Frequently, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is thought of as the authority that just allows people to enter the U.S. and depart upon the conclusion of their authorized stay. While the screening of nearly one million people for entry every day is one of their key functions, many people are unaware of the other vital roles CBP actually carries out.
While its primary mission is preventing terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the United States, CBP is also responsible for:
• Apprehending individuals attempting to enter the United States illegally, including those with criminal records.
• Stemming the flow of illegal drugs and other contraband.
• Protecting United States agricultural and economic interests from harmful pests and diseases.
• Protecting American businesses from intellectual property theft.
CBP is responsible for enforcing hundreds of laws and regulations. These are often applied when handling border management and control, combing customs, maintaining border security, maintaining agriculture protection and even making arrests. In addition to the one million visitors screened each day, CBP screens more than 67,000 cargo containers, arrests more than 1,100 individuals, and seizes more than six tons of illicit drugs!
To keep the public informed, CBP regularly publishes news releases that make for interesting and informative reading. For example, CBP published six news releases on April 4, 2014, giving us an inside look at what CBP deals with on a daily basis, including: A woman at the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls was arrested for marijuana possession, and in Calexico, California, CBP seized over $642,000 worth of cocaine. CBP also seized more than 500 pounds of marijuana in Santa Teresa, New Mexico. Two undocumented immigrants who had previously been deported for convicted sex offenses were arrested in Del Rio, Texas. Border agents in Del Rio also seized over 20 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $768,000.
All of these incidents occurred within a one-week time frame. The duties and responsibilities our CBP officers carry out help to keep the U.S. safe, day in and day out.
If you have questions regarding U.S. Customs and Border Protection and crossing the border, please contact one of our attorneys today!
