Establishment of Four Customs-Enforcement Areas

Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Department of Homeland Security U.S. Customs and Border Protection 19 CFR Chapter I [CBP Dec. No. 26-17] AGENCY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection; DHS. ACTION: Establishment of Customs-Enforcement Areas. SUMMARY: This document sets forth the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) declaration establishing four Customs-Enforcement Areas (CEA) in the near shore waters of South Florida, Central/Southern California, Puerto Rico, and the Gulf Coast of Texas. This action will further CBP efforts to interdict hovering vessels ( printed page 54801) utilized for smuggling illegal cargoes into or out of the United States specifically within the CEAs. Additionally, this action authorizes customs officers and agents to enforce applicable U.S. laws, including the authorization to board vessels, examine vessels, merchandise and persons on board, bring the same into port, and pursue, seize, and arrest individuals, within the CEAs. DATES: The Customs-Enforcement Areas described herein are established as of August 25, 2026. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Leach, Director of Marine Operations at (202) 325-2114 or at CEA@cbp.dhs.gov . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This document establishes four Customs-Enforcement Areas (CEAs) in the near shore waters of South Florida, Central/Southern California, Puerto Rico, and the Gulf Coast of Texas. The establishment of these CEAs is necessary to respond to the continuous and active threats presented by hovering vessels in those a…