Executive Assistant Commissioner Jonathan P. Miller, Air and Marine Operations | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
As the Day of the Dead approaches, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials in Laredo are reminding travelers about certain agricultural items that are prohibited from entering the United States. These items, often used in holiday decorations, can carry harmful pests and diseases like citrus greening disease.
Donald Kusser, Director of Field Operations for CBP's Laredo Field Office, stated: “A medida que se acerca el Día de los Muertos, los especialistas en agricultura de CBP en los puertos de entrada del sur de Texas tienden a ver un aumento en los viajeros que traen artículos agrícolas desde México para decorar altares en honor a sus seres queridos fallecidos y quieren recordarles que no traigan cítricos y flores prohibidos. rellenos de arreglos.” He emphasized the importance of CBP agriculture specialists' work in preventing unknown plant pests and diseases from establishing themselves in the U.S., which could cause ecological and economic damage to American agriculture.
During Allhallowtide, which includes Halloween (October 31), All Saints' Day (November 1), and the Day of the Dead (November 2), many families build altars to commemorate deceased loved ones. A common ornamental plant used is murraya or orange jasmine, which hosts an insect known as Diaphorina citri Kuwayama that can transmit citrus greening disease. Consequently, this plant is banned from entering the U.S.
Citrus greening disease, also called "huanglongbing," is caused by bacteria affecting most citrus varieties and some ornamental plants like orange jasmine. It was first detected in Florida's Miami-Dade County in 2005. According to the USDA, this disease has severely impacted citrus production across several regions including India and Southeast Asia.
Prohibited personal imports include oranges, grapefruits, mandarins, sour oranges, sweet limes as well as popular fruits like guavas, mangoes, peaches, and pomegranates.
Failure to declare prohibited agricultural items may result in fines ranging from $500 for personal imports to over $250,000 for commercial violations.
Travelers seeking more information on bringing food into the U.S. can refer to resources such as "Infórmese antes que ir" for guidance on restricted fruits and vegetables.
For updates on travel regulations or CBP activities follow @DFOLaredo on Instagram or @CBPSouthTexas on social media platforms.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection remains America's frontline with over 65,000 personnel safeguarding national security through innovative practices while facilitating lawful travel and trade.
