U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge intercepted three live monkeys in a vehicle during an enforcement action. The incident took place on December 22 when a 48-year-old U.S. citizen attempted to enter the United States in a 2020 Mitsubishi. Officers referred the vehicle for secondary inspection, where they discovered the monkeys hidden inside.
Port Director Tater Ortiz of the Brownsville Port of Entry stated, "Our CBP officers remain vigilant as they perform their duties to keep our borders secure and their diligence led them to the discovery of three live monkeys." He added, "We remain committed to preventing the exploitation of protected animals and the spread of animal diseases."
Following this discovery, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) initiated a criminal investigation, seized the vehicle, and arrested the driver. The monkeys were handed over to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and will be housed at Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas.
Certain species of monkeys are protected under international agreements such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), with importation regulated by agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Monkeys are generally prohibited from being imported as pets.
CBP officers across land, air, and sea-based ports continue efforts to prevent harmful pests and diseases from entering the United States as part of their agriculture mission.
For updates on CBP activities, follow @DFOLaredo on X or Instagram at @dfolaredo, along with @CBPSouthTexas for news stories and photos.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is recognized as America's frontline law enforcement organization with over 65,000 personnel dedicated to securing borders while facilitating lawful travel and trade.
