Executive Assistant Commissioner Diane J. Sabatino, a senior official at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), marked the anniversary of the U.S. Customs Service in a series of posts on July 31, 2026, highlighting both historical milestones and recent enforcement actions.
In her first post on July 31, Sabatino commemorated the founding of the U.S. Customs Service, stating, “Today is the U.S. Customs Service anniversary, established July 31, 1789. Its legacy lives on at @CBP as we continue the mission of enforcing lawful trade and travel and securing our borders. We honor our generations of public servants who answered the call to serve. #OFOProud https://t.co/xiDPvcAE8d”.
Later that day, she reported on an enforcement action at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry (POE), writing on July 31, “STOPPED AT THE PORT Otay Mesa POE A vehicle referred to secondary revealed more than expected. A CBP K9 alert and scan led officers to 26 packages containing 148.33 lbs of methamphetamine concealed inside the vehicle’s roof. #OFOproud https://t.co/6Xy33MySIA”.
In a third update posted later that evening, Sabatino described her visit to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and praised staff for their efforts against counterfeit goods, “Had a rewarding tour of JFK, witnessing the vital work at the Centralized Examination Station. Huge thanks to our dedicated staff for enhancing enforcement and ensuring lawful trade. Great job seizing counterfeit FIFA World Cup 2026 goods and protecting the economy! https://t.co/FSDlHa4FMH”.
The U.S. Customs Service was established in 1789 as one of America’s oldest federal agencies, and its functions are now carried out by CBP following its incorporation into the Department of Homeland Security in 2003.
CBP continues to be responsible for preventing illegal drugs from entering the United States through land border crossings such as Otay Mesa POE—one of California’s busiest commercial ports—and plays a key role in intercepting counterfeit merchandise that can undermine intellectual property rights and economic interests.