Professional Documents
Culture Documents
U . S . C u s t o m s a n d B o r d e r P r o t e c t i o n H Fa l l / W i n t e r 2 0 0 8
Agro-Terrorism
A Dangerous Threat
Raising public awareness
on border fencing –Page 22
Lights, Camera…
CONTENTS
H on the cover Photo by: James Tourtellotte
Photo by: ©ABC/RON TOM
H Departments
I am pleased to report to you that the last two years especially have seen great progress in Managing Editor
Dannielle Blumenthal, Ph.D.
CBP’s capacity to protect U.S. agriculture. I believe we now are working smarter as we’ve been able
S t a ff W r i t e r s
to forge more cooperative relationships with federal and state partners. Like so much of CBP’s Elysa Cross
Linda Kane
homeland security mission, protection of agriculture resources requires being on constant alert and
C ONTRI B UTING W r i t e r
having the capacity to continually learn. Eric Blum
The key resource for improving our relations with federal and state agriculture stakeholders production manager
Tracie Parker
is the Agriculture Quarantine Inspection Partnership Council, a group made up of leaders in
P h o t o g r a ph e r s
agriculture protection from around the country. Its purpose is relatively simple: assure greater Gerald L. Nino
James R. Tourtellotte
communication between agriculture stakeholders, provide a forum to promote innovation as well as
design
process and policy improvements, and monitor and support progress on action plans to safeguard Richard Rabil
Diana Flores
U.S. agriculture.
The Secretary of Homeland Security has determined
From my perspective, this partnership in a very short time has proved to be invaluable. Like that publication of this periodical is necessary in the
transaction by CBP of public business as required.
all homeland security efforts, agriculture protection is a team sport. CBP’s officers and agriculture
specialists cannot succeed without the support of industry experts. The launching of the Partnership A ddress letters and contributions to:
M a i l : Managing Editor, Frontline,
Council has invigorated our efforts. U.S. Customs and Border Protection
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Room 3.4A,
So while other aspects of CBP may get a few more headlines, I have a huge amount of Washington, DC 20229
E - M a i l : frontline@cbp.dhs.gov
admiration for the concerted efforts being made to safeguard one of America’s unique resources. F a x : 202.344.1393
My deep appreciation goes to dedicated men and women who serve as CBP agriculture specialists CBP Web site add ress:
and provide an invaluable contribution to America’s way of life. www.cbp.gov
D istribution:
Do you want to add or delete your name from
—W. Ralph Basham, Commissioner the distribution list? Have you changed your address?
Please call 202.344.1310 or fax changes
to 202.344.1787.
2 H C OMMISSIONER ' S MESSAGE H H CBP Field Operations agriculture specialist at the Port of Philadelphia inspecting wood packing material for harmful foreign exotic pests and
the presence of bark.
Frontline Images Frontline Images
H The Border Patrol intercepts tons of drugs each year, some of it in not very convenient locations. H Cars are often sent to Secondary at Land Border crossings for inspection. CBP Field Operations Officer takes a closer look at the inside of a
vehicle for illegal contraband.
around the agency
A
display at change of command
O
philosopher once said, “No
man can answer for his valor
n a summer day marked or courage, till he has been
by near-perfect weather, in danger.” This spring, CBP
CBP Field Operations—the honored those who have passed this test of
division of the agency that courage. On May 13, leaders and employees
oversees the CBP officers stationed at gathered together in a Valor Memorial
America’s ports of entry—conducted its ceremony to remember the men and women
first-ever formal change-of-command of CBP and its legacy agencies who have
ceremony. The ceremony was held given their lives while working to protect
A
recognition of the agency and to Operations branding initiative, which to bring it to the larger amphitheater, tells
n officer in a military uniform frontline border security activities. The time last year. demonstrate the strides the agency has is designed to provide a visually us how tragic a year it has been. Seven of
stands alone in a field, holding president also announced plans to hire There have been several noteworthy made as the guardians of the nation’s recognizable distinction to our fellow our best and most promising young people
a pair of binoculars, watching 6,000 new Border Patrol Agents over examples of the cooperation between borders. The change-of-command CBP employees and to the public.” died last year and we are all diminished
to make sure that no one is two years, increasing their number from the agencies. California National Guard ceremony is the latest addition designed by their loss.”
crossing the U.S. border illegally. This 12,000 to 18,000, to gradually replace the members based out of San Diego became
has been a familiar sight over the past National Guard members. the first non-CBP employees to receive a
two years. More than 6,000 members of During the two-year operation, Letter of Commendation by the agency
Exporting Expertise
the U.S. National Guard have worked Border Patrol agents and National Guard for their surveillance of alien smugglers.
at the border alongside Border Patrol members together arrested 176,000 National Guard members in Del Rio
agents, participating in surveillance, illegal immigrants, rescued 100 people Sector rescued a Central American from
construction and logistics. This summer, and seized more than $80,000 in cash drowning in the Rio Grande River by
T
the National Guard members handed back and more than 315,000 pounds of drugs. jumping into the water to save her.
his Spring, the CBP Office of Border Patrol shared its inaccurate and preconceived beliefs, thus fostering good working
their assignments to the Border Patrol as They also built more than 38 miles of Operation Jump Start officially
approach to combating terrorism, illegal immigration relationships that will benefit Customs and Border Protection and
Operation Jump Start came to an end. pedestrian fence, 95 miles of vehicle ended on July 15, but CBP’s partnership
and smuggling on the United States border with the United States Border Patrol in the global arena,” says Agent
Operation Jump Start began in fence and 18 miles of new all-weather with the National Guard remains. The representatives of 13 different countries who attended a Hitchcock.
August 2006 when President Bush roads. And responding to observations National Guard will continue to work with border security course in Ankara, Turkey, at the NATO Partnership Hitchcock adds that it was evident from this course that “the
announced measures to improve by National Guard members operating the Border Patrol through counterdrug for Peace Training Center. USBP [U.S. Border Patrol] has been identified and accepted within
security at the border by temporarily a remote video surveillance system, missions and by participating in annual Assistant Chief Patrol Agent William P. Hitchcock from the international law enforcement community as a subject matter
assigning members of the National Border Patrol agents netted 287 pounds of training projects. The two years of the New Orleans Sector and Field Operations Supervisor Eric J. expert on border control and security issues. The ability to create
Guard to monitor the borders at Arizona, cocaine valued at $9.2 million in a single Operation Jump Start strengthened the Swanson from the San Diego Sector attended at the invitation of a network in this international environment is conducive to global
Texas, New Mexico and California and seizure. Overall, apprehensions of illegal partnership between CBP and the National the Turkish General Staff. border security.”
“The opportunity for representatives of different countries to
strengthen infrastructure, freeing up at aliens along the Southwest border are Guard and helped make the U.S. border
converge in a training and social environment helped to disprove
least 500 Border Patrol agents to conduct down more than 15 percent versus this more secure.
Rolling out the welcome wagon YOUR TICKET to get out of the line.
International Global Entry pilot program launched
be prompted to answer several
United Kingdom,
Netherlands
H DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff kicks off the new Global Entry pilot program. sign up
On May 19, CBP signed
F
a joint agreement with
or international travelers looking declared inadmissible to the United States the government of the
to enter the United States more under immigration legislation. Biometric
Netherlands to develop a
quickly and safely, CBP has a fingerprint technology will be used to
plan. It’s the Global Entry pilot verify the passenger’s identity and process to integrate the Global
program, designed to shorten wait and confirm his or her status as a Global Entry program with the Dutch
processing times for participants, allowing Entry participant. Privium program to facilitate
CBP officers to concentrate their efforts on Upon returning from international travel of U.S. and Dutch
potentially higher risk travelers. travel, Global Entry-enrolled travelers
The pilot kicked off on June 6 at may bypass the regular passport control
citizens between the two
countries. One month later,
Are you a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident
three “model ports”: John F. Kennedy
International Airport in New York, George
line and proceed directly to the Global
Entry kiosk. At the kiosk, the traveler will the agency signed a similar who is a frequent international traveler?
Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston activate the system by inserting his or her agreement with representatives
and Dulles International Airport near passport or U.S. permanent resident card of the U.K. Border Agency. Global Entry is your express pass through the U.S. international arrivals
Washington, D.C. into the document reader. The kiosk will The International Expedited area. Located in select airports, automated kiosks are designed to
Global Entry is available for U.S. direct the traveler to electronically provide
citizens or lawful permanent residents his or her fingerprints and will compare
Traveler Initiative will process pre-approved, U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents for
who are frequent international travelers, that biometric data with the fingerprint
integrate CBP’s Global Entry entry into the U.S. using fingerprint biometric technology.
provided they have not been found biometrics on file. A digital photograph of program with the British
guilty of a criminal offense, charged with the traveler will also be taken as part of the Registered Traveler program.
a customs or immigration offense or transaction record. Finally, the traveler will Enroll Today!
Visit www.globalentry.gov to learn more.
Global Entry is a trusted traveler program operated by US Customs and Border Protection. Travelers will need to pass a background investigation to participate in the program.
8 H around the agency H F r o n t l i n e H fall/winter 2008 9
Photo by Gerald L. Nino
Agro-defense
in the
Spotlight By Elysa Cross
Newly trained and technology-
Photo by: Gerry Nino
AttentioN:
Specialists Wanted
Field operations agriculture
specialists are highly trained
and specialized. Their initial
educational requirements
include a bachelor’s or
higher degree in biological
sciences—including botany,
H A CBP field operations agriculture specialist examines fruit at a port of entry for pests and diseases that could potentially harm U.S. agriculture. entomology and plant
pathology—agriculture,
natural resource management,
The threats this individual faces down to reduce dependence on foreign crops. No so it will make sense to fast-forward now to chemistry or a closely related
may be microscopic in size compared less prominent figures than Benjamin Franklin March 1, 2003, when everything changed
and Thomas Jefferson brought olive trees field. And although they
with the terrorists, smugglers and drugs again. CBP was created and employees from
her counterpart Border Patrol agents and and rice to the United States to increase the Immigration and Naturalization, the Border are not law enforcement
CBP officers are after, but they are no less variety of crops available for cultivation. As Patrol, the U.S. Customs Service and the U.S. officers, CBP trains them in
dangerous in magnitude. And as one of a Jefferson said, “The greatest service which can Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Plant the laws and regulations that
cadre of highly trained scientists, she focuses be rendered to any country is to add a useful Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) program govern not only agriculture
all her efforts, every day, to keep Americans plant to its culture.” were brought together with a new priority but also admissibility, cargo
safe, healthy and free from the harm that The introduction of new plants mission: to prevent terrorists and their
enforcement and other areas
pests can do. continued, with few worries about weapons from entering the United States.
“Your job is vital to protecting America’s potentially negative consequences, until This new mission didn’t mean that under the CBP umbrella.
agriculture, our environment, our economy 1912. That year, the Plant Quarantine Act agriculture specialists had a new job (See http://cbp.gov/careers/
and our citizens,” says CBP Commissioner was passed to address building concern description. Rather, it shed new light on their to apply for a position as an
W. Ralph Basham. over pest outbreaks in nursery stock in the existing one. Rather than looking only for agriculture specialist.)
United States. This law also established a accidentally introduced pests and diseases,
A mission develops network of inspection stations at major ports they also had to focus on intentionally
Agricultural threats were not a problem for of entry and gave the federal government introduced ones.
America when our nation first formed and the authority to organize border quarantines
we farmed native plants exclusively. It started to inspect all agricultural products and to Bringing two worlds together
to become an issue only when farmers were restrict entry of any infested goods. The world of agricultural inspection is a
encouraged to grow sugarcane and other Space does not permit a fuller discussion complex one, and the integration of its
produce that were not native to the colonies, of the rich history of agriculture inspection, specialists into CBP, has not been without
24 H safety first H H CBP Field Operations agriculture specialists examine contents of passengers luggage for pests or diseases.
F r o n t l i n e H fall/winter 2008 25
From Barriers to
H Border fence and barriers, such as this Normandy vehicle fence, help reduce illegal crossings.
“ When completed at the end of the year, they will serve both [the] functions of
border security and flood control. It’s a great example of where we are able to
dovetail what we need with what the community needs.”
As one of many such initiatives, CBP has about whether fence building is a good idea. Further, the agency is using H Border Patrol agents regularly drive the fence line looking for people crossing the U.S./Mexico border illegally and for crossers in need of medical help.
made a concerted effort to reach out to local Several similar polls conducted in 2006 and other infrastructure-based
border communities and other interested 2007 yielded comparable results, with the deterrents such as patrol
parties about the need for physical barriers exception of one that leaned heavily against roads, lighting and vehicle
along our nation’s perimeter, a border security the fencing concept. barriers -- and hiring the entrant’s escape, particularly in and leave them stranded on the “Mexican “When completed, these new levee barriers will
method funded by Congress and designed to At a series of public meetings held in thousands of new frontline personnel for an populated areas. side” of the border fence. CBP has addressed serve both [the] functions of border security
reduce illegal crossing. (The Border Patrol has southern border areas and by monitoring integrated border security solution. For environmentalists, the issue is all of these concerns. For example, landowners and flood control,” Department of Homeland
contacted almost 600 different landowners the media and informal feedback, CBP has Other general objections to the primarily that the physical barrier may run worried about property access have been Security (DHS) Secretary Michael Chertoff
and conducted over 200 meetings and listened to and learned much about the fences include the notion that they are too through wildlife habitats and national parks, consulted on construction details such as states. “It’s a great example of where we have
briefings regarding the fence project.) concerns of the public about the fence, and expensive, that illegal border crossers will to them an unacceptable sacrifice. (Indeed, a access for farm equipment, gates and locking been able to dovetail what we need with what
The results so far have been mixed. has sought to correct any misperceptions find another way to get around them and number of laws have been waived to enable mechanisms. Where religious or historical the community needs.”
Some interest groups, including landowners by the public. For example, the barrier that they will interfere with trade. But from construction of the fence.) In response, CBP concerns exist, fencing is not being built. At the end of the day, the decision about
and environmentalists, have argued before has been called “racist” and “a message of CBP’s perspective, this attitude amounts to makes the case that such environmental Instead the agency is using “floating fence,” whether to build border fencing is not in the
the media and the courts against parts of the hostility” that could ultimately hurt the defeatism. To a Border Patrol agent in the concerns are offset by barrier design. For which consist of jersey barriers that lie on the hands of CBP alone. Rather, the project was
670 miles of physical fence, the pedestrian United States’ economy by damaging trade field, barriers are a critical aid to border example, much of the fencing has “critter ground with fencing built onto them. Where congressionally mandated to DHS, which
and vehicle barriers that are being built along relations with Mexico. However, the reality security. Not only do they deter would-be holes” built into it to facilitate the cross-border fencing divides property, the situation is being subsequently entrusted it to CBP, which in
the southern border. This opposition has is that the barrier is not a coast-to-coast crossers, causing them either to stay in migration of a variety of wildlife. Where examined on a case-by-case basis. turn asked the Office of Border Patrol to
manifested even though the Border Patrol wall but rather a physical fence interspersed Mexico or to turn back once they see the additional risks have been identified, they are Overall, CBP is doing everything it can spearhead the effort. Agency personnel are
has been relying on border fencing for nearly with natural barriers such as mountains. barrier, but they also provide an advantage being mitigated in cooperation with other to work with affected areas to minimize any doing everything they can to ensure that the
two decades. It does not interfere with legal commerce. to the finite number of field personnel who federal agencies, such as the Department of the impact from the fence, as long as border fence, together with extensive technology and
On a broader level, an Associated In areas where no physical fence is being are faced with the daunting task of spotting Interior’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. security is not at risk. For example, the agency infrastructure improvements and increased
Press-Ipsos poll of 1,000 adults nationwide installed, surveillance cameras and seismic and stopping numerous people from crossing Landowners also have a variety of is integrating the fence into levees along the personnel, will indeed reduce the number of
conducted in March 2008 found that the and infrared surveillance devices will play illegally each day. These barriers buy agents complaints about the physical barrier, the most Rio Grande in Hidalgo County, Texas, thus illegal aliens coming across the border and
public at large is evenly divided (49 percent the part of the fence, alerting Border Patrol the critical time needed to respond to illegal notable that it will cut them off from sources eliminating the need for a section of fence deter potential terrorists as well.
for, 48 percent against, 3 percent unsure) agents when someone tries to cross illegally. entries and make an apprehension prior to of irrigation water, run through historic lands that could have stranded dozens of homes.
Additional thoughts
from the deputy
commissioner
on CBP’s future
Part 2 of Frontline’s interview with Deputy
Commissioner Jayson P. Ahern, in which he
reviews his most treasured accomplishments,
describes some of the biggest challenges he’s
faced over the course of his career, and shares
some thoughts on the future of the agency.
Q. Is it accurate to say that Air and Marine’s totally different cultures. One focused on narcotics. One interdiction and illegal immigration. Anti-terrorism is our numbers each year to augment the fleet because this is
operations seem quite different from the other focused primarily on immigration. Both of them are primary mission. So you have to ask yourself if you are in a work horse and it can do all the missions, the legacy
still doing elements of that but today they are focused the business of air and marine, what should we be doing missions plus some future missions that a commercial
entities of CBP?
on a new mission of anti-terrorism. We still do illicit to deal with that future. No one knows perfectly. aircraft can’t do.
A. We are actually more like the Air Force, the Army, the immigration and we still do illicit narcotics as well as So at our beginning as part of our fundamental Our biggest investment probably has been in the area
Navy and the Marines. These are large, operational, long- all of the other kinds of missions supporting other plan while we looked at what would be our vision for of unmanned aircraft. We don’t necessarily need to have
tenured entities in DOD [Department of Defense]. We do federal agencies. recapitalizing the existing fleet, as part of that vision we that to do the legacy missions. This aircraft does things
everything that they do—we have to procure new systems, This is a very broad mission. So here you’ve got a new postured what we should be doing for the long term that nothing that we have on our inventory, manned or
we have to test and field them. We operate them on a wide organization doing a dramatically new mission forced and I’ve acted accordingly. Two and a half years ago unmanned, can do. She’ll fly for 35 hours un-refueled.
variety of mission sets. together in a merger, and then over the last three years we had 16 A-model Black Hawks and my predecessors
In some ways we’re more like the special forces we’ve had to create from scratch this air and marine force. were considering at that time getting rid of those aircraft Q. You sound proud of the accomplishments
activities of those entities. We fly mostly at night. We’re We had to define the organization, define the uniforms, because they were costly, getting old. Well I think that to date.
in these austere places around the border. We’re flying, establish all our branding from day one and all of the probably would have been a good decision if narcotics and
looking with infrared and night vision goggles. We’re internal activities and policies—how we train and deploy illegal immigration were our only issue, but as I looked A. Well, anytime you have an opportunity to create an air
uniquely armed and the aircraft are uniquely modified. and how we get prepared to deal with this emergent forward, I would rather hypothesize worst case scenarios. force and a maritime organization toward a new mission
We’re a unique entity that is fundamental in the war on mission in terms of acquisition capabilities, the program So we started a program this year to take the same 16 in a time of unprecedented change where there really isn’t
terror overseas and fundamental in the war on terrorists as management capabilities, budget, funding, vision, all of Black Hawks and upgrade those to the latest L-model a playbook, that’s a very rewarding endeavor. There is a lot
it plays out in the continental United States as well. these things required by a new mission set for a Army configuration on the contract with the Army. So of uncertainty that presents a lot of challenge. I’ve spent 32
new mission. we will ensure that we will have a heavy-duty aircraft with years in the Air Force in a lot of challenging jobs. I’ve been
gun mounts if needed that have combat armor to protect around the U.S. Space Program in NASA, probably the
Q. What have been the great challenges
Q. How do you prepare for success in the air and our agents in the field. highest risk enterprise on the face of the earth.
integrating A&M within CBP? Plus, this last year with the Army contract, we bought But, on the other side of challenge is opportunity and
marine environments into the future? three new Army M-model helicopters. This is the newest as important as all the things I’ve talked about, all the
A. If you look at the Air and Marine side, as an organization
A. The future is unknown. We are slowly making this Army Black Hawk with everything on it including armor airplanes and boats and weapons, they’re all static things.
we are less than three years old. We’ve been going through
adjustment to change from a legacy of narcotics and we then plan to procure those aircraft in small Without the people to operate them they’re meaningless.
an extraordinary time of change where we’ve had to merge
T
o understand the scope of after taking office, with Dan Baldwin
CBP’s Office of International as the assistant commissioner. Baldwin
Trade (OT), simply go shopping stated, “The creation of OT unifies H Imported trade products at a U.S. seaport.
anywhere in America: Over half trade policy within a single CBP office.
the merchandise available here now comes Our goal is to ensure that the trade side
from abroad. In 2007 that meant $2 trillion of CBP’s dual mission speaks with one and Enforcement; and Trade Policy and
worth of imports. OT is responsible for the strong voice.” Programs. Given the technical complexity of
CBP programs that ensure these imports trade issues, OT employs a wide variety of
are legal—while keeping legitimate trade CBP professionals, ranging from attorneys,
Wide-ranging role
flowing freely. statisticians, analysts and regulatory
OT’s responsibilities include overseeing
OT celebrated its second anniversary auditors, to international trade specialists in
and streamlining commercial importing
on October 1, 2008. Although its status as headquarters and the field.
requirements; monitoring trade to ensure
a unified CBP office is new, it oversees one enforcement of our trade laws, regulations
of the oldest of federal responsibilities— and international trade agreements Setting priorities
collecting the proper customs revenue. nationwide without slowing legitimate trade; Given the volume of United States. imports,
Historically, these funds financed the creation taking enforcement action to stop illegitimate attempting to verify the compliance of
and expansion of the United States. trade practices; driving the modernization of each transaction would truly be “mission
CBP’s trade processes; and partnering with impossible.” Instead, the scrutiny imports
Integrating responsibilities the trade community and other government receive is prioritized strategically according to
In the past, OT’s responsibilities were agencies to increase compliance while the potential impact of noncompliance.
administered by three separate offices in the protecting the U.S. economy. As Brenda Smith, OT’s executive director
agency. In the years immediately following The office sets CBP trade policy for Trade Policy and Programs, explains, “We
the 9/11 attacks, when preventing another internally and externally through CBP are organized around seven Priority Trade
terrorist strike became paramount and anti- regulations directives, handbooks, Issues (PTIs), which drive how we target and
terrorism concerns prevailed, the focus had administrative messages, and the intranet focus our trade resources. PTIs are at the
shifted toward security. The emphasis was and Internet. OT also creates the CBP Trade core of our risk management approach to our
H Air and Marine use the long-endurance, high-altitude Predator B series UAS stationed at Libby Army Airfield in Sierra Vista, Ariz. to assist on such things as “pushing out our borders” Strategy, a national plan to accomplish the mission. We constantly assess what may be at
the Border Patrol with border security. (companies were required to submit import challenging trade mission as trade volume stake and how we can better enforce the trade
laws of the United States.”
T
data much sooner, as mandated by the and complexity continue to escalate.
Trade Act of 2002) and improved supply Further, as “business owner” for The current PTIs, which are reviewed
his spring, CBP and the U.S. “The capabilities of the Predator B To date, CBP Predator Bs have flown periodically, include intellectual property
Coast Guard flew a maritime aircraft we currently have deployed across more than 1,500 flight hours and contributed chain security through such programs as the trade process work addressed by the
the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Automated Commercial Environment rights; antidumping and countervailing
variation of the Predator B the Southwest border are unmatched by to the seizure of more than 15,000 pounds of duties; textiles and wearing apparel; revenue;
Terrorism (C-TPAT), a public-private (ACE), the commercial trade processing
unmanned aircraft system (UAS) any manned aircraft in the Air and Marine marijuana and the apprehension of more than agriculture; penalties; and import safety.
partnership in which companies adopt system being developed by CBP to facilitate
in the Gulf of Mexico and the Florida Straits. inventory. We fly more than 270 manned 4,000 illegal aliens.
security best practices in exchange for legitimate trade and strengthen border
The flights demonstrated how the variant aircraft of 22 different types and there is On the strength of these successes, A vision of secure prosperity
reduced inspections. security, OT is responsible for prioritizing
of the Predator B UAS, which is normally not a single manned aircraft that has the CBP Air and Marine is moving the program OT is directly supporting CBP’s mission,
the development and rollout of the ACE
used over land, could be integrated with sensor capability or flight endurance of the forward, expanding UAS operations to the helping to lead the way to a more secure
Achieving balance trade functions. OT works very closely with
maritime operations. Predator B,” says Assistant Commissioner northern border with flights out of Grand America now and in the future. As Assistant
Today, CBP is no less focused on anti- the Office of Information Technology and
The Predator B is an extraordinarily Michael C. Kostelnik. Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. the Trade Support Network (a CBP-created Commissioner Baldwin says, “In today’s
useful tool for CBP. Without needing the The maritime variant of the Predator “Over the next several years, we will terrorism than it was in the past, but since
taking office in June 2006, Commissioner association comprising trade associations, world we all benefit from legitimate
support that onboard pilots do, it has B used in the demonstration was on loan continue to grow our operational expertise, importers, exporters, brokers, carriers global trade. Our vision for the Office
the flexibility and endurance to fly long from the U.S. Air Force. It was equipped with enhance mission oversight, train our own W. Ralph Basham has emphasized the need
to find the right balance between security and more) to modernize CBP’s business of International Trade is to facilitate that
surveillance missions—up to 30 hours each— maritime surveillance radar and sensors that agent pilots and develop a maritime variant for processes and to harmonize the new ACE through modern tools and business practices
and trade facilitation. Concerned that some
while gathering intelligence and providing use electro-optical and infrared technology. coastal, Great Lakes and transit zone missions,” requirements. as well as strong partnerships. It is satisfying
people might overlook the second part of the
ground and water support for the agency’s This radar and sensor package provides the says Kostelnik. Within OT, there are four key to know that our efforts directly affect
dual CBP mission—“Securing our borders
crewed air and marine assets. UASs such as ability to detect and track vessels at night, components: Regulations and Rulings; the health, safety and the economy of the
while facilitating legitimate trade and travel”
the Predator B are also well-suited to flying when suspects are most likely to attempt to Regulatory Audit; Commercial Targeting American people.”
—the Commissioner established OT shortly
in hostile environments where lives enter the United States.
potentially are at risk.
A
a precautionary measure, the
fter six years of expansion and A unified team often with large-scale X-ray and gamma ray
growth, the Container Security Since 2002, with countries that have signed machines and radiation detection devices,
Initiative (CSI) continues a Declaration of Principles with CBP, CSI to ensure that the evaluation is done rapidly
to secure and facilitate the has fostered international cooperation with without slowing down the movement of
movement of legitimate containerized CBP officers, intelligence specialists and trade. (U.S. Immigration and Customs
maritime trade. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Enforcement agents work on enforcement
CSI ensures that all containers that agents all working collaboratively in foreign cases generated by the program.)
could pose a potential risk for terrorism seaports. In a host nation’s CSI port(s), Recently, CSI’s cooperative efforts
are identified and inspected at foreign these Department of Homeland Security have led to seizures of narcotics, rifles and
ports before they are loaded onto a U.S.- (DHS) representatives work jointly with illegal immigrants and notification to other
bound vessel. CBP officers now operate their foreign counterparts to identify high- countries of cargo containing information
58 CSI ports in 32 countries and screen risk containers that pose a potential risk for related to possible terrorist activities.
86 percent of the maritime cargo destined terrorism before the cargo is loaded on a Dynamic CSI teams working side-by-side
for the United States for terrorists or vessel bound for the United States. Any high- with host nation personnel were crucial to
Quick thinking,
terrorist weapons. risk containers are then further screened, these operations.
NOT-so-weird science
Photo by: James Tourtellotte
Agency experts test commodities to ensure imports are legitimate, safe CPR saves lives
S
cientific investigation is among the lesser- led agency scientists to investigate the use of
known activities that CBP performs every genetic methodology in country-of-origin issues to
T
day, and one area in which the agency’s determine the geographic location of commodities
laboratory excels is the analysis of such as crayfish, honey, pistachios and warm-water
commodities for trade violations. shrimp. hey were four victims of she was able to save were two of four turtles two of which were dead. CBP Officers
Just to give a few examples, CBP scientists In addition to working with DNA, lab someone’s disregard for life and that had been left to die in a checked and Carlos Malave and Robert Spooner, along
may be asked by the agency’s import specialists personnel have analyzed for proteins, most notably the law. Without hesitation, lost bag for two long days. with CBP Agriculture Specialists Ginger
to test for the presence of beef, pork and chicken the identification of human growth hormone in Houston Intercontinental baggage control The turtles were found when CBP Herrell and Alexander Williams, assisted
in imported foods suspected to be mislabeled submitted samples, work done with the assistance Supervisory CBP Officer Leticia Alcazar officers and agriculture specialists at the Alcazar in saving the two living turtles.
and potentially hazardous to health. Or there of a local university. Another project entailed the rushed over and started administering CPR Houston Intercontinental Airport were Alcazar reflected back on the moment she
may be a need for the identification of a species analyses of milk protein powders, which culminated to the apparently lifeless body of one of the clearing luggage from various airline flights. saw the turtles and stated, “I felt that air
of imported fish to determine and enforce in a publication in the Journal of Agriculture and victims. She quickly began to blow puffs of While X-raying the baggage, the officers was what they needed.” The two turtles that
classification, anti-dumping and countervailing Food Chemistry. Other food commodities that have air into a little nose. To her great surprise came across a particularly dense bag from did not withstand the trip in the container
issues (in which the producer is being subsidized been examined on the lab bench include pasta, and delight, the little face and mouth Guatemala. During the inspection of the were kept as evidence for the U.S. Fish
by a foreign government, giving the commodity vegetable dumplings and soup mixes. gasped for air and moved. Alcazar yelled bag, CBP Officer Carol Salazar opened a and Wildlife Service. (The turtles were
H CBP scientists analyze commodities for an unfair price advantage). Such concerns have out, “He moved—he’s alive!” The “victims” plastic container and found four turtles, inadmissible under the Lacey Act.)
trade violations
A ton in Tucson
Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents, working with a canine team,
seized a tractor-trailer and arrested the driver after finding almost a
ton of marijuana. It started when a naturalized U.S. citizen from El
Salvador approached the inspection area of an Arizona checkpoint in a
Freightliner XL tractor pulling a trailer. In the inspection area, a Border
Patrol canine alerted to the possibility that humans or other contraband
might be hidden within the trailer. The tractor and trailer were referred
to the secondary inspection area for further investigation. When BP
agents inspected the contents of the trailer, they discovered several
bundles of marijuana covered in laundry soap and concealed among
cardboard. The bundles weighed approximately 1,780 pounds and had
an estimated value of $712,000. The driver, marijuana and tractor-trailer
were turned over to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Pot on TV
Anti-terrorism operations at the Bridge of the Americas border
crossing in El Paso, Texas, yielded an unexpected find when CBP
officers intercepted 60 pounds of marijuana. The significance of the
seizure wasn’t the amount of marijuana seized but the concealment
method used—a 36-inch television. It was discovered when a burgundy
1989 Toyota Camry arrived at the primary inspection lane, and the
CBP officer at the booth became suspicious when the driver appeared
nervous. A CBP drug detection dog named Chip alerted to a television
and CBP officers discovered 61 bundles of marijuana hidden inside. The
driver, a Mexican citizen, was arrested by Immigration and Customs
Enforcement special agents for importation of a controlled substance.
H A Mobile VACIS inspects the contents of a cargo container.
Travel tips
E
Do I need a customs broker to “U.S. Import Requirements” (available at monetary
the CBP.gov Web site), for a brief overview instruments ntering the United States is handwriting accurately, don’t have to
clear my goods through CBP? of what is involved. (i.e., currency becoming a simpler, more worry about the form getting lost, and To get authorized to visit
If your goods are being imported or checks) straightforward process with the don’t have to remember to pull it out of
There is no legal requirement for you to via an express courier, the courier valued at introduction of a new, online their passport and return it upon leaving the United States.
hire a customs broker to clear your goods. automatically uses customs brokers to $10,000 or registration system for Visa Waiver the States (that last part has caused many
However, many importers opt to do so for the 1. Go to https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
clear your goods on your behalf. If you more on Program (VWP) travelers to fill out before people problems when they’ve tried to
convenience. Customs brokers are licensed have any concerns about their charges for a “Report embarking on their travels. re-enter). Perhaps most important, they 2. Answer the questions in English,
by CBP to conduct CBP business on behalf of this service, please contact the courier of International Transportation of The system, known as the Department can enjoy the peace of mind that comes or have a trustworthy third party
importers. They take the burden of filling out company directly. Customs brokers charge Currency or Monetary Instruments,” of Homeland Security’s Electronic System from knowing the other passengers on complete it.
paperwork and obtaining a CBP bond off of for their services, so you may want to which is known as FinCEN form 105. for Travel Authorization (ESTA), is their plane or ship have been prescreened
the importer’s hands. contact a few to discuss rates. You can obtain the form in advance by for security risks as well. 3. Check the information that has
essentially the traditional I-94W form
Some importations—such as the A list of customs brokers can be downloading it from http://www.fincen. been entered to make sure it is
in a Web-based format. It becomes a CBP is not putting its form online
importation of textile items for resale—can accurate. Provide or update the travel
found on the CBP.gov Web site under the gov/fin105_cmir.pdf, or a CBP officer requirement for all VWP travelers on 12 entirely for customer service reasons,
be particularly complex because of quota or information requested. If not all the
Ports section by clicking on the port you can give it to you upon your departure January 2009. of course—the agency is fulfilling the
other special requirements governing the details are available yet, the system
intend to import through. or return to the United States. Failure For now, travelers will still need to fill requirements of a United States law, aimed
importation of the product. can be updated later.
to declare currency in amounts equal out the paper form on the plane or ship as at reducing security risks, passed after
The importer is always ultimately
responsible for knowing CBP requirements
If I am traveling with monetary to or greater than $10,000 can result in well, but that requirement will eventually the attacks of 9/11. And the Customs 4. Receive a determination right
its seizure. Information on the FinCEN be phased out. form 6059B is still paper-based. But away. If the answer is yes, be sure
and for ensuring its importation complies with instruments, currency, checks, 105 is provided to the Internal Revenue The primary benefit of this system the entry process automation is a sign to retain the approval number.
all federal rules and regulations, but using a etc., do I have to pay duty? Service, which determines whether the for travelers is the opportunity to find out of improvement and follows the best If notified that the application is
customs broker can save you from making importation of monies constitutes income early on if there are any issues that would practices standard set by Australia with “pending,” check back in 72 hours.
costly mistakes. CBP does not collect duty on currency. subject to taxation. (The requirement to result in their being denied entry. They their “ETA” system. If denied, contact United States
If you choose to file your own However, travelers leaving or entering the import currency on a FinCEN 105 does can then address those issues with the The new automated system is free consulate for assistance.
customs entry, please read our brochure, United States are required to report not apply to imports of gold bullion.) U.S. consulate in advance of travel. This to use, at least for now, and it is easy to
is far less stressful and potentially less fill out as well. All travelers have to do
costly than waiting to get to the United is go to the secure Web site and answer to the United States during the two-
States. to find out that there is a problem. the questions in English. If not approved year period, to update it with new arrival
(Of course, the U.S. Customs and Border instantly, they can check back in 72 hours, and first night’s stay data—lessening any
Protection officer will always make a final or contact the United States consulate if discrepancies that can lead to additional
A
in a variety of ways. By filling out the form for another two years, unless their the system right away; it began accepting
ccording to surveys conducted arriving by water. About 201,327 Canadians form electronically, they don’t have to passport expires earlier. Optional is to go voluntary applications on August 1, 2008
by the Canada Border Services and Americans have a NEXUS card, which count on officers being able to read their into the system before any follow-up trip and is available in 16 languages.
Agency (CBSA), 96 percent of is accepted as an alternative to a passport
NEXUS users and 89 percent for American citizens. NEXUS members
of Free and Secure Trade (FAST) users who participated in the survey reported Requirement effective Requirement effective
are satisfied overall with their trusted saving an average of 30 minutes at land
traveler programs. Both are joint initiatives crossings. November 17, 2008 January 12, 2009
between CBSA and CBP to facilitate quick Similar to the NEXUS program, the
and secure entry into Canada and the FAST program provides dedicated lanes and New Expansion VWP Countries* Established VWP Countries*
United States for low-risk travelers and expedited clearance to truckers at the U.S./ Andorra France Luxembourg Singapore
commercial goods. Canada and U.S./Mexico border. Currently, Czech Republic Lithuania Australia Germany Monaco Slovenia
NEXUS members avoid wait times at FAST has about 93,841 members. FAST Estonia Slovakia Austria Iceland The Netherlands Spain
border crossings by using dedicated lanes members reported saving an average of 27 Hungary South Korea
when driving or kiosks when flying, or minutes when entering the United States Belgium Ireland New Zealand Sweden
Lativa Brunei Italy Norway Switzerland
by calling CBP officers in advance when and 18 minutes when entering Canada.
Denmark Japan Portugal United Kingdom
Finland Liechtenstein San Marino
44 H In Partnership H http.esta.cbp.dhs.gov is the official U.S. government Web site for ESTA travel authorization Frontline H fall/winter 2008 45
Canine Capers
IN p a r t n e r s h i p
I
to impoverished people 13,600 IPR seizures worth approximately
worldwide—after receiving permission
$197 million in domestic value, exceeding the n July 2005, Spokane Sector narcotics and concealed humans.
value of last year’s by 27 percent. According Chief Border Patrol Agent They use the hunt and air scent
from the trademark holder to donate to a CBP news release published on January
rather than destroy them. 29, 2008, the top commodity seized was approached Border Patrol Agent drives to locate mostly stationary
Shoes are urgently needed by the poor, footwear, with a domestic value of $77.7 Brent Smith with a simple people or narcotics. In “track and
says Samaritan’s Feet. In a factsheet available
M
on its Web site, the organization asserts
million, which accounted for 40 percent of request: “Make our canine unit the trail,” the dog is trained to alert to
the entire value of goods seized. The agency best in the Border Patrol.”
ost of us don’t think about that “more than 50 percent of the world’s and follow odors that are left by
continues to rack up footwear seizures, with
our shoes every day, but those children’s population would never And as the Spokane Sector a person when he or she moves
two notable recent major interceptions: one
who don’t have them, face be able to afford a pair of shoes,” and with a value of $22 million on May 9, and canine coordinator, that’s what through an area. The canine is
potentially severe health risks “ringworm and other infectious and another worth $1 million on May 27.
ranging from disease to death. So CBP was deadly diseases are a natural way of life Smith did. He expanded the conditioned to recognize the
pleased to partner with U.S. Immigration for children due to shoelessness.” program, ensuring that all of the combined and inconsistent odors
Spokane Sector canine teams were that a person emits and creates.
trained in human “track and trail.”
On December 9, 2007, Smith How often does the unit train to
HELPING
was selected as the first sector stay proficient?
supervisory canine coordinator in Handlers currently undergo eight
the Border Patrol. Here, he describes hours of detection maintenance
the canine program in Spokane. training every two weeks and
eight hours of track-and-trail
R
expanded from 14 canine teams to 20 inspect an aircraft near Colville, Washington. In September we held a canine
esidents of Washington State within the United States for the care and enforce can be confusing. We are committed canine teams, which are assigned to track-and-trail class in Spokane
who could use a helping hand comfort of passengers. to supporting everyone who wants all seven primary stations throughout Koreans after they attempted to flee;
are now getting one. They are the The program represents a partnership information about how to comply.”
with handlers and detection
beneficiaries of a pilot program, between Holland America, the Port of Seattle, Port of Seattle officials are excited the sector. and tracking down weapons and instructors attending from the
“Ship to Shelter,” that facilitates the Cruise Terminals of America, nonprofit about the program and want to see it grow. other evidence of two armed suspects Del Rio and San Diego sectors.
donation by Holland America Cruise Line hunger relief agency Northwest Harvest “We hope to apply this program to other Your unit has been very busy and who had fired at deputies and were Once detection instructors become
of valuable reusable goods to shelters and and CBP. Donated items such as toiletries, cruise ships in our port and extend it to our on the run.
homeless programs from ships sailing out towels, linens, dishes, cookware, silverware, port partners across the country,” says Tay
very effective in the past eight certified in track and trail, they
of the city. televisions and mattresses from the ships are Yoshitani, chief executive officer, Port of months. What are some of the can conduct these courses when
CBP played a critical role in launching distributed to shelters and homeless programs Seattle. more notable cases you’ve been Your unit set a new standard in they return to their sector. Del Rio
the program, helping the foreign-flagged throughout Washington state. Northwest Harvest Executive Director involved in? the Border Patrol with the unique
cruise line understand what it could and Holland America’s president and chief Shelley Rotondo adds, “There is an incredible
has already held two track-and-
could not donate under the Jones Act. The executive officer, the aptly named Stein need for basic toiletry items in the homeless From October through January, capability of human “track and trail courses for its handlers, using
somewhat complex law prohibits non-U.S. Kruse, thanked CBP Assistant Port Director community, especially in our women’s the canine unit assisted in seizures trail.” Can you explain exactly what its instructors learned while
ships from moving goods from port to port for Trade Jerry Malmo for helping “cut shelters. We often take the availability of these totaling almost $13 million, how this ability sets your canines attending our course. Swanton, El
in the United States, as Holland America through the bureaucratic red tape” to make items on a daily basis for granted. The Ship to
does, unless the goods are laden outside this valuable program possible. In response, Shelter program will help fulfill this need
including the largest Ecstasy seizure apart from the rest of the Border Centro, Blaine and Tucson sectors
the country or are placed onboard the ship Malmo stated, “Sometimes the laws we for many.” in Border Patrol history. We were Patrol canines? have also expressed interest in
also involved in locating a lost hunter All Border Patrol detection canines sending handlers or detection
along the border; apprehending three are certified in the detection of instructors to our future courses.
46 H In Partnership H
TO T H E TRADE
Keep it moving
C
BP’s new trade processing avoid potential CBP penalties. Dalby uses the
system, the Automated ACE Secure Data Portal reporting feature
Commercial Environment to run reports that enable him to conduct
(ACE), is a big hit with importers, in-house audits and ensure conformity with
customs brokers and cargo carriers. CBP standards. In addition, he uses the ACE
For Lorne McIntosh, corporate manager portal discrepancy reports to look for internal
of customs compliance for Canadian carrier errors and determine if multiple errors are
company Quik X Group, the compliance associated with a single customs broker, an
with ACE e-manifest requirements has importer-of-record number or a port of entry. encourages her clients to sign up for ACE
T
manifest, and the feature has also lowered ACE features to ensure high compliance structure, which helps to determine if low
the amount of time the company’s trucks ratings for her clients by comparing CBP compliance ratings are associated with one he grass was not the only green thing at the 17th annual bill mandate to screen 100 percent of cargo traveling on passenger
spend at the border. McIntosh says that the transactional data with the data in Argents’ aspect of an account. Cargo Network Services (CNS) Partnership Conference planes. Underscoring that partnership is key to facing our ongoing
investment Quik X Group made preparing internal systems. The company is then able Prior to ACE, access to CBP this year, held at the PGA National Resort in West challenges, Basham said. “I am proud of what we have accomplished
for e-manifests, prior to the CBP mandatory to immediately investigate any discrepancies transactional data was delayed because Palm Beach, Fla. CNS, an International Air Transport together, and I readily acknowledge that our strategy would not
policy, has resulted in reduced border delays between its data and what CBP has on file. of the time it took to manually compile Association (IATA) company that serves the interests of the U.S. have been possible without our good partners in the government,
and fewer penalties for noncompliance. Early detection can resolve potential issues information on behalf of the account air cargo industry, made this year’s conference carbon-neutral, in in the private sector and overseas, and without the dedicated and
The ACE feature enables account holders before they negatively impact a client’s holder. Now, account holders can log into support of IATA’s zero-emissions initiative. hardworking men and women of CBP.”
to better comply with CBP standards as compliance rating. the Web-based ACE portal, view CBP data At the conference, Commissioner W. Ralph Basham spoke Basham also praised IATA’s e-Freight initiative, which aims
well as their internal company policies. Eric ACE is an important tool that members and easily evaluate compliance with trade to more than 400 air cargo industry representatives about another to increase automation within the industry, saying that “improved
Dalby, a global trade specialist for the apparel of the trade community and CBP account key issue on the minds of the industry and CBP: supply chain automation by trade partners only improves the quality and timeliness
laws. ACE allows account holders and
importer Kellwood Company, says that ACE managers can use together, according to security. The air cargo industry is charged to implement a 9/11 of the information that we need to do our jobs.”
CBP account managers to monitor account
reports make it easier to monitor internal panel member Cynthia Whittenburg, CBP activity and work together to ensure the
Packing a punch
company trade regulations compliance and national account manager. Whittenburg highest rate of compliance.
W
ith pest-infested wood point of origin for proper treatment and
packaging materials a certification, reshipment can take months.
continuing presence at Alternatively, if the importer attempts to
U.S. ports of entry, CBP is export the infested shipment to another
reminding importers to avoid potential country, it may be rejected, as many other
losses by making sure that the material nations share CBP’s import standards in
used to transport their shipments is this area. Finally, if the importer abandons
treated and marked in compliance with the shipment altogether, financial penalties
International Standard for Phytosanitary result. All of these scenarios can lead to
Measures No. 15 (ISPM 15) before it factory shutdowns, late production
leaves the country of origin. penalties and loss of business.
Aside from the risk that wood pests In addition, says CBP, importers
pose to the nation’s agricultural system, must be careful to avoid fraudulent wood
the potential loss of time and money to packaging material certifiers, who may
importers who don’t comply is significant, stamp the wood as treated without actually
warns the agency, as CBP may reject making sure that the pests inside have been
shipments that are infested or accompanied eradicated. Importers are responsible for the
by uncertified wood packaging. If importers state of the wood regardless of whether its
try to send the shipment back to the certification is false.
W
hen a team from at Laredo, Texas, in 1999. From diplomacy, and Ndiaye’s without sufficient resources,
CBP’s Office of Laredo he was transferred to presence on a training team such as Senegal, modernize
T
symbolic of the link between passengers that move across
he Office of International Trade cargo screening program, prevention compliance through a completed CBP’s mission of securing international borders.
(OT) released a new trade strategy of agriculture related remedial actions, questionnaire package, and domestic our borders and International “CBP’s mission is very
for the first time publicly to the C-TPAT security best practices and lessons and foreign site visits. Affairs’ international portfolio, proactive,” says Ndiaye. It is
trade community during the learned, and upcoming ACE changes. which calls for working with also practical. A professional
• Submit an ISA-S Memorandum of
recent 2008 CBP annual Trade Symposium strategic partners to secure customs capability will enable
Understanding and Questionnaire,
in Washington, D.C. J.C. Penney Takes the Lead their borders while facilitating countries to collect those
approved by CBP and CPSC.
The strategy outlines CBP’s strategic J.C. Penney is the first company to legitimate trade and travel. revenues that are associated
five-year vision for its trade programs to be accepted into the Importer Self CBP’s international work customs and law enforcement representatives in key with border crossing.
facilitate trade and ensure compliance Assessment – Product Safety (ISA-PS) would not be as effective training through the countries where CBP’s interests “Without security, they
with trade laws. pilot. ISA-PS is a voluntary program without the skills and International Law Enforcement warrant and sends teams cannot collect revenue.”
CBP and the Consumer Product requiring importers to maintain a high Trade Strategy perspective of trainers Academies located in Europe, of trainers all over the world— It also can’t hurt to
Safety Commission (CPSC) also level of product safety compliance.
announced the expansion of the CBP In addition to the benefits offered FY 2009 – 2013 like Ndiaye.
In addition to the United
Asia and Africa. When
International Affairs began
including to Iraq, where the
Defense Department has
have a native speaker
involved, someone who
Importer Self-Assessment (ISA) program to ISA members, importers will receive States, Germany and Senegal, conducting capacity-building enlisted CBP in helping the knows the culture. “I can
to include a product safety component multiple benefits ranging from front of the Strategic Vision
“A multilayered risk management Ndiaye has lived in Lebanon, training in Senegal, he was Iraqi government build a adjust to other cultures more
for the first time. J.C. Penney is the first line testing, reduction of testing, access to the Congo and Brazil. He detailed to participate because professional border patrol easily than someone who
importer to be accepted into the product CPSC training and more. approach to ensure legitimate trade
is facilitated across U.S. borders.” speaks Spanish and Portuguese of his language skills and capability. never lived outside the United
safety pilot program. To participate in the ISA-PS pilot a as well as French, English and Senegalese heritage. In Senegal, the CBP team States,” Ndiaye says.
The general sessions emphasized company must: Senegal’s two languages, Wolof But his skills help is offering capacity-building He is also something
CBP’s work to secure global trade in the Goals
• Be an active member in the ISA • Facilitate legitimate trade and Pulaar. International Affairs in training. This modernization of a celebrity in Senegal. In
post 9-11 environment. program and comply with all ISA After attending college in many places besides Senegal. effort is directly tied to the a meeting in Washington, D.C.,
This year’s conference participants and ensure compliance
requirements. Brazil, Ndiaye returned to the Ndiaye has also represented World Customs Organization, the current budget minister
had the opportunity to hear from CBP • Enforce trade laws and United States in 1990, became CBP as an advisor in Senegal; whose members are committed personally singled out Ndiaye,
program managers as well as our private • Comply with all applicable CBP and collect accurate revenue a legal permanent resident and Morocco; Le Havre, France; to adopting uniform standards who remembers that “he was
sector partners in breakout sessions focused CPSC laws and regulations. served in the U.S. Army for Mozambique; Guatemala; and for handling international very proud to meet me. I
• Advance national and
on importer self-assessment, intellectual • Request an application economic security three years. Then he became a El Salvador. shipments. Countries with consider myself privileged to
property rights, importer security filing, via email to: isa@dhs.gov mailbox. U.S. citizen and joined then- Language is important ample resources, like the be a part of CBP and
the new trade strategy, the President’s • Intensify modernization
U.S. Customs as an inspector in training as well as in United States, help countries an American.”
import safety working group, TSA’s 100 • Demonstrate controls for managing of CBP’s trade processes
percent air cargo screening and certified and monitoring product safety
D E
id you know Stephen Teveloff and Frank mployee satisfaction is a top ceremony,” says Gayle Bowman, manager
that nearly 90 Umowski; Public Affairs priority for CBP Commissioner of the Equal Employment Opportunity
W. Ralph Basham and Deputy office at the Federal Law Enforcement
percent of all Officer Janet Rapaport; U.S.
Commissioner Jayson P. Ahern, Training Center. “We were privileged
Five years and going
federal employees Customs retiree Robert
so when they learned that the results of to ask the commissioner spontaneous
work outside the nation’s Fischler, was honored, along
the 2006 Federal Human Capital Survey questions, which he answered directly and
“It is our responsibility to make sure
capital? Well, it’s true. And with the General Services that the CBP employees out there
were less than optimal, they wasted without pretense. He was genuinely warm recognize the importance, the
coordinating the efforts Administration and the no time in responding. Their journey and welcoming to the concerns that were
of these employees is a Smithsonian, for their criticality of what they are doing,
ultimately took them across the nation presented to him.” and that they remain focused on
national priority. So in 1961, historical efforts on behalf of for a “Mission Appreciation Campaign” The campaign offered a prime that mission, protecting this country
a presidential directive the New York Customhouse; tour, to personally thank myriad CBP opportunity for the various CBP against all threats, and as the secretary
established regional Federal Joanne Calastro, a CBP personnel for their commitment to service components to convene. For example, has said many times, keeping bad
Executive Boards (FEBs) just team leader at JFK Airport, and unwavering dedication. Deputy Commissioner Ahern spoke in people and bad things out. That is the
for this purpose. Five decades was honored for her efforts “I welcome the opportunity to come Long Beach, Calif., before representatives challenge, not to let down our guard,
later, in May of this year, targeting passengers who may to the field and see the frontline in of Field Operations, Border Patrol, Air not to turn our back.”
CBP employees in New York be attempting to smuggle action, because it recharges my batteries, and Marine, Laboratory and Scientific
were honored by their area narcotics into the United and I always come away with a renewed Services, Internal Affairs, Chief Counsel, CBP Commissioner W. Ralph Basham, in a
FEB for their efforts, which States; and CBP Deputy Chief appreciation for the dedication and Information and Technology and joint address with Department of Homeland
professionalism that our employees bring International Trade. “I’m here to thank
were frequently carried out Peter DiRocco, a member of Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, on the
to our mission,” says Basham. you and let you know that your expertise occasion of CBP’s fifth anniversary
on an interagency basis. The the FBI-led Operation Shining and daily contributions, regardless of
Employees, for their part, appreciated
Alien Smuggling Interdiction Light, was congratulated for the opportunity to interact directly the position you hold, are valued and
Unit at John F. Kennedy an investigation of individuals H The historic Alexander Hamilton U.S. Customhouse in New York City is
with CBP leaders. “I truly enjoyed this appreciated,” he said.
(JFK) International Airport, based in Guyana and New an example of the Beaux Arts style that combines clarity, symmetry and
including CBP Officers Jose York plotting a terrorist attack ceremonial spaces. The Customhouse was designed in 1899 by Cass Gilbert.
Jarama, Trajuanna Kerns, on JFK Airport.
T
its five-year Among the awardees was Border Patrol Agent Tony
anniversary, Miranda, who received the Meritorious Service Award for Valor his June, the Department of Homeland Security and manifests electronically via ACE. Electronic manifests expedite
Commissioner for entering a burning building to help rescue occupants. Also CBP received the prestigious Computerworld Magazine truck processing at the border while enabling CBP officers to
W. Ralph Basham stressed recognized was CBP Agriculture Specialist Linda Holse, who Honors Program’s 21st Century Achievement Award for prescreen trucks and shipments and dedicate more time to
in an award ceremony received the Top Blue Eagle Award for intercepting infested continuing development of the Automated Commercial inspecting suspicious cargo without delaying the border crossings
this spring how far the mangoes from Haiti on two separate occasions, preventing Environment (ACE), the new commercial trade processing system of legitimate carriers.
agency has come since its potentially devastating effects to U.S. agriculture. that enhances border security and expedites legitimate trade. In addition, more than 350 employees from other federal
inception and the many One of the law enforcement officer awards this year was Computerworld’s Honors Program recognizes the world’s agencies (including the Food and Drug Administration, the
achievements that have presented to CBP Officers Oliver P. Tavizon, Rafael G. Garcia foremost information technology companies and organizations, Food Safety Inspection Service and the Consumer Product Safety
been made with the help of and Michael M. Munguia for their successful Operation No whose information technology initiatives promote positive social, Commission) can view international trade data through ACE to
dedicated and hard-working Return, a two-month surveillance of a human smuggling economic and educational change. prevent harmful, counterfeit and unauthorized products from
employees. “We’ve done more operation that concluded with the capture of six alien CBP currently processes trucks at the nation’s 99 land border reaching U.S. consumers.
in five years then even we thought smugglers and four material witnesses. ports and receives nearly 100 percent of all commercial truck
54 H CBP History H
feel like the bunny slope.
You’d never tackle fresh powder without the right equipment, so why do
it when you cross the border back home? Now, thanks to the Western
Hemisphere Travel Initiative, the process of crossing back into the U.S.
from Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, by land and sea, will soon be
easier. The June 1, 2009 deadline for the new document requirements
is quickly approaching, so make sure you get your documents in time.
Acquiring the right document will streamline the process and help
secure our borders. To learn more, visit www.GetYouHome.gov.