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 on dhs.gov site:   DHS.gov on the web:   Travel on state.gov   Federal eRulemaking Portal

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 is 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 CBP aircraft. CBP will conduct joint operations with the Louisiana Air National Guard providing security during the delivery of essential medical supplies to those in need. In addition, CBP is preparing to process the third of the expected 18-20 cruise ships headed to the area. These cruise ships are expected to house 50-100,000 people from the affected area for up to 18 months. Field Officers are also performing joint boardings with the U. S. Coast Guard of commercial traffic at the mouth of the Mississippi River.

The FDOCC personnel will continue to process unique clearance requests for foreign personnel (e.g. cruise ship crews, search and rescue teams, medical personnel, etc.) arriving to support rescue and recovery efforts. There are also requests for clearance of critical foreign cargo shipments (e.g. medical supplies, food/agricultural shipments and building materials) that are being processed in an expedited manner, pursuant to 19 USC 1318(b)(2) and 19 USC 1322(b). 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 is working with DHS International Affairs to expedite the movement of a relief convoy from Mexico expected to arrive in the U.S. on September 8.

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.

Utilizing 16 rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, CBP continues to fly a variety of support missions essential to the relief effort. 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. In addition, 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.