Federal Register #2026-17354

Establishment of Four Customs-Enforcement Areas by U.S. Customs and Border Protection

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), part of the Department of Homeland Security, is announcing the establishment of four Customs-Enforcement Areas (CEAs) in key coastal regions. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) - Department of Homeland Security - Geographic Focus: - South Florida - Central/Southern California - Puerto Rico - Gulf Coast of Texas - Purpose and Scope: - Regulatory action to expand CBP's enforcement authority against maritime smuggling - CEAs extend enforcement jurisdiction up to 24 nautical miles from the baseline, beyond the standard 12 nautical miles - Customs officers and agents are authorized to board, examine, seize, and arrest individuals and vessels within these areas - No procurement activity: - No products, services, OEMs, or vendors are requested or mentioned - Notable Requirements: - Legal authority and operational need for expanded enforcement - Specific geographic boundaries defined for each CEA - Focus on interdiction of hovering vessels used for smuggling illegal cargoes

Description

This document announces the establishment of four Customs-Enforcement Areas (CEA) by the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection in the near shore waters of South Florida, Central/Southern California, Puerto Rico, and the Gulf Coast of Texas. The CEAs are designated to enhance efforts to interdict hovering vessels used for smuggling illegal cargoes into or out of the United States. Customs officers and agents are authorized to enforce applicable U.S. laws within these areas, including boarding vessels, examining merchandise and persons, bringing vessels into port, and pursuing, seizing, and arresting individuals. The CEAs extend enforcement authority up to 24 nautical miles from the baseline, beyond the usual 12 nautical miles of territorial waters, to better address smuggling threats.

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