP systems and are knowledgeable in entry and document submission, bonds, and the payment of duties, taxes, or fees.

It is strongly recommended that you visit the following PGA websites for additional guidance on importing biological materials into the United States:

For further information or clarification on the CBP clearance process, please contact your intended CBP port of entry or email aptlabtc@cbp.dhs.gov.

Bringing Pets and Wildlife into the United States

katelynn.cheong — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 16:18:26 +0000

Bringing Pets and Wildlife into the United States

Importations of pets and/or wildlife may be subject to state/municipality veterinary health regulations, federal quarantine, agriculture, wildlife, and customs requirements and/or prohibitions. Pets taken out of the U.S. and returned, may be subject to similar requirements as those entering for the first time. For some species occasionally considered as “pets,” reentry may be prohibited.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) works in coordination with partner government agencies (PGAs) such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with state, local, tribal, territorial, and international law enforcement agencies to safeguard and deter the introduction of foreign animal diseases, protect animal welfare, and preclude the spread of communicable diseases.

Agency regulations are subject to change. Visit CBP and PGA websites for the most current information available. The information provided here is for general awareness purposes only.

katelynn.cheong Mon, 10/30/2023 - 12:18

Not all animals qualify as pets. USDA APHIS defines a pet as a privately owned companion animal not intended for research or resale and includes the following animal groups only:

Amphibians
Birds* (*Depending on the type of bird you have, APHIS regulations may vary. Due to the possibility of carrying or transmitting certain diseases to the U.S. poultry industry, some pet birds are regulated as poultry and must meet different requirements. Check current advisories for bird import restrictions on the APHIS Pet Travel: Bringing Birds into the U.S. website).
Cats
Dogs
Ferrets
Hedgehogs
Rabbits
Reptiles
Rodents

If the type of animal you are traveling with is not listed above, please visit our PGAs’ websites as some animals are restricted from entering the U.S. based on the current animal health related concerns in the region of origin.

It is important to note that the CDC prohibits the importation of African rodents, bats, nonhuman primates, and civets as pets under any circumstances.

Your pet must meet ALL applicable requirements before travel. Pets excluded from entry into the U.S. will be returned to the country of embarkation at the owner’s expense. While awaiting disposition, pets could be detained at the owner's expense at the port of arrival.

Note:

CBP highly recommends contacting the anticipated port of arrival before importing a pet or other animal for expeditious processing and to reduce the possibility of unnecessary delays. Visit CBP Locate a Port of Entry for contact information on CBP ports of entry.

The USFWS is concerned with protecting endangered plant and animal species by overseeing the importation, trade, sale, and harvesting of wildlife. Some wild species of dogs, cats, turtles, reptiles, and birds, although imported as pets, may be listed as endangered or threatened and could be protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) or any other wildlife laws and regulations such as the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), or the Wild Bird Conservation Act (WBCA).

Endangered and threatened animals and plants, migratory birds, marine mammals, certain dangerous wildlife, and products made from them, are subject to import restrictions, prohibitions, and permit and/or certificate requirements. CBP recommends that you contact the USFWS, CDC, and USDA's APHIS Veterinary Services (VS) before you depart if you plan to import or export any of the following:

Wild birds, land or marine mammals, reptiles, fish, shellfish, mollusks, or invertebrates;
Any part or product of the above, such as skins, tusks, bone, feathers, or eggs; or
Products or articles manufactured from wildlife or fish.

The CBP One™ mobile application can also be used to facilitate the compliant importation of hunting trophies at select ports of entry.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) is responsible for controlling the introduction and spread of infectious diseases in regulated live animals and animal products. In addition, Animal Care (AC) is the program under USDA APHIS ensuring the humane treatment of animals covered by the Animal Welfare Act. AC has additional requirements if you are importing dogs for the purpose of resale, such as sales through retail or wholesale channels or adoption for a fee or donation.

USDA APHIS VS has further requirements for dogs imported (traveling) into the United States from countries affected by specific diseases.

The CDC serves as the national focus for developing and applying human disease prevention and control, and is responsible for controlling the introduction and spread of infectious diseases (including diseases that can be spread from animals to humans) into the U.S. All dogs and cats imported into the United States must be healthy upon arrival. If a dog or cat appears to be sick at the port of entry, further examination by a licensed veterinarian at the owner's expense may be required. CDC also requires valid proof of rabies vaccination for dogs arriving from countries at high-risk for dog rabies. For more information, please visit the CDC Bringing a Dog into the United States website or email CDCAnimalImports@cdc.gov.

It is recommended you visit the following PGA websites for more information:

Check with your airline prior to your travel date to identify any additional requirements. Airlines generally require health certificates for traveling pets. In addition, airlines may charge fees or have rules about allowing certain types of pets onboard.

Dulles CBP Intercepts 46 Pounds of Ketamine Concealed in Air Cargo from Cameroon

ssapp — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 21:38:21 +0000

Dulles CBP Intercepts 46 Pounds of Ketamine Concealed in Air Cargo from Cameroon ssapp Thu, 10/26/2023 - 17:38

STERLING, Va. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized about 46 pounds of ketamine, an animal tranquilizer abused by users, in an air cargo shipment from Cameroon on October 10 at Washington Dulles International Airport.

CBP agriculture specialists intercepted 46 pounds of ketamine in five of seven bags of Garri and Water FuFu from Cameroon.

CBP agriculture specialists examined a shipment manifested as “Garri and Water FuFu” that was destined to an address in Washington, D.C. Inside the shipment, agriculture specialists found five packages labeled as Water Fufu, a solid porridge made from puree of cassava or other starchy products, and two packages labeled as Garri, flour produced from cassava root.

CBP agriculture specialists alerted CBP officers that they discovered five bundles containing a crystalized white powder. CBP officers tested the substance with a handheld elemental isotope analysis tool and identified the substance as ketamine hydrochloride.

Ketamine hydrochloride is a Schedule III non-narcotic compound regulated under the Controlled Substances Act.

According to the DEA, ketamine, commonly known on the street as Special K, is used in both human and veterinary medicine to induce sedation, immobility, and relief from pain. It has recently been used by medical professionals for mental health and substance use disorders. Ketamine is abused for its ability to induce dissociative sensations and hallucinations, and it has been used to facilitate sexual assault. Overdoses can lead to nausea, irregular heart rate, muscle stiffening, unconsciousness, and respiratory failure leading to death.

The ketamine weighed 20.87 kilograms, or 45 pounds and 15 ounces, and had a street value of about $1.3 million.

No arrests have been made. An investigation continues.

“Transnational criminal organizations continue to employ a variety of tactics to smuggle illicit narcotics into the United States, and our officers proved once again that they are extraordinarily skilled at detecting these concealment methods,” said Christine Waugh, Acting Area Port Director for CBP’s Area Port of Washington, D.C. “We want to assure the public that Customs and Border Protection remains committed to keeping our country and our communities safe from the scourge of dangerous drugs.”

Ketamine is used as an anesthetic in veterinary medicine. It also poses serious health risks to users, and has been used in sexual assaults.

CBP officers and agents seized an average of 2,895 pounds of dangerous drugs every day at our nation’s air, sea, and land ports of entry. See what else CBP accomplished during "A Typical Day" in 2022.

CBP's border security mission is led at our nation’s Ports of Entry by CBP officers and agriculture specialists from the Office of Field Operations. CBP screens international travelers and cargo and searches for illicit narcotics, unreported currency, weapons, counterfeit consumer goods, prohibited agriculture, invasive weeds and pests, and other illicit products that could potentially harm the American public, U.S. businesses, and our nation’s safety and economic vitality.

Learn more at www.CBP.gov.

Follow the Director of CBP’s Baltimore Field Office on Twitter at @DFOBaltimore for breaking news, current events, human interest stories and photos, and CBP’s Office of Field Operations on Instagram at @cbpfieldops.

Release Date

Thu, 10/26/2023

CBP Intercepts Invasive Locust in Detroit

sbansbach — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 18:22:34 +0000

CBP Intercepts Invasive Locust in Detroit sbansbach Wed, 10/25/2023 - 14:22

DETROIT – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists intercepted an elusive Egyptian locust during container inspections at a local railyard, September 29.

The discovery took place during examination of inbound cargo from Italy and the specimen was positively identified by CBP and U.S. Department of Agriculture officials. The container was quarantined and subsequently fumigated before the cargo was allowed to safely enter U.S. commerce.

The elusive Egyptian locust is considered an invasive species not known to occur in the United States, though it is commonly found in Europe. The locust is a voracious leaf feeder and poses a threat to numerous crops found in Michigan, to include grapevines and various vegetable plants.

This is believed to be only the third time the Port of Detroit has encountered the Egyptian locust.

“This interception demonstrates the importance of protecting our food supply and the challenging mission of CBP agriculture specialist at our ports of entry,” said John Nowak, Acting Port Director for the Port of Detroit. “Not only do agriculture specialists work hard to intercept invasive insects and plants, but they also play a critical role in stopping the increased threat of biological agents that could seriously harm our citizens and livestock."

International cargo, to include wood packing materials, is routinely examined for potential threats to people, U.S. agriculture, and natural resources. On a typical day in Fiscal Year 2022, CBP discovered 240 pests at U.S. ports of entry and 2,677 items for quarantine. Travelers are encouraged to learn more about how they can help keep America safe from agriculture threats.

For the latest updates from CBP’s Detroit Field Office, follow us on X @DFODetroit

Release Date

Wed, 10/25/2023

CBP Releases September 2023 Monthly Update

rlawson — Sat, 21 Oct 2023 14:14:37 +0000

CBP Releases September 2023 Monthly Update rlawson Sat, 10/21/2023 - 10:14

WASHINGTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection released monthly operational statistics today for September 2023. CBP continues to address increased migration flows as we enhance the security of our borders; disrupt the entry of dangerous people, drugs, and goods into the country; perform life-saving rescues; and protect our nation.

"In response to high rates of encounters across the southwest border in September, CBP surged resources and personnel. We are continually engaging with domestic and foreign partners to address historic hemispheric migration, including large migrant groups traveling on freight trains, and to enforce consequences including by preparing for direct repatriations to Venezuela,” said Troy A. Miller, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner. “CBP will continue to remain vigilant, making operational adjustments as necessary and enforcing consequences under U.S. immigration law. The supplemental funding request announced yesterday would provide critically needed additional resources including additional CBP agents and officers to support our essential missions: from border and migration management, to countering fentanyl and keeping dangerous drugs out of our communities."

DHS continues to enforce United States immigration laws while strengthening the consequences for those who cross our border unlawfully. On October 5, DHS announced it would resume direct removals of Venezuelan nationals. On October 18, 130 citizens of Venezuela were removed on the first of these flights, as part of dozens of routine ICE removal flights conducted throughout the hemisphere and around the world every week. Noncitizens, including Venezuelan nationals, who lack a legal basis to stay in the United States are ordered removed, consistent with U.S. law. In the first two weeks of October, southwest border encounters have decreased by approximately 20% according to preliminary figures.

Below are key operational statistics for CBP’s primary mission areas in September 2023. View all CBP statistics online.

Ensuring Border Security and Managing Migration

CBP remains steadfast in enforcing our immigration laws, by continuing to increase operational capabilities as needed, deploying new technology projects, and fielding additional resources to support our border security mission and to act as a force multiplier for our agents and officers on the ground. We are actively combating the spread of disinformation by smugglers. We remain focused on decreasing the flow of fentanyl, which is primarily trafficked through ports of entry, and have stepped up our efforts to intercept the trafficking of chemical precursors used to produce fentanyl. We have added personnel to enhance border security, and we continue to work with foreign governments to ensure a regional approach to reducing irregular migration.

CBP is processing all noncitizens under Title 8 immigration authorities, and placing noncitizens who cross the border unlawfully into Expedited Removal or Section 240 Removal Proceedings. Noncitizens who cross between the ports of entry or who present themselves at a port of entry without making a CBP One™ appointment are subject to the Circumvention of Lawful Pathways rule. This rule presumes asylum ineligibility for those who fail to use lawful pathways, with certain exceptions.

Individuals and families without a legal basis to remain in the U.S. are subject to removal pursuant to CBP’s longstanding Title 8 authorities and are subject to a minimum five-year bar on reapplying for admission and potential criminal prosecution if they subsequently re-enter without authorization. In coordination with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, since May 2023, DHS has removed or returned over 300,000 individuals, including more than 45,000 individual family members. DHS has removed or returned more individual family members in the last four months than in any previous full fiscal year.

In September 2023, the U.S. Border Patrol recorded 218,763 encounters between ports of entry along the southwest border. CBP’s total encounters along the southwest border in September were 269,735.

CBP’s message for anyone who is thinking of entering the United States illegally along the southwest border is simple: don’t do it. When noncitizens cross the border unlawfully, they put their lives in peril. The U.S. Border Patrol has undertaken significant efforts in recent years to expand capacity to aid and rescue individuals in distress. To prevent the loss of life, CBP initiated a Missing Migrant Program in 2017 that locates noncitizens reported missing, rescues individuals in distress, and reunifies decedents’ remains with their families in the border region. In September 2023, the U.S. Border Patrol conducted 4,633 rescues, bringing the total number of rescues in FY 2023 from 32,690 at the end of August to 37,323 at the end of September. This significant rise in rescues – an increase of 44% compared with rescues in August (3,212) and an increase of 67% compared with rescues in July (2,776) – is a testament to CBP’s commitment to border security, despite the lies of smugglers who mislead migrants for their own financial gain.

View more migration statistics and rescues statistics.

CBP One™ App

The CBP One™ mobile application remains a key component of DHS’s efforts to incentivize noncitizens to use lawful, safe, and orderly pathways and disincentivize attempts to cross between ports of entry. In September, the CBP Office of Field Operations (OFO) processed approximately 43,000 individuals with CBP One™ appointments at ports of entry.

Since the appointment scheduling function in CBP One™ was introduced in January 2023 through the end of September, nearly 278,000 individuals have successfully scheduled appointments to present at a port of entry using CBP One™. The top nationalities who have scheduled appointments are Haitian, Mexican, and Venezuelan.

Safeguarding Communities by Interdicting Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs

CBP continues to interdict the flow of illicit narcotics and dangerous drugs across the border. CBP leads the federal government’s efforts to stop dangerous drugs like fentanyl and its precursors and analogs from entering the country.

To disrupt the supply chains used in the development and movement of fentanyl, CBP launched two new interagency operations in June: Operations Artemis and Rolling Wave. These efforts have built on the success of Operations Blue Lotus and Four Horsemen, which seized nearly 10,000 pounds of fentanyl in a two-month period.

In FY 2023, CBP seized more than 27,000 pounds of fentanyl, compared with over 14,600 pounds in FY 2022. CBP’s fentanyl seizures have increased more than 800% since fiscal year 2019. Nationwide in September, seizures of other dangerous drugs – cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and marijuana – increased 7% from August.

View more drug seizure statistics.

Facilitating Lawful Trade and Travel and Promoting Economic Security

As international travel rises, CBP continues to leverage technology to streamline efficiency and increase security at air and land ports of entry. Travelers arriving by air into the United States increased 17% from September 2022 to September 2023, and pedestrians arriving by land at ports of entry increased 13% over the same period. Passenger vehicles processed at ports of entry increased 7% from September 2022 to September 2023.

CBP works diligently with the trade community and port operators to ensure that merchandise is cleared as efficiently as possible and to strengthen international supply chains and improve border security. In September 2023, CBP processed more than 2.7 million entry summaries valued at more than $271 billion. CBP identified nearly $6.6 billion of duties to be collected by the U.S. government. In September, trade via the maritime environment accounted for 41% of the total import value, followed by air, truck, and rail.

View more travel statistics, and trade statistics.

CHNV Parole Processes

Building upon the successful parole process established for Venezuelans in October 2022, the parole processes for nationals of Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua announced by President Biden on January 5, 2023, have significantly reduced irregular migration and denied smugglers the opportunity to exploit individuals who have instead benefited from the expansion of safe, orderly, and humane pathways.

Through the end of September 2023, over 240,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans arrived lawfully and were granted parole under the parole processes. Specifically, 52,053 Cubans, 96,445 Haitians, 44,298 Nicaraguans, and 73,092 Venezuelans were vetted and authorized for travel; and 50,185 Cubans, 85,258 Haitians, 38,070 Nicaraguans, and 66,893 Venezuelans arrived and were granted parole.

Protecting Consumers and Eradicating Forced Labor from Supply Chains

CBP continues to lead U.S. government efforts to eliminate goods from the supply chain made with forced labor from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. In September, CBP stopped 259 shipments valued at more than $102 million for further examination based on the suspected use of forced labor.

Intellectual property rights violations continue to put America’s innovation economy at risk. Counterfeit and pirated goods threaten the competitiveness of U.S. businesses, the livelihoods of American workers, and the health and safety of consumers. In September, CBP seized 1,658 shipments that contained counterfeit goods valued at more than $280 million if the items had been genuine.

View more UFLPA enforcement statistics, and intellectual property rights enforcement statistics.

Defending our Nation’s Agricultural System

Through targeting, detection, and interception, CBP agriculture specialists work to prevent threats from entering the United States.

CBP issued 6,034 emergency action notifications for restricted and prohibited plant and animal products entering the United States in September 2023. CBP conducted 94,464 positive passenger inspections and issued 616 civil penalties and/or violations to the traveling public for failing to declare prohibited agriculture items.

View more agricultural enforcement statistics.

Release Date

Sat, 10/21/2023

Para el Día de los Muertos, la Oficina Regional de CBP en Laredo recuerda al público los artículos agrícolas prohibidos que se pueden transportar enfermedad del enverdecimiento de los cítricos

rpauza — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 21:06:34 +0000

Para el Día de los Muertos, la Oficina Regional de CBP en Laredo recuerda al público los artículos agrícolas prohibidos que se pueden transportar enfermedad del enverdecimiento de los cítricos rpauza Wed, 10/18/2023 - 17:06

LAREDO, Texas – Mientras la comunidad fronteriza entre Estados Unidos y México observa el feriado del Día de los Muertos, los funcionarios de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza de los EE. UU. Que representan los puertos de entrada de la Oficina Regional de Laredo advierten al público viajero que ciertos artículos agrícolas utilizados en las decoraciones navideñas están prohibidos. a los EE. UU. y puede transmitir plagas y enfermedades nocivas, como la enfermedad del enverdecimiento de los cítricos. Además, CBP desea recordar al público las frutas prohibidas que suelen traer los viajeros durante este período de vacaciones.

“A medida que se acerca el Día de los Muertos, los especialistas en agricultura de CBP en los puertos de entrada del sur de Texas tienden a ver un aumento en los viajeros que traen artículos agrícolas desde México para decorar altares en honor a sus seres queridos fallecidos y quieren recordarles que no traigan cítricos y flores prohibidos. rellenos de arreglos,” dijo el Director de Operaciones Aduaneras Donald Kusser, Oficina Regional de Laredo. “Nuestros especialistas en agricultura de CBP realizan exámenes agrícolas todos los días, y su trabajo es fundamental para evitar que plagas y enfermedades de plantas cuya existencia no se sabe en los EE. UU. se establezcan e inflijan daños ecológicos y económicos a la agricultura estadounidense.”

Un altar para honrar seres queridos para celebrar Día de los Muertos.

Muchas familias de la comunidad fronteriza celebran el Día de los Muertos construyendo altares (altars en inglés) para conmemorar las vidas de sus seres queridos que han fallecido. Un tipo común de vegetación ornamental conocida como murraya o jazmín naranja se usa a menudo en la construcción de altares. Murraya es una planta hospedante del psílido asiático de los cítricos, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, un insecto que puede transmitir la enfermedad del enverdecimiento de los cítricos y, por lo tanto, tiene prohibido ingresar a los EE. UU.

El enverdecimiento de los cítricos, también conocido como “huanglongbing,” es una enfermedad causada por una bacteria que puede infectar la mayoría de las variedades de cítricos y algunas plantas ornamentales (como el jazmín naranja); esta enfermedad se detectó por primera vez en los EE. UU. en 2005 en el estado de Florida, condado de Miami-Dade. Según el Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos (USDA), la enfermedad ha afectado gravemente la producción de cítricos en India, Asia, el sudeste asiático, la Península Arábiga y África.

Los cítricos cuya importación personal está prohibida incluyen los siguientes: naranjas, toronjas, mandarinas, naranjas ácidas y limas dulces. Otras frutas populares que también están prohibidas incluyen guayabas, mangos, duraznos y granadas.

El no declarar los artículos agrícolas prohibidos también puede resultar en multas. Las multas por importaciones personales de artículos agrícolas prohibidos no declarados, dependiendo de la gravedad de la infracción, pueden ascender a $500 y más, hasta más de $250,000 para importaciones comerciales.

El público viajero puede obtener más información sobre cómo traer alimentos a los EE. UU. Consultando la página web Bringing Food into the U.S. Para obtener más información sobre frutas, verduras, alimentos preparados y otros artículos prohibidos, consulte “Know Before Tú vas” página web.

Para obtener información más detallada sobre las pautas del USDA para traer artículos agrícolas a los EE. UU., los viajeros también pueden consultar la siguiente Información para viajeros del USDA. página web.

Release Date

Wed, 10/18/2023

For All Souls Day, CBP’s Laredo Field Office reminds public of prohibited agricultural items that can carry citrus greening disease

rpauza — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 20:48:46 +0000

For All Souls Day, CBP’s Laredo Field Office reminds public of prohibited agricultural items that can carry citrus greening disease rpauza Wed, 10/18/2023 - 16:48

LAREDO, Texas – As the U.S.-Mexico border community observes the All Souls Day (Día de los Muertos) holiday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials representing Laredo Field Office ports of entry are advising the traveling public that certain agricultural items used in holiday decorations are prohibited from entry to the U.S. and can carry harmful pests and disease, such as the citrus greening disease. Also, CBP would like to remind the public of prohibited fruits that tend to be brought by travelers during this holiday period.

“As All Souls Day draws near, CBP agriculture specialists at South Texas ports of entry tend to see an increase in travelers bringing agricultural items from Mexico to decorate altares to honor their departed loved ones and want to remind them not to bring in prohibited citrus and floral arrangement fillers,” said Director, Field Operations Donald Kusser, Laredo Field Office. “Our CBP agriculture specialists conduct agricultural examinations every day, and their work is critical in preventing plant pests and diseases not known to exist in the U.S. from establishing themselves and inflicting ecological and economic harm on American agriculture.”

An altar to honor loved ones in celebration of Día de los Muertos (All Souls Day).

Many border community families celebrate Día de los Muertos by constructing altares (altars) to commemorate the lives of loved ones that have passed on. A common type of ornamental greenery known as murraya or orange jasmine is often used in the construction of altares. Murraya is a host plant for the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, an insect that can carry citrus greening disease and is therefore prohibited from entry into the U.S.

Citrus greening, also known as “huanglongbing,” is a disease caused by a bacterium that can infect most citrus varieties and some ornamental plants (such as orange jasmine); this disease was first detected in the U.S. in 2005 in the state of Florida, Miami-Dade County. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the disease has seriously affected citrus production in India, Asia, Southeast Asia, the Arabian Peninsula and Africa.

Citrus fruit that is prohibited from personal importation includes the following: oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, sour oranges and sweet limes. Other popular fruits that also are prohibited include guavas, mangoes, peaches and pomegranates.

Failure to declare prohibited agricultural items also can result in fines. Penalties for personal importations of undeclared, prohibited agricultural items, depending on the severity of the violation, can run as high as $500 and up to more than $250,000 for commercial importations.

The traveling public can learn more about bringing food items to the U.S. by consulting the Bringing Food into the U.S. webpage. For more information regarding prohibited fruits, vegetables, prepared foods and other items, please consult CBP’s “Know Before You Go” webpage.

For more detailed information about USDA guidelines for bringing agricultural items to the U.S., travelers can also examine the following USDA Traveler Information web page.

Release Date

Wed, 10/18/2023

Second Largest Seizure in Arizona of Protected Totoaba Swim Bladders Discovered in San Luis, Arizona Port of Entry

rdaniels — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 16:16:19 +0000

Second Largest Seizure in Arizona of Protected Totoaba Swim Bladders Discovered in San Luis, Arizona Port of Entry rdaniels Tue, 10/17/2023 - 12:16

For More Information

PAS Rob Daniels

TUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and agriculture specialists at the Port of San Luis seized 109 pounds of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and Endangered Species Act (ESA)-protected totoaba swim bladders with an estimated value of $910,000 - $1,365,000.

For the second time this year, CBP officers and agriculture specialists discovered 91 swim bladders of the endangered totoaba fish which were concealed within a commercial shipment of frozen fish fillets. A previous seizure at the Nogales trade facility was made in April of this year. CBP contacted U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) who took possession of the bladders. Preliminary DNA testing by USFWS indicates that these bladders are likely the endangered species Totoaba macdonaldi endemic to the Gulf of California in Mexico. This seizure is one of the larger commercial seizures of its kind in the U.S., and the second largest totoaba seizure in Arizona, to date.

Totoaba fish have been listed as an endangered species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act since 1979. The swim bladders of this species and other similar species worldwide are prized in traditional Chinese medicine and as an Asian cultural delicacy. Because the species is federally protected, in both the U.S. and Mexico, it is illegal to take, possess, transport, or sell totoaba. In addition, the gill-net fishing methods used to catch the totoaba have resulted in the co-demise of another endangered species in the Gulf of California, the vaquita porpoise, Phocoena sinus.

USFWS and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) continue investigating the smuggling attempt of this protected animal.

“Our officers and agriculture specialists enforce a wide variety of laws on behalf of numerous agencies”, said Tucson Field Office Director of Field Operations Guadalupe Ramirez. This is the second largest seizure of totoaba swim bladders in Arizona this year and is an exceptional example of the job CBP Officers and Agriculture Specialists do to enforce laws regarding all commodities entering the United States. This seizure also continues to highlight the integral working relationship we have with our US Fish and Wildlife partners, enforcing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species treaty agreement.”

Release Date

Tue, 10/17/2023

Tucson, Ariz.

GUTTED! Eviscerated Goat Discovered at Chicago International Airport

sbansbach — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 14:33:45 +0000

GUTTED! Eviscerated Goat Discovered at Chicago International Airport sbansbach Tue, 10/17/2023 - 10:33

CHICAGO—U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agriculture Specialists (CBPAS) at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) stop countless prohibited items foreign guests try to introduce into the U.S., whether it is fruits, vegetables, plants, or other forbidden items. However, their latest seizure, an eviscerated goat, is certainly outside of the normal items they stop.

On October 10, two passengers arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo were referred to agriculture secondary for inspection. CBPAS inspected their baggage and found one pound of unknown meat, 2 pounds of garden eggs, and 15 pounds of raw goat viscera including the trachea, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and entire digestive system. Agriculture Specialists seized and destroyed the prohibited items to keep livestock diseases and plant pests out of the United States.

“There are real dangers these items can have if they are introduced in the U.S. economy,” said LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, CBP Director, Field Operations-Chicago Field Office. “All passengers, whether entering or returning to the U.S., must be truthful and declare all items they are bringing. If one prohibited item enters the U.S. it could have dangerous ecological or economical results.”

Just last week U.S. CBPAS at Minneapolis – Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) seized a small box containing giraffe fecal material.

“Items like these can harbor pests and diseases, if introduced into our agriculture systems or natural resources, could cause significant damage to our food supply or native species,” said Michael Pfeiffer, Area Port Director, Chicago. “Our agriculture specialists are dedicated to protecting these essential American resources from foreign pests and diseases.”

CBP recommends people who wish to import plant materials, animal materials and other agricultural items consult the CBP Information Center section on the CBP website or call (877) 227-5511. Additionally, arriving passengers should always declare all items acquired abroad to CBP officers to avoid civil or criminal penalties and reduce the risk of introducing pests and disease to the United States.

Learn what CBP accomplished during "A Typical Day" in 2022 and learn more about CBP at www.CBP.gov.

Release Date

Tue, 10/17/2023

Agriculture

CBP releases October 2023 monthly update

Ensuring Border Security and Managing Migration

CBP One™ App

Safeguarding Communities by Interdicting Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs

Facilitating Lawful Trade and Travel and Promoting Economic Security

CHNV Parole Processes

Protecting Consumers and Eradicating Forced Labor from Supply Chains

Defending our Nation’s Agricultural System

Importing Biological Materials into the United States

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Questions?

Bringing Pets and Wildlife into the United States

Note:

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Dulles CBP Intercepts 46 Pounds of Ketamine Concealed in Air Cargo from Cameroon

CBP Intercepts Invasive Locust in Detroit

CBP Releases September 2023 Monthly Update

Ensuring Border Security and Managing Migration

CBP One™ App

Safeguarding Communities by Interdicting Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs

Facilitating Lawful Trade and Travel and Promoting Economic Security

CHNV Parole Processes

Protecting Consumers and Eradicating Forced Labor from Supply Chains

Defending our Nation’s Agricultural System

Para el Día de los Muertos, la Oficina Regional de CBP en Laredo recuerda al público los artículos agrícolas prohibidos que se pueden transportar enfermedad del enverdecimiento de los cítricos

For All Souls Day, CBP’s Laredo Field Office reminds public of prohibited agricultural items that can carry citrus greening disease

Second Largest Seizure in Arizona of Protected Totoaba Swim Bladders Discovered in San Luis, Arizona Port of Entry

GUTTED! Eviscerated Goat Discovered at Chicago International Airport

Agriculture

CBP releases October 2023 monthly update

Ensuring Border Security and Managing Migration

CBP One™ App

Safeguarding Communities by Interdicting Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs

Facilitating Lawful Trade and Travel and Promoting Economic Security

CHNV Parole Processes

Protecting Consumers and Eradicating Forced Labor from Supply Chains

Defending our Nation’s Agricultural System

Importing Biological Materials into the United States

Examples of Biological Materials

Documentation Requirements for Biological Materials

Hazardous Material Requirements for Biological Materials

Importing Biological Materials by Passenger Travel

Importing Biological Materials by Cargo or Mail Shipments

Entry Requirements for Biological Materials

Contact Information for Biological Materials

Related Content

Questions?

Bringing Pets and Wildlife into the United States

Pets

Note:

Wildlife

Partner Government Agencies

Considerations for Airline Travel

Related Content

Questions?

Dulles CBP Intercepts 46 Pounds of Ketamine Concealed in Air Cargo from Cameroon

CBP Intercepts Invasive Locust in Detroit

CBP Releases September 2023 Monthly Update

Ensuring Border Security and Managing Migration

CBP One™ App

Safeguarding Communities by Interdicting Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs

Facilitating Lawful Trade and Travel and Promoting Economic Security

CHNV Parole Processes

Protecting Consumers and Eradicating Forced Labor from Supply Chains

Defending our Nation’s Agricultural System

Para el Día de los Muertos, la Oficina Regional de CBP en Laredo recuerda al público los artículos agrícolas prohibidos que se pueden transportar enfermedad del enverdecimiento de los cítricos

For All Souls Day, CBP’s Laredo Field Office reminds public of prohibited agricultural items that can carry citrus greening disease

Second Largest Seizure in Arizona of Protected Totoaba Swim Bladders Discovered in San Luis, Arizona Port of Entry

GUTTED! Eviscerated Goat Discovered at Chicago International Airport