U.S. Customs and Border Protection

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US Customs

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US Customs and Border Protection officers

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CBP female officers going aboard a ship

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It is charged with regulating and facilitating international trade, collecting import duties, and enforcing U.S. regulations, including trade, customs, and immigration. CBP is one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the United States. It has a workforce of over 60,000 employees, including officers, agents, and support staff.

History

CBP was created on March 1, 2003, as part of a comprehensive reorganization of federal agencies following the September 11 attacks in 2001. The agency combined functions of the former U.S. Customs Service, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), and parts of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) into a single entity under DHS. The reorganization was aimed at enhancing the security of the United States' borders and points of entry, without compromising the flow of legitimate trade and travel.

Functions and Responsibilities

The primary mission of CBP is to prevent terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the United States, while facilitating lawful international travel and trade. Its key functions include:

• Customs: CBP officers enforce U.S. customs laws, collect tariffs, and protect the U.S. economy by controlling the flow of goods, including animals, transports, personal, and commercial merchandise, into and out of the country.

• Immigration: CBP agents are responsible for immigration enforcement at the borders and ports of entry, ensuring that individuals entering the U.S. are authorized to do so under U.S. law.

• Agriculture: CBP agriculture specialists prevent harmful pests and diseases from entering the U.S., protecting the nation's agriculture industry and environment.

• Border Security: CBP's U.S. Border Patrol agents secure the land and maritime borders between official ports of entry, working to prevent illegal immigration, human trafficking, and smuggling.

Organization

CBP is headed by a Commissioner, who is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The agency is divided into several offices and divisions, including the Office of Field Operations (OFO), responsible for operations at ports of entry; the U.S. Border Patrol, overseeing border security between ports of entry; and the Office of Air and Marine (OAM), which provides air and marine support to both CBP and other federal, state, and local agencies.

Technology and Infrastructure

CBP employs a variety of technologies and infrastructure to carry out its mission, including surveillance systems, drones, and advanced inspection equipment. The agency also utilizes physical barriers, such as fencing and walls, in certain areas along the U.S.-Mexico border to deter illegal crossings.

Controversies and Challenges

CBP has faced various controversies and challenges, including allegations of excessive use of force, concerns over the treatment of detainees, and issues related to the implementation of immigration policies. The agency operates in a complex and often politically charged environment, balancing security concerns with the rights and dignity of individuals.

See Also

• United States Department of Homeland Security
• Immigration to the United States
• Border security
• Customs duties in the United States