Executive Assistant Commissioner Diane J. Sabatino has used her social media platform to highlight the work of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists during National Invasive Species Awareness Week. In a series of posts between February 23 and February 25, 2026, Sabatino emphasized the agency's efforts to prevent invasive pests and foreign animal diseases from entering the United States.
The following day, she shared an incident involving customs enforcement at Orlando International Airport: "JUST DECLARE IT
In January, @DFOFlorida K9 Harrie at @MCO alerted to a bag from Global Entry passengers who declared only beef empanadas. CBP agriculture specialists discovered an apple, lemon, turmeric & chamomile seeds. Result: $500 penalty & Global Entry revoked. #OFOProud https://t.co/UhVMW23tqi" This post highlighted both the detection efforts by CBP personnel and the consequences for travelers who fail to declare agricultural items.
On February 25, Sabatino addressed the economic impact of invasive species: "#DYK some invasive species can cause BILLIONS in crop damage, threatening US jobs, food supply & economy? EXAMPLE: @CBP agriculture specialists inspect vessels for the highly destructive flighted spongy moth which feeds on 300+ species of trees and shrubs.
#OFOProud #NISAW https://t.co/O97ps5ZMi6"
CBP agriculture specialists are responsible for intercepting harmful pests and diseases that could threaten U.S. crops and livestock. Their work is part of broader federal efforts to protect domestic agriculture from threats posed by international travel and trade.
