see also: in January 2004:   Lost Migrant Found Alive by BORSTAR, Deming Border Patrol Agents   CBP Border Patrol Agents Seize Large Cache of Marijuana   U.S. Customs and Border Protection Seizes 2.2 Million lbs of Illegal Drugs; $51 Million in Currency FY 2003   Preventing Animal and Plant Pests and Diseases: More Than 1.7 Million Prohibited Agricultural Items Intercepted Last Year   $24 Billion in Federal Revenue Collected by Customs and Border Protection   Tight Security, Technology, and Manpower Result in One Million Apprehensions of People Seeking to Illegally Enter the U. S. in 2003 ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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SAN DIEGO-Highlighting the diversity of their workforce, local representatives of offices within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will march in the 24th annual Martin Luther King Jr. parade on Saturday, January 17, in downtown San Diego. Although some of the legacy agencies have participated in the parade in past years, it will be the first year under the Homeland Security banner.

Uniformed federal law enforcement officers, special agents and other employees representing U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will march or ride in various government vehicles during the parade, which starts at 10 a.m. on Harbor Drive in downtown San Diego.

A marked ICE "go-fast" boat used to intercept drug laden smuggling vessels will be towed as part of the agency's parade exhibit and CBP Border Patrol agents plan to display special vehicles such as the H2 Hummer, officials said.

Many DHS marchers have participated annually in the multi-cultural event for the past four years and the enforcement bureaus have encouraged their employees to join the festivities by marching this year, said CBP Equal Employment Officer Gwen Johnson.

CBP Officers from six ports of entry, including San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, San Diego airport/seaport and Tecate in San Diego county and Calexico and Andrade in Imperial county will participate in the CBP contingent, she said.

"The federal government is an equal opportunity employer and we feel that participating in such a worthwhile event will promote and celebrate diversity and equal opportunity for all," Johnson said.

Members of local CBP and Border Patrol explorer posts also will participate as part of the team. Comprised of youth interested in law enforcement, the post participates in community service projects and other activities that promote CBP and the Border Patrol.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is an agency within the Department of Homeland Security that unifies Customs, Immigration, and Agriculture Inspectors and U.S. Border Patrol Agents.