Customs and Border Protection

Overview and Formation of Customs and Border Protection

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, tasked with regulating and facilitating international trade, collecting import duties, and enforcing U.S. immigration and border security laws. Established in 2003 following the reorganization of federal agencies after the September 11, 2001 attacks, CBP combined functions from the former U.S. Customs Service, Immigration and Naturalization Service, and other entities. Its primary mission is to safeguard U.S. borders while preventing the entry of illegal goods, drugs, and unauthorized individuals. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., CBP operates at over 300 ports of entry and employs more than 60,000 personnel, including Border Patrol agents who focus on areas between ports of entry.

Key Figures and Leadership

CBP operates under the leadership of a Commissioner, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. While specific commissioners during the period of the ICE Crackdown are not detailed in this context, a notable figure connected to the agency is Gregory Bovino, who served as Border Patrol commander-at-large. Bovino’s role involved overseeing strategic operations and enforcement activities, though specific actions tied to the ICE Crackdown remain under review. The agency’s leadership structure emphasizes coordination with other federal entities, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), to implement border and interior enforcement policies.

Involvement in ICE Crackdown and Broader Significance

CBP has played a significant role in the ICE Crackdown, a series of intensified immigration enforcement operations. The agency deployed thousands of agents to interior cities far beyond traditional border zones, marking a shift in operational scope. In Minneapolis, as part of Operation Metro Surge starting in December 2025, over 2,000 CBP agents were mobilized to support enforcement efforts. Tragic incidents linked to CBP during this period include the killing of Alex Pretti on January 24, 2026, in Minneapolis, where agents Ochoa and Gutierrez fired 10 shots in under five seconds, resulting in Pretti’s death. Additionally, CBP agents were involved in the shooting of Marimar Martinez in Chicago and two individuals in a Portland hospital parking lot. Border troop numbers tripled to approximately 7,600 during this crackdown, reflecting a significant escalation in presence. Furthermore, a 170-mile stretch of the U.S.-Mexico border in California was designated a "military installation," transferring jurisdiction to the Navy, a move that underscores the militarization of border enforcement.

The broader significance of CBP’s actions during the ICE Crackdown lies in the evolving nature of immigration enforcement and its impact on communities. The expansion of operations into urban centers and the reported use of lethal force have raised questions about the balance between security and civil liberties. CBP’s collaboration with military entities and other agencies highlights a trend toward integrated enforcement strategies, reshaping the landscape of border and interior security in the United States.