CBP Creates Four Coastal Customs-Enforcement Areas

TITLE: CBP Creates Four Coastal Customs-Enforcement Areas

WHAT HAPPENED: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a notice dated 2026-08-25 creating four Customs-Enforcement Areas (CEAs). The CEAs are in near shore waters of South Florida, Central/Southern California, Puerto Rico, and the Gulf Coast of Texas; in these areas, CBP customs officers and agents may board and examine vessels (boats or ships) and people on board, and may pursue, seize, or arrest individuals, to stop smuggling.

WHO IT AFFECTS: Anyone on board a vessel in these CEAs, including passengers and crew. This is not limited to people suspected of smuggling because CBP may examine all persons on board.

WHAT TO DO NOW: 1. If you travel by boat in these CEAs, know that CBP may board and examine the vessel and people on board. 2. If you have questions about your immigration status or rights, talk to an immigration attorney. 3. Read the official notice for exact areas and legal language. Deadline: (check the source) — no deadline appears in the source text.

SOURCE: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/25/2026-17354/establishment-of-four-customs-enforcement-areas

DISCLAIMER: General info from Homeland Security Department, not legal advice — check with an immigration attorney. English is authoritative.