U.S. Customs and Border Protection response operations following Hurricane Maria

MIAMI - U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel and operational assets are supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for response and relief operations across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. CBP’s Air and Marine Operations has multiple aircraft from the Miami Air and Marine Branch and National Air Security Operations Center - Jacksonville supporting initial damage assessments and complex recovery efforts in the region. Crews are conducting daily humanitarian flights transporting supplies and personnel. U.S. Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) agents and Office of Field Operations Special Response Team officers are on the ground in Puerto Rico supporting emergency responders and helping those impacted. “CBP personnel have demonstrated remarkable resiliency helping those in need after the recent hurricanes,” said CBP Region IV Emergency Operation Center Lead Field Coordinator Diane J. Sabatino."CBP officers and agents are displaying extraordinary commitment once again to provide vital services and support relief efforts after Hurricane Maria with many agency employees sustaining extensive property damage in Puerto Rico." As in previous emergency situations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s emergency response is conducted in accordance with the Department of Homeland Security’s National Response Framework. Find up-to-date information on FEMA's response to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, how to help, and how to search for loved ones at FEMA.gov