The Coast Guard recently increased its operational presence near the border between the United States and Mexico with the goal of enhancing border security and immigration enforcement.
Coast Guard District Eleven has increased its counter-illicit-maritime-activities since Jan. 21, tripled its forces operating on the southern border, and diverted aircraft, cutters, small boats and crews under its operational control.
It has actively been combatting the movement of bulk cocaine, methamphetamines, and fentanyl across the southern border. The Coast Guard interdicted more than 4,200 pounds of marijuana and 68,800 pounds of cocaine with a street value of nearly $785 million.
The apprehension rate for illegal aliens has increased by 75 percent. The district also is assisting with the transportation of illegal aliens to locations in California and Texas where they are flown to their home countries for repatriation.
“Trends may change due to an influx of Coast Guard assets,” the Coast Guard said.
The Coast Guard is fully integrated with the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security through NORTHCOM and U.S. Southern Command.
U.S. Navy warships in the area operate in direct support of the Coast Guard and transport Coast Guard law enforcement teams to enable them to conduct border security operations under Coast Guard authorities.