CBP Officers at Laredo Port of Entry Detect Nine Immigration Violations in 24 Hours on America’s Birthday

Laredo, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Laredo Port of Entry during a 24-hour period on America’s birthday detected nine separate alleged violations of immigration law, including entry with legitimate documents belonging to other people, use of altered entry documents and an alleged attempt to bring in a nine-year-old Mexican national girl with another child’s document.

One of the more notable cases developed when a bus passenger applied for admission to the U.S. at Lincoln-Juarez Bridge on July 4, 2012. The passenger applied for entry as a U.S. citizen and presented a U.S. passport. A CBP officer referred the passenger to secondary for further inspection. Further review determined that the passport was allegedly altered and the passenger was a 43-year-old male Mexican citizen with no documents to enter or reside in the U.S. CBP officers processed the man for alleged violations of federal immigration law.

In another notable case, CBP officers at Gateway to the Americas Bridge referred a 31-year-old male Mexican citizen pedestrian to secondary examination after he presented a U.S. passport for a minor female traveling with him. CBP officers conducted further review and discovered that the U.S. Passport belongs to another child and the nine year-old girl is a Mexican citizen with no legal documents to enter or reside in the U.S. CBP officers processed the 31-year-old man for alleged violations of federal immigration law. The child was turned over to the care of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s Office of Refugee Resettlement (HHS-ORR).

In a third notable case, CBP officers at the same bridge processed a 45-year-old Mexican citizen for alleged violations of immigration law after he applied for entry but claimed to have lost his resident alien card. Further review by CBP officers determined that the man had been previously removed in 2003 after completing a four-year prison sentence for assault.

“Our frontline CBP officers remained focused and detected nine separate alleged violations of immigration law on the Fourth of July,” said Sidney Aki, CBP Port Director, Laredo. “Their continued dedication to the CBP mission helps uphold the laws that keep our nation strong and our citizens and our borders safe and secure.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

U.S. Fire Administrator: Stay Safe on the Fourth

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- FEMA’s United States Fire Administration reminds everyone of the dangers associated with fireworks.  According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), far more U.S. fires are reported on July Fourth than on any other day, and fireworks account for more than any other cause of fires.  The risk of fireworks injury was highest for children ages 5-14 – more than twice the risk for the general population.

“Every year around the Fourth of July, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks,” said U.S. Fire Administrator Ernest Mitchell. “Despite the well-known dangers of fireworks, few people understand that misuse of both legal and illegal fireworks can result in devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death.”

In 2010, fireworks caused an estimated 15,500 fires, including 1,100 total structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 14,100 others, according to a June NFPA report. That same year, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 8,600 people for fireworks related injuries.  In 2011, there were four reported deaths from fireworks.

“With so many areas of the nation experiencing drought-like conditions, I would encourage people to attend a local public display,” said Mitchell.  “Listen to local fire and safety officials for the most current information regarding fireworks in your area.”

If you are going to use legal and locally approved fireworks, follow these safety tips:

 •Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

 •Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. Young children suffer injuries from sparklers, for example, which burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.

 •Always have an adult closely supervise fireworks activities if older children are allowed to handle devices.

 •Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.

 •Never place any part of your body directly over fireworks when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.

 •Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire.

 •Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.

 •Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

 •Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.

 •Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

 •After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.

For those seeking more information regarding fireworks in your area, check with local fire officials and visit the following recommended websites:

 •www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12203.html

 •www.usfa.dhs.gov

 •www.nfpa.org/itemDetail.asp?categoryID=2408&itemID=55435

As an entity of the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency, the mission of the United States Fire Administration is to provide national leadership to foster a solid foundation for our fire and emergency services stakeholders in prevention, preparedness, and response.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Looking for Love? Beware of Online Dating Scams

Millions of Americans visit online dating websites every year, hoping to find a companion or even a soul mate.

But this Valentine’s Day, we want to warn you that criminals use these sites, too, looking to turn the lonely and vulnerable into fast money through a variety of scams.

These criminals—who also troll social media sites and chat rooms in search of romantic victims—usually claim to be Americans traveling or working abroad. In reality, they often live overseas. Their most common targets are women over 40 who are divorced, widowed, and/or disabled, but every age group and demographic is at risk.

Here’s how the scam usually works. You’re contacted online by someone who appears interested in you. He or she may have a profile you can read or a picture that is e-mailed to you. For weeks, even months, you may chat back and forth with one another, forming a connection. You may even be sent flowers or other gifts. But ultimately, it’s going to happen—your new-found “friend” is going to ask you for money.

So you send money…but rest assured the requests won’t stop there. There will be more hardships that only you can help alleviate with your financial gifts. He may also send you checks to cash since he’s out of the country and can’t cash them himself, or he may ask you to forward him a package.

So what really happened? You were targeted by criminals, probably based on personal information you uploaded on dating or social media sites. The pictures you were sent were most likely phony, lifted from other websites. The profiles were fake as well, carefully crafted to match your interests.

In addition to losing your money to someone who had no intention of ever visiting you, you may also have unknowingly taken part in a money laundering scheme by cashing phony checks and sending the money overseas and by shipping stolen merchandise (the forwarded package).

While the FBI and other federal partners work some of these cases—in particular those with a large number of victims or large dollar losses and/or those involving organized criminal groups—many are investigated by local and state authorities.

We strongly recommend, however, that if you think you’ve been victimized by a dating scam or any other online scam, file a complaint with our Internet Crime Complaint Center. Before forwarding the complaints to the appropriate agencies, IC3 collates and analyzes the data—looking for common threads that could link complaints together and help identify the culprits. Which helps keep everyone safer on the Internet.

For specific tips on how to keep from being lured into an online dating scam, see the sidebar above. Awareness is the best tool for preventing crime…and in this case, even from preventing a broken heart.

Recognizing an Online Dating Scam Artist

Your online “date” may only be interested in your money if he or she:

- Presses you to leave the dating website you met through and to communicate using personal e-mail or instant messaging;

- Professes instant feelings of love;
- Sends you a photograph of himself or herself that looks like something from a glamour magazine;
- Claims to be from the U.S. and is traveling or working overseas;
- Makes plans to visit you but is then unable to do so because of a tragic event; or
- Asks for money for a variety of reasons (travel, medical emergencies, hotel bills, hospitals bills for child or other relative, visas or other official documents, losses from a financial setback or crime victimization).

One way to steer clear of these criminals all together is to stick to online dating websites with nationally known reputations.

Focus on Fire Safety: Candle Fire Safety

With the holidays fast approaching and the increased usage of seasonal decorations, it is important to focus on candle fire safety and prevention.  Because the majority of candle fires result from human error and negligence, candle fires and their associated casualties are preventable.

•If possible, avoid using lighted candles.

•If you must use candles, ensure that they are placed in sturdy holders.
•Keep candles away from children and pets.
•Be sure to extinguish candles after each use.
•Never leave burning candles unattended.

By following a few candle fire safety tips, everyone can enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.

Causes and Circumstances of Home Candle Fires

•On average, 42 home candle fires are reported every day.

•More than half of all candle fires start when something that could burn, such as furniture, mattresses or bedding, curtains, or decorations is too close to the candle.
•In one-fifth (20%) of candle fires, the candles are unattended or abandoned.
•Over one-third (36%) of home candle fires begin in the bedroom.
•Falling asleep is a factor in 12% of home candle fires and 36% of the associated deaths.
•December is the peak time of year for home candle fires.  In December, 13% of home candle fires begin with decorations compared to 4% the rest of the year.
•One-half of home candle fire deaths occur between Midnight and 6 am.
•Young children and older adults have the highest death risk from candle fires.
•The risk of fatal candle fires appears higher when candles are used for light.

Candle Safety Tips

Put candles in sturdy metal, glass, or ceramic holders.

•Avoid using lighted candles.

•If you do use candles, ensure they are in sturdy metal, glass or ceramic holders and placed where they cannot be easily knocked down.
•Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
•Set a good example by using matches, lighters, and fire carefully.
•Children should never be allowed to play with matches, lighters, or candles.
•Never put candles on a Christmas tree.
•Extinguish candles after use and before going to bed.
•And NEVER leave burning candles unattended!

Remember!  Candle fires are PREVENTABLE!

In the event of a fire, remember time is the biggest enemy and every second counts!

Escape first, and then call for help. Develop a home fire escape plan and practice it frequently with your family.  Designate a meeting place outside. Make sure everyone in the family knows two ways to escape from every room.

Never stand up in a fire, always crawl low under the smoke, and try to keep your mouth covered. Never return to a burning building for any reason: it may cost you your life.

Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire.

Give the fire department a break and put a freeze on winter fires!

San Juan CBP protects a holiday symbol: the Christmas tree

CBP intercepts the dangerous pine weevil in Puerto Rico

San Juan, Puerto Rico – Insects can find the most inconspicuous places to hide and could have significant effects on the local economy. Even on a traditional holiday symbol: the Christmas tree.

Always vigilant of the potential danger, recently CBP Agriculture Specialists along with U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service/Plant Protection and Quarantine officers and Puerto Rico Health Department officials intercepted two types of insects on a shipment of pine trees from Canada.

The insects found were; a flea beetle, (Longitarsus sp. (Chrysomelidae)), and a white pine weevil (Pissodes Sp. (Curculionidae)).

Flea beetles may take small bites, but they can add up to big problems. Their feeding on the leaves of solanaceous crops like eggplant, peppers, and tomato can delay the establishment of seedlings or even kill them. Flea beetles attack leaves and in their larval stage, they feed on roots.

Weevil attacks cause four types of damage on pine trees in particular, growth reduction, stem deformation, increased susceptibility to wood decay organisms, and tree mortality. They are also known to attack other types of trees.

All infested and contaminated shipments with actionable pests or violations are safeguarded and transferred for appropriate re-export and/or destruction under CBP agriculture specialist custody or treatment by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service/Plant Protection and Quarantine (USDA-APHIS-PPQ).

Invasive species include non-native, alien, or exotic plant pests (such as insects, mollusks, weeds, or pathogens); animal and zoonotic disease pathogens, or other organisms that can cause economic or environmental harm to U.S. agriculture, range, and forest systems if they enter the United States.

While most plant pest introductions occur unintentionally as an end result of increased global travel and trade, acts of biological terrorism which threaten the United States' agricultural and natural resources are a rising concern. Plant pests, weeds, and diseases are all potential agents of bioterrorism.

CBP recommends exporters, importers and producers to be cognizant of the U.S. Phytosanitary measures and packing procedures before shipping/importing their products.

Nonetheless, CBP agriculture specialists safeguard American agriculture by demonstrating careful diligence as they examine imported shipments detecting and preventing entry into the country of plant pests and exotic foreign animal diseases that could harm agricultural resources. They do this with inspection and prevention efforts designed to keep prohibited agricultural items from entering the United States. These items, whether in commercial cargo or as “hitchhikers” with an international airline/vessel passenger or a pedestrian crossing the border, could cause serious damage to America’s crops, livestock, and the environment.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Holiday Shopping Tips

FBI Reminds Shoppers to Beware of Cyber Criminals

In time for the holiday season, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center reminds shoppers to beware of cyber criminals and their aggressive and creative ways to steal money and personal information.

Scammers use many techniques to fool potential victims, including fraudulent auction sales, reshipping merchandise purchased with a stolen credit card, sale of fraudulent or stolen gift cards through auction sites at discounted prices, and phishing e-mails advertising brand name merchandise for bargain prices or e-mails promoting the sale of merchandise that ends up being a counterfeit product.

Here are some tips you can use to avoid becoming a victim of cyber fraud:

■Do not respond to unsolicited (spam) e-mail.

■Do not click on links contained within an unsolicited e-mail.
■Be cautious of e-mail claiming to contain pictures in attached files, as the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders. Always run a virus scan on attachment before opening.
■Avoid filling out forms contained in e-mail messages that ask for personal information.
■Always compare the link in the e-mail to the web address link you are directed to and determine if they match.
■Log on directly to the official website for the business identified in the e-mail, instead of “linking” to it from an unsolicited e-mail. If the e-mail appears to be from your bank, credit card issuer, or other company you deal with frequently, your statements or official correspondence from the business will provide the proper contact information.
■Contact the actual business that supposedly sent the e-mail to verify that the e-mail is genuine.
■If you are requested to act quickly or there is an emergency, it may be a scam. Fraudsters create a sense of urgency to get you to act impulsively.

Put a freeze on winter fires: Holiday decorations

Focus on Fire Safety: Holiday Fire Safety

Decorating homes and businesses is a long-standing tradition around the holiday season. Unfortunately, these same decorations may increase your chances of fire. Based on data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), an estimated 250 home fires involving Christmas trees and another 170 home fires involving holiday lights and other decorative lighting occur each year. Together, these fires resulted in 21 deaths and 43 injuries.

Maintain Your Holiday Lights

Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.

Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets

Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires – they should not be warm to the touch.

Do not leave holiday lights on unattended!

Use Only Nonflammable Decorations

All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents. If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.

Don't Block Exits

Ensure that trees and other holiday decorations do not block an exit way. In the event of a fire, time is of the essence. A blocked entry/exit way puts you and your family at risk.

Never Put Wrapping Paper in the Fireplace

Wrapping paper in the fireplace can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers that may result in a chimney fire.

Give the local fire department a break and put a freeze on winter fires.

FBI Boston Division Reminds Holiday Shoppers to Beware of Fraudulant Cyber Activity

Tips You Can Use to Avoid Being a Victim

BOSTON, MA—With the holiday season approaching, Special Agent in Charge Richard DesLauriers, of the FBI’s Boston Division, wants to remind New England shoppers to beware of cyber criminals and their aggressive and creative ways to steal money and personally identifiable information from you this season.

Black Friday has traditionally been the “biggest shopping day of the year.” The e-commerce industry designated the Monday following Thanksgiving, Cyber Monday, the day for merchants and manufacturers to offer online sales and promotions without interfering with Friday’s traditional retail shopping.

On Cyber Monday and throughout the holiday season, consumers are encouraged to beware of bargain e-mails advertising one day only promotions for recognized brands or websites. Fraudsters often use the hot items of the season to lure bargain hunters into providing credit card information. The old adage “if it seems too good to be true” is an easy indicator to determine if the e-mails are legitimate.

“Especially during the holiday season, consumers should remain vigilant and proceed with caution when conducting an online transaction. Fraudsters prey on consumers to provide their personally identifiable information through bogus web sites,” said Supervisory Special Agent Kevin Swindon.

Here are some tips you can use to avoid becoming a victim of cyber fraud:

■Log on directly to the official website for the business identified in the e-mail, instead of “linking” to it from an unsolicited e-mail. If the e-mail appears to be from your bank, credit card issuer, or other company you deal with frequently, your statements or official correspondence from the business will provide the proper contact information.

■Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software and keep up with the security updates to prevent viruses and malicious programs from infecting your computer.
■Make purchases using websites with secure connections. Look for websites that use Secure Socket Layer (SSL) security which protects your personal information. Check the browser’s status bar for an unbroken “padlock” icon that indicates the sites’ using SSL.
■Use your credit card instead of debit card when making a purchase. Credit cards offer added protection from fraudulent transactions.
■Never use your Social Security Number to make online purchases.
■Use strong passwords. A strong password should include at least five letters and one number.

For more information on how to safely shop online this holiday season, please go to the Internet Crime Complaint Center website at IC3.gov/media/2011/111121.aspx.  For more information on e-scams, please visit FBI.gov E-scams and Warnings webpage at FBI.gov/cyberinvest/escams.htm.

U.S. Marshals Provide Watchful Eyes During Trick or Treat

Albuquerque, NM – On Monday, October 31, 2011, Deputy United States Marshals in the District of New Mexico participated in an annual Halloween Sex Offender Compliance Operation. The overarching goal of protecting New Mexico’s children was accomplished by means of a collaborative effort that involved many agencies participating throughout the State of New Mexico. Deputy U.S. Marshals assisted with verifying the residences of registered sex offenders in many communities and while in the process of verification deputies assisted local law enforcement officers in making sure the Offenders continue to maintain compliance with their conditions of release. United States Marshal for the District of New Mexico, Conrad E. Candelaria stated “the Marshals Service for the District of New Mexico is pleased that due to the effective partnerships that exists with the many law enforcement agencies throughout the State of New Mexico, a force of good prevailed and our children and families could enjoy their Halloween festivities, knowing that sexual predators will continue to be under the watchful eye of local, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies”.

In central New Mexico, Deputy Marshals were assisted by law enforcement officers from Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, New Mexico Attorney General's Office, New Mexico State Probation and Parole, U.S. Probation, Albuquerque Police Department, Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office and Rio Rancho Police Department. In northern New Mexico, the operation consisted of U.S. Marshals, Farmington Police Department, Bloomfield Police Department, San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, and New Mexico Probation and Parole. In southern New Mexico, the operation went from Oct. 26-28, and took place in Grant, Luna, and Hidalgo counties. The participating agencies in southern NM along with Deputy Marshals were HSI Special Agents, New Mexico State Police, Grant County Sheriff's Office, Luna County Sheriff's Office, Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, New Mexico Probation and Parole, and Lordsburg Police Department.

The operation concluded with over 350 Sexual Offender addresses verified. There were 3 physical arrests made and 11 pending investigations opened. The operation also had law enforcement officers conduct foot patrol in the Albuquerque Cottonwood Mall. During their patrol, officers observed a man acting suspiciously; he was observed photographing children and was asked to leave the Mall.

Operation “SAFE SCARE”

Van Buren, AR – Operation SAFE SCARE is a joint agency focus to validate the addresses provided by registered sex offenders. Halloween is a time when many children are on the streets going door-to-door trick-or-treating and are vulnerable to sexual predators. The aim of SAFE SCARE is to keep our kids safe so they can enjoy Halloween and being a kid. SAFE SCARE allows law enforcement to validate information provided by sex offenders during the registration and periodic re-registration requirements under Arkansas State Law. Normally, sex offenders’ addresses are verified only during initial registration and on a case by case basis after that. Experience tells us that often times, registered sex offenders will periodically re-register as required, but will use an address where they are not actually residing anymore.

SAFE SCARE targeted 128 registered sex offenders in the Crawford County area. Officers were able to locate and verify 103 of those sex offenders in the two day operation. Officers were unable to verify compliance with 25 offenders either because no one was home at the time, or the offender was in non-compliance with their registration and not living at the residence where they were registered. Officers will spend the next several days following up on these unverified offenders and seeking additional charges for individuals who are found to be in non-compliance with their sex offender registry. During SAFE SCARE, officers made three arrests for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, Internet Stalking of a Child, and Sexual Battery. Officers anticipate additional charges with more arrests to come in the next few weeks as a result of information

With Halloween right around the corner, it is crucial that citizens know which houses their children should avoid when trick-or-treating. Some cities around the country require sex offenders to display a sign on their front doors or porches the night of Halloween telling kids ‘no candy.’ During Operation SAFE SCARE, officers gave all offenders a similar sign that tells kids not to trick-or-treat at their house and asked them to display it on their front door on Halloween night. Offenders are not supposed to have their front porch lights on, nor are they supposed to answer the door. For the safety of you, your children, and the registered sex offender, if a sign like this is displayed on a front door or porch, do not trick-or-treat at this residence.

You can find more information about sex offenders in Crawford County by visiting www.crawfordcountysheriff.org and clicking on the “SEX OFFENDERS” tab at the top of the page or by going to www.vanburenpd.org and clicking on the “PUBLIC INFORMATION” tab on the left, and then the “SEX OFFENDERS” tab on the right.

Participating Agencies:

Arkansas State Police

Arkansas Department of Community Correction
Alma Police Department
Van Buren Police Department
Crawford County Sheriff’s Office
U. S. Marshals Service

CBP in California Warns: Fireworks Prohibited

San Diego – As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials want to warn cross-border travelers that importing fireworks from Mexico into California is prohibited.

CBP officers remain vigilant at California ports of entry to ensure that these dangerous and illegal products do not enter San Diego County where fire danger will increase during the summer months.

“Many travelers do not understand that it is illegal to import these dangerous devices,” said Chris Maston, Director of Field Operations for CBP in San Diego. “Imported fireworks can be dangerous because of the fire hazard and irregularities in manufacturing. Each year, our officers confiscate hundreds of fireworks and turn them over to the San Diego Fire and Rescue Department bomb squad for disposal.”

Some border travelers may be tempted to purchase fireworks in Mexico during the days leading up to Fourth of July celebrations.

“When travelers arrive at the border with fireworks and properly declare them, CBP is required to confiscate the merchandise, but without penalty. Those who try to circumvent the law by failing to declare the merchandise face stiff monetary penalties.” Maston said. “We are warning residents so they can avoid the risk of possible injury as well as the financial loss caused by confiscation of the fireworks, in addition to possible civil or criminal penalties."

Travelers who attempt to smuggle illegal fireworks into the country face penalties ranging from confiscation of the contraband to seizure of the transporting vehicle and monetary fines equal to the U.S. dollar value of the fireworks. In addition, arrest and prosecution are possible in the more egregious cases.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

U.S. CBP Offers Tips for Easter Holiday Border Crossing

El Paso, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the El Paso port of entry and other area international crossings are providing guidance to assist those travelers who intend to travel between the U.S. from Mexico in the days before the Easter holiday. The tips are designed to ease the crossing process as CBP officers maintain their principal anti-terror mission.

The Easter/Holy Week season is historically one of the busiest travel periods at southwest border crossings. Along with a general 10-15 percent increase in overall traffic figures, another area that experiences a significant increase in volume is the number of Mexican laser visa card holders who request the I-94 travel documents required to travel beyond the border zone during the holiday. Applications for I-94’s typically double or triple at the El Paso port of entry during Holy Week.

CBP officers also typically seize large numbers of confetti-filled cascarones in the days leading up to the Easter holiday. Travelers can legally import up to 10 cascarones but they must be completely clean and be presented for inspection. The colorful eggshells are a concern because they may introduce Exotic Newcastle’s Disease to the U.S. poultry industry. Violators are subject fines.

U.S. citizen travelers are also reminded that under the requirements of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative they now need a U.S. Passport, U.S. Passport card, or other approved WHTI document to enter the U.S. at a land border crossing.

In an effort to provide the best possible service to the traveling public during the upcoming holiday season, CBP officials are proactively reminding members of the traveling public that there are a number of steps they can employ to cross the border as quickly and safely as possible while avoiding violations of U.S. law.

Tip #1 – Travelers should prepare for the inspection process before arriving at the inspection booth. Please have crossing documents available for the inspection including a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative approved document for U.S. citizens. ( getyouhome.gov )

Tip #2 – Travelers should declare all items acquired abroad. In addition, individuals should end cellular phone conversations before arriving at the inspection booth.

Tip #3 – Travelers should build extra time into their trips in the event they cross during periods of exceptionally heavy traffic. This includes SENTRI/Dedicated Commuter Lane (DCL) users.

Tip #4 – Travelers who do have RFID enabled documents may wish to consider using the designated “Ready Lanes” at the Ysleta crossing. These lanes are for use only by those with the appropriate documents and generally provide a shorter wait.

Tip #5 – Pedestrian crossers at the Paso Del Norte inspection station should use the pedestrian SENTRI lane if they hold a SENTRI card. This lane never has a wait and is open to people of all nationalities who obtain a SENTRI document. More info is available at this link: ( SENTRI )

Tip #6 – Travelers are encouraged to visit the “Know Before You Go” section of the CBP website to avoid fines and penalties associated with the importation of prohibited items. “Know Before You Go” brochures are available at border ports. ( Know Before You Go )

Tip #7 – Consult the CBP website site at http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt/ to monitor border crossing times. Information is updated hourly and is useful in planning trips and identifying periods of light use/short waits.

Tip #8 - During periods of heavy travel, border crossers may wish to consider alternative entry routes. For example, they may want to use the nearby and less heavily traveled Fabens or Santa Teresa ports of entry instead of the El Paso port.

Tip #9 - Visit the port of entry to obtain I-94 travel documents in advance of the busiest holiday travel periods. This will allow travelers who require I-94 documents (those planning to travel beyond the border zone or stay in the U.S. for more than 30 days) to bypass those lines when they formally enter the U.S. They will still be subject to the inspection process.

Tip #10 – Travelers approaching an interior Border Patrol checkpoint should have their documents ready to present to the U.S. Border Patrol agent if asked. This will save time.

Tip #11 – Drivers should insure that their vehicles are properly maintained and mechanically sound and that occupants avoid riding in areas of vehicles not specifically designed to carry passengers. Failure to follow these steps can expose crossers/passengers to carbon monoxide.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.