see also: in May 2008:   Deputy Chief of the Border Patrol Announces State of the Agency   CBP Celebrates Significant Occasions at Advanced Training Center in West Virginia   CBP to Issue New Frequent Traveler Cards   Ecstasy and Methamphetamine Seized at Ambassador Bridge   CBP Races to Secure NASCAR’s Monster Mile   Border Patrol Agents Rescue 51 Illegal Aliens from Tractor Trailer ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

contacts for this news release

Stuart, Fla. - Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine agents intercepted three undocumented migrants and two suspected smugglers at the start of the busy Memorial Day weekend.

At noon on May 23, CBP marine interdiction agents and Martin County Sheriff’s Office deputies stopped the motor vessel “Keep Walking” as it approached the Sandsprit Park boat ramp and discovered three undocumented Brazilian Nationals and two suspected smugglers; one also a Brazilian national and the other a U.S. Citizen. The interdiction resulted from intelligence gathered by Drug Enforcement Administration and provided to CBP marine interdiction agents about a possible alien smuggling venture in the Treasure Coast.

Smugglers consider Memorial Day weekend an opportunity to conceal their illegal trade by attempting to use the holiday and heavy boating traffic as cover. This time, their tactics failed as CBP marine interdiction agents thwarted the alien smuggling effort through team work and information sharing between CBP, the DEA, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.

CBP Border Patrol processed the two suspected smugglers and three aliens and ICE is investigating the incident. CBP Air and Marine agents seized the 27-foot motor vessel. No injuries were incurred during the event.

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.