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Morgan City, La. - Customs and Border Protection officers from the Port of Morgan City apprehended nine illegal aliens arriving in Port Fourchon aboard a launch boat returning from a rig in the U.S. Gulf last weekend.

The aliens, all Mexican nationals, were aboard the rig performing tank cleaning work for a Louisiana company.

During advance screening of passenger information on the arriving launch boat, CBP officers discovered several discrepancies. A subsequent inspection and interview revealed that all nine individuals were living and working illegally in the United States. The aliens were processed by CBP for removal hearings and are being held pending a hearing before an immigration judge.

Port Fourchon Harbor Police assisted CBP with the apprehension.

“Securing our ports of entry is a priority mission for CBP. This apprehension highlights our officers’ targeting ability and our partnership with other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies,” said Michael Hebert, CBP port director in Morgan City.

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.