On Super Bowl Sunday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) deployed several specialized teams to ensure security at the event in New Orleans. Mark Spruill, a vessel commander with CBP's Air and Marine Operations, was among those tasked with patrolling the Mississippi River near the stadium.
“We coordinated and worked well with our teammates,” Spruill stated. “We are a specialty team with unique skills, expertise and training that is capable of integrating and working with all of our partners. We came ready to play defense and ready to work with all of our partners.”
Spruill emphasized their role in identifying, deterring, and detecting any issues during the game, likening it to their regular border security duties. "The mission doesn’t change," he said.
Steven Stavinoha, CBP’s director at the New Orleans Field Office, led the operation for Super Bowl LIX. He highlighted CBP's specialized workforce and equipment that surpasses many state and local agencies' capabilities. “There are things we bring to the fight that other agencies don’t have or can’t acquire," Stavinoha noted.
In preparation for the event, CBP conducted numerous activities including X-ray examinations of trucks entering the venue area. Supervisory CBP Officer David Smith explained their process: “We screened for any anomalies – weapons, potential explosive devices – that could have entered into the safe space around the Superdome.”
Border Patrol special operations units also played a crucial role in securing the area around the stadium. Special Operations Supervisor Bryan Grew described their mission as ensuring public safety through rapid response capabilities.
CBP also addressed intellectual property rights concerns by monitoring merchandise authenticity. Melinda Tonglet led a team focused on preventing counterfeit goods from reaching consumers. “These bad actors try to come and take advantage of a large sports event,” she said.
Despite these additional responsibilities during Super Bowl week, Stavinoha assured that CBP maintained its regular operations along the Gulf Coast. "We didn’t stop operations," he stated.
Stavinoha expressed pride in his team's performance during this high-profile event: “As one of the largest federal law enforcement agencies...we are able to support these special events based on our assets [and] our training."
Spruill echoed this sentiment about their ongoing commitment: “Every day is game day."
U.S. Customs and Border Protection remains committed to safeguarding America through its extensive network of professionals dedicated to protecting borders while facilitating lawful travel and trade.
