In a series of recent posts, CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) detailed new measures and incidents related to border security and aviation safety. The tweets, published on February 3 and 4, 2026, included announcements of inter-agency cooperation as well as warnings about illegal activities.
On February 3, 2026, CBP AMO announced the transfer of maritime equipment to another federal agency: "In a first of its kind, Air and Marine Operations has handed off a legacy 39-foot Midnight Express to the USCG to help combat and interdict small personal watercrafts off the coast of California. This whole of government approach provides DHS and the USCG with an immediate". The initiative is part of broader efforts by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to address challenges posed by small watercraft in coastal waters.
Later that day, CBP AMO reported an incident involving threats to flight crew safety: " Aircraft Targeted TWICE by Laser in St. Paul—Lives Put at Risk! On January 24, while supporting Operation Metro Surge, an ASTAR crew was targeted twice with a green laser from a residence in St Paul, MN. The suspect was observed lasering the aircraft from his back patio." Laser strikes on aircraft are considered hazardous as they can distract or temporarily blind pilots during critical phases of flight.
The following day, on February 4, CBP AMO issued a public warning regarding unauthorized entry into the United States: "Do NOT attempt to cross our borders illegally. You can count on us that you will be caught, processed, and removed from the United States. The legal way to enter the US is through an official Port of Entry. #BorderSecurity". This statement reflects ongoing enforcement policies at U.S. borders.
Air and Marine Operations is a division within U.S. Customs and Border Protection tasked with securing airspace and waterways along U.S. borders using advanced surveillance technology and coordinated operations with other federal agencies.
