News and reports from the Department of Homeland Security.

United States Border Patrol agents were busy this weekend keeping narcotics from entering the country. The activity was centered at various ports of entry, where agents discovered over 800 pounds of drugs.

El Centro Border Patrol agents recently found drugs with a street value of over $100,000 within the engine of a vehicle. This seizure adds to the ongoing battle against drug trafficking across US borders.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in conjunction with multiple government entities, has begun the process of flying single adults and family units to Venezuela, Ecuador, India, Peru and Central America. This action is part of a broader effort by the United States to address immigration issues.

Alejandro Mayorkas, secretary of Department of Homeland Security, said they are spearheading the fight against online child exploitation and abuse. This announcement was made in alignment with the United Nations' World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation.

Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner of the Office of Field Operations Diane J. Sabatino said agents seized over $3.5 million of cocaine in a commercial conveyance. The seizure took place at the Colombia-Solidarity Bridge and is part of ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking across the border.

Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the United States Border Patrol Del Rio sector, Juan G. Bernal, announced the arrest of an undocumented immigrant who was apprehended for alleged sexual contact with a minor under the age of 11 on November 18th. The arrestee's criminal history was revealed during processing by Brackettville agents following his attempt to cross the border.

Jason Owens, Patrol Chief of United States Border Patrol, said that recent inspections on the border resulted in several multi-million dollar confiscations.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the launch of Operation Apollo, a Southern California counter-fentanyl joint operation, through border agent Troy Miller. The strategy is part of President Biden's unity agenda strategy to beat the overdose epidemic.

Greg Abbott, governor of Texas, announced that the Texas Legislature passed legislation to aid in the crackdown on illegal border crossings on November 17. This move comes as part of a broader effort by the state to address the issue of border security and immigration.

Gloria I. Chavez, chief patrol agent of the U.S. Border Patrol's Rio Grande Valley sector, said drug smugglers in Brownsville, TX abandoned the contraband after being discovered by agents shortly after crossing the Rio Grande on Nov 17. This event shines a light on the ongoing struggle against drug smuggling at the border.

John R. Modlin, chief patrol agent of the U.S. Border Patrol's Tucson Sector, said a recent on-duty death of a Border Patrol agent was a reminder of the inherent risk of the job. The incident happened in Douglas, Arizona.

Border Patrol agents in El Paso recovered a dozen illegal migrants left behind by human smugglers.

The United States and European Union (EU) met in Washington D.C. to reaffirm the strong transatlantic partnership and the joint commitment of a regular dialogue between the two. Both sides remain committed to uphold democratic values while strengthening the respect for the rule of law.

Thomas Homan, former director of ICE under the Trump administration, said that “the cartels watch everything we do at DHS, they get the same reports we do,” and they use the information to benefit themselves.

The Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) recently filed Freedom of Information Act litigation against the U.S. government in regards to information regarding immigration since the “lawful pathways” strategy was implemented over the last year. Of the findings, one of the most interesting was that the U.S. government allowed entry to about 57,000 Mexican migrants through the CBP One smartphone app.