see also: in September 2005 Press Releases:   U.S. Customs and Border Protection Stands Down Hurricane Operations in the Gulf Coast Area   40th CBP Container Security Initiative Port Operational   CBP Makes History with the Launch of Predator B   CBP Border Patrol Agents Seize 1,134 Pounds of Marijuana   U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer Apprehends Fedex Bandit   CBP Employees Recognized for their Outstanding Contributions to Public Service at 2005 Service to America Awards Ceremony   CBP Pilot’s Heroic Efforts Save the Lives of 22 People Abandoned in the Desert ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

contacts for this news release

Washington, D.C. – Following the leadership of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is continuing to provide search, rescue, evacuation, law enforcement and communications support to the Gulf coast states. Today, more than 500 CBP personnel are in the hurricane-affected area providing assistance.

CBP continues coordinating its operations from the Forward Deployed Operations Command Center (FDOCC) at the Air and Marine Branch in Hammond, Louisiana. The FDOCC is prioritizing relief and law enforcement responses as well as daily CBP support functions.

The CBP is continuing search and rescue missions utilizing both CBP marine vessels and more than 20 CBP rotary and fixed-wing aircraft. To date, Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) trained agents, utilizing CBP Air UH-60s, as well as CBP boat assets, have conducted 44 rescues and conducted medical evacuations.

CBP officers are today supporting several ongoing law enforcement missions, including securing the morgue in St. Gabriele, La. and the Customs House in New Orleans. CBP is conducting joint operations with the Louisiana National Guard providing security during the delivery of essential medical supplies to those in need. Thirty-six CBP officers are being deployed to Louisiana State University to support security efforts at the hospital that serves as a regional triage center for patients from New Orleans and other hard hit areas. Two teams of Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) agents are working in conjunction with the New Orleans Police Department to establish and maintain civil order in Parishes 2 and 5. Field Officers are also performing joint boardings with the U.S. Coast Guard of commercial traffic at the mouth of the Mississippi River.

CBP is coordinating the arrival of 18-20 cruise ships headed to the area to house 50-100,000 people from the affected area for up to 18 months. CBP is also expediting the processing of visas and relief shipments in response to offers of assistance from Mexico, Canada and Thailand. CBP is working with DHS International Affairs to expedite the movement of a relief convoy from Mexico expected to arrive in the U.S. today. Also pursuant to 19 USC 1318(b)(2), CBP is responding to the national emergency by issuing out forfeited clothing to victims of the hurricane.

CBP continues to provide P-3 AEW aircraft for air traffic control and communications support to all police and fire departments to facilitate their rescue efforts and other fixed wing aircraft providing logistics missions.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control, and protection of our Nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

More information and photos can be found on our web site.