Results for "Border Protection"

The organization contends that effectively addressing the immigration-related crisis would allow police to secure borders more efficiently and continue taking action against illegal entry and stay.

Customs and Border Protection denied entry to a prominent Somali football official scheduled to officiate at the World Cup, citing ongoing security screening concerns.

Latvia's border protection service has formally blamed Belarusian authorities for knowingly facilitating the digging of illegal tunnels by migrants along their shared frontier.

A new three-part documentary series is being released to mark 25 years since the Tampa diplomatic stand-off at sea, an event that significantly redefined Australia’s border protection policy. The series aims to present a nuanced perspective on the story.

Agencies worldwide are increasingly adopting robots manufactured in Christchurch, New Zealand, to enhance security, policing, and border protection capabilities amidst growing risks.

Sheriff Kelly Martinez has decided to block Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from using San Diego County firing ranges and training facilities, though access for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will be maintained.

Following cross-party criticism from authorities, activists, and residents, the Trump administration has temporarily halted the multi-billion dollar work on a controversial border protection project in a national park.

A Mexican national is facing federal charges after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered seven packages of fentanyl, valued at $238,000, hidden inside an electric moped at the San Ysidro border crossing.

PASOK officials Manolis Christodoulakis and Panagiotis Dimopoulos have criticized the government, alleging a 90% reduction in protection for the Evros border and the abandonment of the 'Evros After' master plan.

Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Tasos Hadjivassiliou highlighted the EU's priority on protecting external borders, dismissing discussions about limiting the Schengen area as unnecessary.

Twenty Lithuanian border guards are being deployed to Latvia to assist in protecting the European Union's border, reinforcing regional security efforts.

An attorney states that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) possess the capability to read deleted messages from electronic devices, raising concerns about digital privacy.

Elbit Systems, a manufacturer of sensors and border surveillance systems, has secured $370 million in contracts with US Customs and Border Protection.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has launched the second phase of its tariff refund rollout, with customers eagerly awaiting their share of the paybacks from the program.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is ramping up its investment in artificial intelligence technology to sharpen its enforcement capabilities and operations.

Polish border guards detained two groups of illegal migrants on Monday in the border area with Lithuania, near the Sejny border protection post.

Tunisia, Libya, and Algeria held discussions to strengthen joint security coordination and enhance protection along their shared borders.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner stated that the southern border wall is expected to be completed by the end of next year, late 2027.

Czech police conducted training for soldiers on protecting state borders and migrant controls, surprising drivers at the Harrachov border crossing with Poland with unexpected roadside checks that led to the detention of wanted individuals.

The U.S. Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection intercepted an overcrowded migrant vessel carrying 240 people and taking on water near the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The U.S. travel industry has expressed alarm over a proposed plan to withdraw Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents from major airports, raising concerns about potential impacts on travel and security.

A US military surveillance blimp, on loan to Customs and Border Protection, has been lost near the southern border, with its wreckage subsequently discovered in Mexico.

Data from the border protection agency Frontex indicates a significant decrease in irregular border crossings into the EU during the first four months of this year, particularly via the Mediterranean route.

Hungary continues its participation in Western Balkan border control operations by deploying additional police contingents to Bulgaria and Serbia. These units departed Budapest to support border protection duties.

Following a Supreme Court defeat, the US Customs and Border Protection agency is now accepting requests for the return of customs duties that were deemed illegally fixed by the highest court.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has stated that the majority of importers who are eligible for tariff refunds have not yet registered to receive their money back.

US Customs and Border Protection announced that importers will be able to file requests for refunds on Trump-era tariffs starting April 20, utilizing their new Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) tool.

The US Senate unanimously decided to provide funding for most of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), notably excluding the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and part of Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Following this, President Trump announced a plan to pay TSA agents, addressing the funding deadlock that had caused chaos at US airports.

Bovino Out-Out: Top Border Patrol Official Plans To Retire Authored by Aldgra Fredly via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours), Customs and Border Protection commander-at-large Gregory…

Accelerating Circularity has appointed a new Chief Executive Officer, while Oritain has announced the hiring of an executive from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Greece's Minister of Citizen Protection, Michalis Chrysochoidis, emphasized the need for border protection and internal security, stating that there are recorded suspects with ties to Iran who are under surveillance, though he believes the immediate danger is not from them.

Greek Minister of Migration, Thanasis Plevris, emphasized the need to openly discuss border protection through deterrence, not just search and rescue, and to reduce migration flows and increase returns for the full implementation of the new Migration and Asylum Pact.

Croatian Defense Minister Ivan Anušić expressed concern over the rhetoric of non-EU/NATO neighboring countries and highlighted Serbia's acquisition of serious weaponry, emphasizing the need for Croatia to prepare for border protection.

Lawmakers are demanding an investigation after the Pentagon shot down a Customs and Border Protection drone, causing a scare in Texas airspace.

The U.S. military used a laser to shoot down a drone near the U.S.-Mexico border, which was initially perceived as threatening but turned out to belong to Customs and Border Protection.

Members of Congress say the US military used a laser to shoot down a Customs and Border Patrol drone

Lawmakers report that the US military deployed a laser to disable a Border Protection drone.

The airspace over Texas was closed after the US military accidentally shot down a Customs and Border Protection drone using a laser, an incident that has sparked significant controversy.

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer returned fire and struck Blu Zeke Daly, 26, who'd fired a gun at him at the Pittsburg crossing near Chartierville, Que.

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 25 — The commander of the Malaysian Customs and Border Protection Agency (MCBA) in Bukit Kayu Hi...

Three Democrat Senators unveiled a bill that would require U.S. Customs and Border Protection to issue refunds over the course of 180 days and pay interest on the refunded amount

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced it would suspend the collection of tariffs introduced under the International Eco Law, following a decision by the Supreme Court.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has highlighted insufficiencies in customs bonds as importers face difficulties under the weight of tariffs.

Recent Russian hybrid warfare incidents have accelerated defense mobilization across EU and NATO member states, prompting renewed strategic reviews of national security postures and border protections.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Director Tom Homan has publicly rebutted Representative Chris Murphy's allegations that immigration enforcement agents are mistreating minors during deportations.

Croatian analysts argue that Serbia has been purchasing unnecessary weapons for years that do not contribute to genuine national security or border protection.

Poland plans to enhance the protection of over 200 kilometers of its northern and eastern borders by the end of the year, according to reports.

Customs and Border Protection intercepted over half a ton of khat, a controlled substance, at Baltimore Airport's baggage claim, though experts suggest much more of the East African plant enters the country undetected.

San Diego Sheriff Kelly Martinez has decided to block Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from using county firing ranges and training facilities, while maintaining access for Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Magnus Brunner, the European Commissioner for Home Affairs, met with Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska and reiterated the European Commission's continuous support for Spain's significant work in protecting its borders.

The head of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has defended a proposal to equip ICE officers with stun gloves, arguing that such devices could help prevent the use of lethal force. The plan aims to provide a less-than-lethal option for officers in confrontational situations.

Chinese companies are receiving millions in US tariff rebates and accrued interest from US Customs and Border Protection, significantly boosting their profits.

A Chicago homeowner has filed a lawsuit against the US government, alleging that Customs and Border Protection officers entered his property without a warrant during an immigration operation, causing damage to his home.

Latvia is considering involving soldiers from the State Defense Service to protect its border with Belarus, citing a dramatic situation and the need for additional resources for the State Border Guard.

An Indian student, just months away from graduation, was reportedly sent back home by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) after a phone check, according to a viral social media post.

Migration and Asylum Minister Thanos Plevris stated in an interview that Greece will not be accountable to anyone, especially NGOs, regarding its border protection methods, reiterating the government's strict policy.

New documents revealed by Rand Paul show that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) intercepted undeclared biological materials tied to a US-China coronavirus research network as early as 2018, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Department of Homeland Security has ordered Customs and Border Protection to remove all videos featuring ousted Kristi Noem from airports and ports of entry.

An Indian man claims he accidentally crossed the US-Canada border, leading to his friend's detention by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and growing concern among family members.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has achieved a historic milestone with 21,471 agents, the highest in its 102-year history, and is pushing to reach 25,000 agents with incentives up to $60,000.

Hungary has acceded to the Stockholm Ministerial Declaration, joining a European initiative aimed at cross-border protection of forests, as announced by the Ministry for the Living Environment.

Groups of men in uniform-like attire have been accosting and checking the identification of foreigners at Warsaw Central Station, claiming their actions are necessary for border protection. The capital's police are currently investigating whether impersonation of public officials occurred.

The Greek Parliament approved the new European Migration and Asylum Pact, which includes changes such as fast-track asylum procedures and border protection, despite disagreements over the creation of 'return hubs'.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency and a federal trade court are working to find a method to refund tariffs that were previously deemed illegal by the Supreme Court.

Minister of Citizen Protection Michalis Chryssochoidis participated in the EU Council of Interior Ministers in Luxembourg, highlighting Schengen area security and external border protection as key priorities for 2026-2027.

New units of Hungarian police are deploying from Budapest to Bulgaria and Serbia to assist in border protection tasks against illegal migration, reinforcing regional efforts.

A US military surveillance blimp, on loan to Customs and Border Protection (CBP), was lost at the southern border, with its wreckage subsequently discovered in Mexico. The incident is under investigation.

The ATGA states that recent ideas in Europe to link wetland restoration and border rewetting with defense policy and border protection ignore the realities of modern warfare, with discussions intensifying after proposals from EU Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall.

Customs and Border Protection officers have seized $8.1 million worth of methamphetamine, which was concealed inside a tile shipment during a routine truck inspection.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the U.S.–Mexico border prevented more than 60 pounds of cocaine from entering the country, seized from a U.S. citizen.

The Guardian has reviewed the latest figures from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regarding arrests, detentions, and deportations in the US since Trump's inauguration.

The European Parliament rapporteur for Montenegro, Šarec, stated that significant work remains to be done and more personnel and equipment are needed for effective border protection in the country.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection intercepted a panga-style boat near San Clemente Island on Saturday, and 23 people were detained and turned over to ICE.

Companies have filed lawsuits against the Trump administration seeking tariff refunds, prompting U.S. Customs and Border Protection to prepare a system for processing these refunds within 45 days.

Migration and Asylum Minister Thanos Plevris, speaking from Brussels, emphasized the need to reduce migratory flows and increase returns, advocating for border protection through deterrence rather than solely search and rescue operations.

A US court has ruled that the Trump administration must refund billions of dollars collected from illegal import tariffs, with the US Customs and Border Protection ordered to return the unlawfully collected duties.

US Customs and Border Protection seized 36 Bronze Age short swords and 50 arrowheads, nearly 4,000 years old, at the Port of Philadelphia. The ancient Iranian artifacts were misdeclared as 'metal decorations' and routed through multiple countries, likely destined for the illicit antiquities market. Archaeologists confirmed their authenticity and cultural heritage value.

The U.S. military used a laser to shoot down a Border Protection drone near Fort Hancock, Texas, leading to airspace closure. This incident follows a previous event where DHS personnel used a counter-drone laser that grounded flights at El Paso airport.

The U.S. military used a laser Thursday to shoot down a "seemingly threatening" drone flying near the U.S.-Mexico border — one that appears to have been flown by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Pentagon reportedly shot down U.S. Customs and Border Protection drone near Texas-Mexico border, prompting criticism and flight restrictions.

Lawyers allege that Customs and Border Protection officials threatened unaccompanied migrant minors with dogs and stun guns to coerce them into self-deporting.

BUKIT KAYU HITAM, Feb 25 — The vehicle carrying the commander of the Malaysian Control and Border Protection Agenc...

The United States imposed a new 10 percent tariff on all non-exempt goods starting Tuesday, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

UNITED States Customs and Border Protection, CBP, said it will halt the collection of tariffs that were issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, IEEPA, following the Supreme Court

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced it would cease collecting tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) starting tomorrow, following a Supreme Court ruling.

Border Patrol Fired Army Lasers At Party Balloons, Forcing El Paso Air Traffic Shutdown On Wednesday, after the FAA suddenly shut down airspace over El Paso, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the unsettling move was prompted by a "cartel drone incursion," and assured Americans that "the threat has been neutralized." However, that shutdown, which impeded everything from commercial air traffic to medevac helicopter flights, was actually caused by a trigger-happy border Border Patrol unit firing a US Army laser weapon at a party balloon, not far from El Paso International Airport.  The introduction of the weapon into a border-security role without FAA approval may have violated federal law. The proposal for arming the border patrol with the anti-drone weapon was first presented to Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg in the spring of 2025, sources tell the New York Times. The goal was the interdiction of drones used to smuggle drugs across the frontier. According to two people, Pentagon staff cautioned that the idea would require approval of the FAA and Transportation Department, but Feinberg said the Pentagon was free to do what it wanted with the weapons. The Pentagon called their account "a total fabrication."  In a Feb 6 email obtained by the Times, the FAA's chief lawyer warned a DOD official that putting the weapon into the border-enforcement mix without restricting the airspace "a grave risk of fatalities or permanent injuries” to civilians flying overhead.  CPB officers reportedly fired an AeroVironment LOCUST laser counter-drone weapon on loan from the US Army (AeroVironment photo) In the predawn hours on Monday, Feb 9, as military service members observed, Customs and Border Protection officers fired the laser weapon at what they assumed was a drone near Fort Bliss, but it was actually a metallic party balloon. Around 5pm that day, a DOD official emailed an FAA lawyer, reiterating the Pentagon's stance that prior FAA approval wasn't needed, and that the laser weapons would continue to be employed on the border, adding that he "looked forward" to a meeting to discuss the topic.  FAA officials were said to be outraged. Early Tuesday evening, the FAA warned the Pentagon and National Security Council that an FAA-mandated shutdown of airspace near El Paso was imminent. Then came the extraordinary order from FAA administrator Bryan Bedford that airspace above El Paso would be closed for 10 days. The "temporary flight restriction notice" forbid any flights below 18,000 feet in the affected area. An angry El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson said the "unnecessary" airspace shutdown, which lasted a few hours, caused "chaos and confusion," including the diversion of medevac flights to Las Cruces, New Mexico. Bedford rescinded the order on Wednesday.   The laser weapon was fired a balloon approaching Fort Bliss, which is immediately adjacent to El Paso International Airport The incident has intensified pre-existing tension between the DOD and the FAA, which goes back to the disastrous January 2025 collision between an American Airlines jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter that killed 67 people. At least two near-misses with Army helicopters followed.  While it's been widely and credibly reported that CPB fired at a party balloon, the administration has yet to officially rescind its claims about a "cartel drone incursion." Meanwhile, the safety question hangs heavy in the air. In October 2024, an official at US Northern Command said safety concerns were, at the time, keeping lasers off the table where drone interdiction was concerned:  “The biggest thing right now is the impact of the laser when it moves beyond its target. You know, how far is it going? What’s that going to do? How long does the laser need to remain on target before it begins to inflict damage and so on, right?”  It's far from clear if those questions have since been satisfactorily answered. To the extent they're still being sorted out, maybe that process shouldn't be taking place next to El Paso International Airport.  Tyler Durden Sun, 02/15/2026 - 13:25

A Chinese university student has been indicted for allegedly providing false information to US Customs and Border Protection regarding suspected photo assignment tasks directed by Beijing.

Senior officials from Prague and Vienna are calling for enhanced European Union border protection measures amid rising migration pressures and regional security concerns.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection introduced additional temporary measures designed to prevent importers from circumventing tariffs on golf carts manufactured in China.

US Customs and Border Protection arrested 11 foreign nationals on cruise ships in Boston for alleged involvement with child sexual abuse material.

OSI Systems has secured an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract worth up to $85 million from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for mobile X-ray systems.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials announced a pause on all activity, including the use of bulldozers, within Big Bend National Park.

Nationthailand.com provides a compilation of news related to US Customs and Border Protection, covering various activities and developments concerning the agency.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is deploying AI technology to enhance tracking of global supply chains, detect illegal imports, and combat forced labor and trade fraud.

The Ceuta crisis has exposed significant failures in state security regarding border protection and has led to distrust in Morocco. Public opinion polls indicate that nearly half of respondents believe Morocco exerted pressure during the migrant influx, with only 6% blaming mafias.

The storming of Ceuta demonstrates that as long as illegal migrants believe they can remain in Europe once they arrive, they will continue to attempt the journey, highlighting the need for both border protection and a new, firm narrative from the EU.

Electronics company ESC BAZ showcased new border protection and defense technology to IDF officials, developed based on lessons learned from the October 7 events and three years of fighting.

Lithuanian Interior Minister Martynas Katelynas met with Estonian Interior Minister Igor Taro to discuss issues related to border protection and migration.

A podcast features former federal police officer Jan Solwyn discussing the challenges of protecting Germany's borders, stating they are as open as barn doors.

Customs and Border Protection agents seized over $3.7 million worth of cocaine disguised as a cucumber delivery at a Texas border truck inspection near Pharr International Bridge.

Border guards in Lithuania arrested 26 illegal migrants and six smugglers in a single day, initiating two pre-trial investigations. The migrants, who entered from Belarus via Latvia, were hoping to reach Western Europe and have been handed over to Latvian border protection.

Greek Minister Plevris held a meeting with Guilfoyle, focusing on illegal migration and border protection, where he presented the Greek government's priorities and results in reducing migration flows.

Following the BJP's win in Bengal, discussions have emerged about the potential revival of the Eastern Frontier Rifles, an 18th-century paramilitary force originally established for border protection.

The US Customs and Border Protection agency has stated that $11.4 billion is currently held up in an ongoing appeal process related to tariff refunds.

The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote this week on a $70 billion measure to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through Trump's presidency, following a delay.

Poland's Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration signed a regulation extending the buffer zone on the Polish-Belarusian border from June 3 until August 31, 2026, citing the need for continued operational vigilance and effective border protection.

Lithuania's Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats (TS-LKD) and Estonia's Isamaa party signed a strategic cooperation agreement in Tallinn to strengthen regional security, foreign policy, and economic ties, particularly regarding Eastern flank border protection.

The European Commission announced that improved protection of external borders led to a 26 percent reduction in illegal crossings last year compared to 2024.

The US Congress has approved the budget for the Department of Homeland Security, bringing an end to a partial government shutdown, though without additional funding for the controversial immigration and border protection agency.

The Finnish city of Kouvola plans to start training children on how to protect themselves from drones. This initiative comes as the government has allocated additional funding for drone defense and national border protection in the coming years.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers made back-to-back busts at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in California, seizing over $2.8 million worth of cocaine and methamphetamine.

Without much fanfare, the Mexican surveillance giant 'Grupo Seguritech' has evolved into an international billion-dollar network, actively collaborating with US border protection agencies.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) new online system for refunding IEEPA tariffs has garnered 26,664 registrations as of March 26, as the agency works to pay back an estimated $166 billion.

Lithuanian border protection service (VSAT) announced that no illegal migrants were turned back at the border with Belarus in the past 24 hours.

The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense and riflemen have received modern drone technology designed for combating balloons and border protection.

Customs and Border Protection official says new process for tariff refunds could be ready in 45 days  AP News

The autonomous Kurdish Region in northern Iraq is sending military equipment and vehicles to its border with Iran, citing border protection, as the Kurdish factor becomes more involved in the escalating conflict.

A judge has ordered U.S. Customs and Border Protection to process refunds for illegal Trump-era tariffs, a task described as unprecedented in scale, potentially requiring manual review of over 70 million entries.

A blind refugee, Nurul Amin Shah Alam, was found dead in northern New York state days after being released from U.S. Customs and Border Protection custody, according to reports.

Lawmakers criticise mismanagement after El Paso airspace closure following military's anti-drone laser deployment.

US forces in the border area with Mexico shot down their own Customs and Border Protection (CBP) drone using a high-energy laser near Fort Hancock, Texas.

Democrats criticized the U.S. Border Protection Agency following the death of a nearly blind refugee from Myanmar, who died after being released miles from his home.

After the downing of a Customs and Border Protection drone, the F.A.A. closed the airspace above Fort Hancock, Texas.

A nearly blind refugee from Myanmar was found dead on a Buffalo, New York road after being released by US Customs and Border Protection, his fate unknown since his release.

Legal advocates are working to stop a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) policy that allegedly pressures unaccompanied children to self-deport.

The United States on Tuesday imposed new tariffs of 10% on all goods not covered by exemptions, according to a notice from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), identical to the initial rate that he had announced.

The US Customs and Border Protection agency said it will halt collections of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act at 12:01 am EST on Tuesday, more than three days afte

US Coast Guard Seizes $133.5 Million In Illicit Drugs Authored by Naveen Athrappully via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours), Crew of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Seneca seized more than $133.5 million worth of cocaine and offloaded the drugs at Port Everglades, Florida, the agency said in a Feb. 13 statement. The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk (WMEC 913) and a Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter flight crew conduct training evolutions in the Caribbean Sea, on July 15, 2025. Seaman Corrie Gill/U.S. Coast Guard “80 percent of interdictions of U.S.-bound drugs occur at sea. This underscores the importance of maritime interdiction in combatting the flow of illegal narcotics and protecting American communities from this deadly threat,” USCG said. In total, 17,700 pounds of cocaine were seized through the interdiction of four drug-transporting vessels in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean. One of the drug vessels was boarded by Seneca’s crew on Jan. 25, seizing 4,410 pounds of cocaine. On Jan. 31, crew members boarded three vessels, taking custody of 13,340 pounds of cocaine, the statement said. The detection and monitoring of illegal drug transit by air and sea are conducted by the U.S. Southern Command’s Joint Interagency Task Force-South, based in Key West. Once it is determined that the vessel must be interdicted, the USCG takes control of the operation, boards the vessel, and apprehends it. “I am extremely proud of the crew’s incredible performance and adaptability during this deployment,” said Capt. Lee Jones, commanding officer of Coast Guard Cutter Seneca. “This deployment demonstrates our enhanced posture and continued success in the fight against narco-terrorism and transnational criminal organizations. “The Coast Guard, in conjunction with our inter-agency and international partners, continues to patrol areas commonly associated with drug trafficking in the Eastern Pacific, denying smugglers access to maritime routes by which they move illicit drugs to our U.S. land and sea borders.” According to the agency, the Coast Guard is accelerating its crackdown on drug trafficking in the Eastern Pacific Ocean in support of Operation Pacific Viper, aiming to protect the United States from the flow of illicit narcotics from South America. Operation Pacific Viper, launched in early August last year, directs U.S. forces to the Eastern Pacific region to counter cartel and criminal groups, seeking to cut off drug and human smuggling before they hit U.S. shores. In early December 2025, USCG said in a statement that it had seized more than 150,000 pounds of cocaine from the Eastern Pacific Ocean, which it said was enough to create more than “57 million potentially lethal doses.” In a Feb. 14 statement, USCG announced the seizure of two vessels containing $5.6 million in illicit narcotics off Port Everglades. Authorities seized roughly 745 pounds of cocaine by interdicting two suspected drug trafficking vessels. “The Coast Guard is in the business of saving lives, and every kilogram of these drugs kept off our streets represents lives saved,” said Lt. Justin Dadlani, commanding officer of Station Fort Lauderdale. “I couldn’t be more proud of the professionalism of the crew and our continued partnerships with our partners with Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations.” On Feb. 15, the agency announced that its Cutter Forrest Rednour had interdicted 14 suspected illegal immigrants aboard a vessel 18 miles from San Diego, with all of them claiming to be Mexican nationals. Earlier on Jan. 27, the Coast Guard said they had interdicted three suspected illegal immigrants from Mexico in two vessels, seven miles off Imperial Beach, California. On Jan. 21, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said the Coast Guard notified the agency of a suspicious vessel traveling toward Puerto Rico. Upon investigation, CBP agents found 12 migrants from Russia and Uzbekistan aboard. The interception took place on Jan. 13. “This successful outcome highlights the strong partnerships between the Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, and all federal and local law enforcement partners in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said Capt. Robert E. Stiles, Sector San Juan deputy. “Our daily unified coordination, shared capabilities, and synchronized response efforts are instrumental to safeguarding our nation’s Caribbean maritime borders against illicit smuggling activities.” Tyler Durden Thu, 02/19/2026 - 11:25