Today in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Secretary Kristi Noem honored Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents Jorge Santiago and Mark Lamphere with the Medal of Valor and Purple Cross awards. The ceremony also included the renaming of the Mayagüez Marine Unit to the Michel O. Maceda Marine Unit.
In November 2022, Agents Santiago, Lamphere, and Maceda intercepted a vessel off Cabo Rojo's coast. The individuals on board were attempting to smuggle drugs into American communities. Upon identifying themselves as law enforcement, the agents were fired upon by the traffickers. All three agents sustained injuries during the encounter. Despite his critical condition, Agent Santiago provided lifesaving first aid to Agent Lamphere and attempted to save Agent Maceda, who ultimately lost his life in service.
Secretary Noem stated: “It was my honor to present CBP Agent Jorge Santiago and Agent Mark Lamphere with the Medal of Valor and Purple Cross awards. In November 2022, both men and their fellow CBP Agent Michael Maceda were shot by drug traffickers attempting to bring drugs into American communities. Tragically, Agent Maceda lost his life. Thank you to all of our law enforcement who put their lives on the line every day to keep America safe.”
During her visit to Puerto Rico, Secretary Noem also met with Governor Jennifer González-Colón to discuss collaborative efforts aimed at securing America's maritime borders.