How to Import into the US

OFFICE OF FOREIGN ASSETS CONTROL (OFAC) F.R. ORDERS

Termination of Emergency Declared in Executive Order 12543 With Respect to the Policies and Actions of the Government of Libya and Revocation of Related Executive [Presidential Document] “… I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, find that the situation that gave rise to the declaration of a national emergency in Executive Order 12543 of January 7, 1986, with respect to the policies and actions of the Government of Libya, and that led to the steps taken in that order and in Executive Order 12544 of January 8, 1986, and Executive Order 12801 of April 15, 1992, has been significantly altered by Libya’s commitments and actions to eliminate its weapons of mass destruction programs and its Missile Technology Control Regime class missiles, and by other developments. Accordingly, I hereby terminate the national emergency declared in Executive Order 12543, and revoke that Executive Order, Executive Order 12544, and Executive Order 12801.”

69 FR 56665-66

Published 09-22-2004 [Effective: September 21, 2004]

United Nations Headquarters, New York, New York September 21, 2004 Released by the White House Office of the Press Secretary

11:00 A.M. EDT

PRESIDENT BUSH: Mr. Secretary General, Mr. President, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen: Thank you for the honor of addressing this General Assembly. The American people respect the idealism that gave life to this organization. And we respect the men and women of the U.N., who stand for peace and human rights in every part of the world. Welcome to New York City, and welcome to the United States of America. During the past three years, I’ve addressed this General Assembly in a time of tragedy for my country, and in times of decision for all of us. Now we gather at a time of tremendous opportunity for the U.N. and for all peaceful nations. For decades, the circle of liberty and security and development has been expanding in our world. This progress has brought unity to Europe, self-government to Latin America and Asia, and new hope to Africa. Now we have the historic chance to widen the circle even further, to fight radicalism and terror with justice and dignity, to achieve a true peace, founded on human freedom.

The United Nations and my country share the deepest commitments. Both the American Declaration of Independence and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaim the equal value and dignity of every human life. That dignity is honored by the rule of law, limits on the power of the state, respect for women, protection of private property, free speech, equal justice, and religious tolerance. That dignity is dishonored by oppression, corruption, tyranny, bigotry, terrorism and all violence against the innocent. And both of our founding documents affirm that this bright line between justice and injustice — between right and wrong — is the same in every age, and every culture, and every nation.

Wise governments also stand for these principles for very practical and realistic reasons. We know that dictators are quick to choose aggression, while free nations strive to resolve differences in peace. We know that oppressive governments support terror, while free governments fight the terrorists in their midst. We know that free peoples embrace progress and life, instead of becoming the recruits for murderous ideologies.

Every nation that wants peace will share the benefits of a freer world. And every nation that seeks peace has an obligation to help build that world. Eventually, there is no safe isolation from terror networks, or failed states that shelter them, or outlaw regimes, or weapons of mass destruction. Eventually, there is no safety in looking away, seeking the quiet life by ignoring the struggles and oppression of others.

In this young century, our world needs a new definition of security. Our security is not merely found in spheres of influence, or some balance of power. The security of our world is found in the advancing rights of mankind.

These rights are advancing across the world — and across the world, the enemies of human rights are responding with violence. Terrorists and their allies believe the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the American Bill of Rights, and every charter of liberty ever written, are lies, to be burned and destroyed and forgotten. They believe that dictators should control every mind and tongue in the Middle East and beyond. They believe that suicide and torture and murder are fully justified to serve any goal they declare. And they act on their beliefs.

In the last year alone, terrorists have attacked police stations, and banks, and commuter trains, and synagogues — and a school filled with children. This month in Beslan we saw, once again, how the terrorists measure their success — in the death of the innocent, and in the pain of grieving families. Svetlana Dzebisov was held hostage, along with her son and her nephew — her nephew did not survive. She recently visited the cemetery, and saw what she called the “little graves.” She said, “I understand that there is evil in the world. But what have these little creatures done?”

Members of the United Nations, the Russian children did nothing to deserve such awful suffering, and fright, and death. The people of Madrid and Jerusalem and Istanbul and Baghdad have done nothing to deserve sudden and random murder. These acts violate the standards of justice in all cultures, and the principles of all religions. All civilized nations are in this struggle together, and all must fight the murderers.

We’re determined to destroy terror networks wherever they operate, and the United States is grateful to every nation that is helping to seize terrorist assets, track down their operatives, and disrupt their plans. We’re determined to end the state sponsorship of terror — and my nation is grateful to all that participated in the liberation of Afghanistan. We’re determined to prevent proliferation, and to enforce the demands of the world — and my nation is grateful to the soldiers of many nations who have helped to deliver the Iraqi people from an outlaw dictator.

The dictator agreed in 1991, as a condition of a cease-fire, to fully comply with all Security Council resolutions — then ignored more than a decade of those resolutions. Finally, the Security Council promised serious consequences for his defiance. And the commitments we make must have meaning. When we say “serious consequences,” for the sake of peace, there must be serious consequences. And so a coalition of nations enforced the just demands of the world.

Defending our ideals is vital, but it is not enough. Our broader mission as U.N. members is to apply these ideals to the great issues of our time. Our wider goal is to promote hope and progress as the alternatives to hatred and violence. Our great purpose is to build a better world beyond the war on terror.

Because we believe in human dignity, America and many nations have established a global fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. In three years the contributing countries have funded projects in more than 90 countries, and pledged a total of $5.6 billion to these efforts. America has undertaken a $15 billion effort to provide prevention and treatment and humane care in nations afflicted by AIDS, placing a special focus on 15 countries where the need is most urgent. AIDS is the greatest health crisis of our time, and our unprecedented commitment will bring new hope to those who have walked too long in the shadow of death.

Because we believe in human dignity, America and many nations have joined together to confront the evil of trafficking in human beings. We’re supporting organizations that rescue the victims, passing stronger anti-trafficking laws, and warning travelers that they will be held to account for supporting this modern form of slavery. Women and children should never be exploited for pleasure or greed, anywhere on Earth.

Because we believe in human dignity, we should take seriously the protection of life from exploitation under any pretext. In this session, the U.N. will consider a resolution sponsored by Costa Rica calling for a comprehensive ban on human cloning. I support that resolution and urge all governments to affirm a basic ethical principle: No human life should ever be produced or destroyed for the benefit of another.

Because we believe in human dignity, America and many nations have changed the way we fight poverty, curb corruption, and provide aid. In 2002 we created the Monterrey Consensus, a bold approach that links new aid from developed nations to real reform in developing ones. And through the Millennium Challenge Account, my nation is increasing our aid to developing nations that expand economic freedom and invest in the education and health of their own people.

Because we believe in human dignity, America and many nations have acted to lift the crushing burden of debt that limits the growth of developing economies, and holds millions of people in poverty. Since these efforts began in 1996, poor countries with the heaviest debt burdens have received more than $30 billion of relief. And to prevent the build-up of future debt, my country and other nations have agreed that international financial institutions should increasingly provide new aid in the form of grants, rather than loans.

Because we believe in human dignity, the world must have more effective means to stabilize regions in turmoil, and to halt religious violence and ethnic cleansing. We must create permanent capabilities to respond to future crises. The United States and Italy have proposed a Global Peace Operations Initiative. G-8 countries will train 75,000 peacekeepers, initially from Africa, so they can conduct operations on that continent and elsewhere. The countries of the G-8 will help this peacekeeping force with deployment and logistical needs.

At this hour, the world is witnessing terrible suffering and horrible crimes in the Darfur region of Sudan, crimes my government has concluded are genocide. The United States played a key role in efforts to broker a cease-fire, and we’re providing humanitarian assistance to the Sudanese people. Rwanda and Nigeria have deployed forces in Sudan to help improve security so aid can be delivered. The Security Council adopted a new resolution that supports an expanded African Union force to help prevent further bloodshed, and urges the government of Sudan to stop flights by military aircraft in Darfur. We congratulate the members of the Council on this timely and necessary action. I call on the government of Sudan to honor the cease-fire it signed, and to stop the killing in Darfur.

Because we believe in human dignity, peaceful nations must stand for the advance of democracy. No other system of government has done more to protect minorities, to secure the rights of labor, to raise the status of women, or to channel human energy to the pursuits of peace. We’ve witnessed the rise of democratic governments in predominantly Hindu and Muslim, Buddhist, Jewish and Christian cultures. Democratic institutions have taken root in modern societies, and in traditional societies. When it comes to the desire for liberty and justice, there is no clash of civilizations. People everywhere are capable of freedom, and worthy of freedom.

Finding the full promise of representative government takes time, as America has found in two centuries of debate and struggle. Nor is there any — only one form of representative government — because democracies, by definition, take on the unique character of the peoples that create them. Yet this much we know with certainty: The desire for freedom resides in every human heart. And that desire cannot be contained forever by prison walls, or martial laws, or secret police. Over time, and across the Earth, freedom will find a way.

Freedom is finding a way in Iraq and Afghanistan — and we must continue to show our commitment to democracies in those nations. The liberty that many have won at a cost must be secured. As members of the United Nations, we all have a stake in the success of the world’s newest democracies.

Not long ago, outlaw regimes in Baghdad and Kabul threatened the peace and sponsored terrorists. These regimes destabilized one of the world’s most vital — and most volatile — regions. They brutalized their peoples, in defiance of all civilized norms. Today, the Iraqi and Afghan people are on the path to democracy and freedom. The governments that are rising will pose no threat to others. Instead of harboring terrorists, they’re fighting terrorist groups. And this progress is good for the long-term security of us all.

The Afghan people are showing extraordinary courage under difficult conditions. They’re fighting to defend their nation from Taliban holdouts, and helping to strike against the terrorists killers. They’re reviving their economy. They’ve adopted a constitution that protects the rights of all, while honoring their nation’s most cherished traditions. More than 10 million Afghan citizens — over 4 million of them women — are now registered to vote in next month’s presidential election. To any who still would question whether Muslim societies can be democratic societies, the Afghan people are giving their answer.

Since the last meeting of this General Assembly, the people of Iraq have regained sovereignty. Today, in this hall, the Prime Minister of Iraq and his delegation represent a country that has rejoined the community of nations. The government of Prime Minister Allawi has earned the support of every nation that believes in self-determination and desires peace. And under Security Council resolutions 1511 and 1546, the world is providing that support. The U.N., and its member nations, must respond to Prime Minister Allawi’s request, and do more to help build an Iraq that is secure, democratic, federal, and free.

A democratic Iraq has ruthless enemies, because terrorists know the stakes in that country. They know that a free Iraq in the heart of the Middle East will be a decisive blow against their ambitions for that region. So a terrorists group associated with al Qaeda is now one of the main groups killing the innocent in Iraq today — conducting a campaign of bombings against civilians, and the beheadings of bound men. Coalition forces now serving in Iraq are confronting the terrorists and foreign fighters, so peaceful nations around the world will never have to face them within our own borders.

Our coalition is standing beside a growing Iraqi security force. The NATO Alliance is providing vital training to that force. More than 35 nations have contributed money and expertise to help rebuild Iraq’s infrastructure. And as the Iraqi interim government moves toward national elections, officials from the United Nations are helping Iraqis build the infrastructure of democracy. These selfless people are doing heroic work, and are carrying on the great legacy of Sergio de Mello.

As we have seen in other countries, one of the main terrorist goals is to undermine, disrupt, and influence election outcomes. We can expect terrorist attacks to escalate as Afghanistan and Iraq approach national elections. The work ahead is demanding. But these difficulties will not shake our conviction that the future of Afghanistan and Iraq is a future of liberty. The proper response to difficulty is not to retreat, it is to prevail.

The advance of freedom always carries a cost, paid by the bravest among us. America mourns the losses to our nation, and to many others. And today, I assure every friend of Afghanistan and Iraq, and every enemy of liberty: We will stand with the people of Afghanistan and Iraq until their hopes of freedom and security are fulfilled.

These two nations will be a model for the broader Middle East, a region where millions have been denied basic human rights and simple justice. For too long, many nations, including my own, tolerated, even excused, oppression in the Middle East in the name of stability. Oppression became common, but stability never arrived. We must take a different approach. We must help the reformers of the Middle East as they work for freedom, and strive to build a community of peaceful, democratic nations.

This commitment to democratic reform is essential to resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict. Peace will not be achieved by Palestinian rulers who intimidate opposition, tolerate corruption, and maintain ties to terrorist groups. The longsuffering Palestinian people deserve better. They deserve true leaders capable of creating and governing a free and peaceful Palestinian state.

Even after the setbacks and frustrations of recent months, goodwill and hard effort can achieve the promise of the road map to peace. Those who would lead a new Palestinian state should adopt peaceful means to achieve the rights of their people, and create the reformed institutions of a stable democracy. Arab states should end incitement in their own media, cut off public and private funding for terrorism, and establish normal relations with Israel. Israel should impose a settlement freeze, dismantle unauthorized outposts, end the daily humiliation of the Palestinian people, and avoid any actions that prejudice final negotiations. And world leaders should withdraw all favor and support from any Palestinian ruler who fails his people and betrays their cause.

The democratic hopes we see growing in the Middle East are growing everywhere. In the words of the Burmese democracy advocate, Aung San Suu Kyi: “We do not accept the notion that democracy is a Western value. To the contrary; democracy simply means good government rooted in responsibility, transparency, and accountability.” Here at the United Nations, you know this to be true. In recent years, this organization has helped create a new democracy in East Timor, and the U.N. has aided other nations in making the transition to self-rule.

Because I believe the advance of liberty is the path to both a safer and better world, today I propose establishing a Democracy Fund within the United Nations. This is a great calling for this great organization. The fund would help countries lay the foundations of democracy by instituting the rule of law and independent courts, a free press, political parties and trade unions. Money from the fund would also help set up voter precincts and polling places, and support the work of election monitors. To show our commitment to the new Democracy Fund, the United States will make an initial contribution. I urge other nations to contribute, as well.

Today, I’ve outlined a broad agenda to advance human dignity, and enhance the security of all of us. The defeat of terror, the protection of human rights, the spread of prosperity, the advance of democracy — these causes, these ideals, call us to great work in the world. Each of us alone can only do so much. Together, we can accomplish so much more.

History will honor the high ideals of this organization. The charter states them with clarity: “to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war,” “to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights,” “to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom.”

Let history also record that our generation of leaders followed through on these ideals, even in adversity. Let history show that in a decisive decade, members of the United Nations did not grow weary in our duties, or waver in meeting them. I’m confident that this young century will be liberty’s century. I believe we will rise to this moment, because I know the character of so many nations and leaders represented here today. And I have faith in the transforming power of freedom.

May God bless you. (Applause.)

[End]

Released on September 21, 2004

Robert Charles, Assistant Secretary for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Statement on Narcotics Certification Washington, DC September 16, 2004

Yesterday, President Bush sent to Congress the “Majors List” and his annual determinations on narcotics certification for fiscal year 2005. This year’s “Majors List” is comprised of 22 countries. They are: Afghanistan, The Bahamas, Bolivia, Brazil, Burma, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Laos, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Venezuela, and Vietnam.

First, I would like to bring to your attention a change in Majors List membership from last year.

The President has removed Thailand from the list of major drug-transit or major illicit drug producing countries.

Thailand was removed from the Majors List because: (1) Thailand’s opium poppy cultivation is well below the levels specified in the Foreign Relations Authorization Act; (2) No heroin processing laboratories have been found in Thailand for several years; (3) Thailand can no longer be said to be a significant direct source of illicit narcotic or psychotropic drugs or other controlled substances significantly affecting the United States; and (4) Thailand is no longer a country through which such drugs or substances are being transported to the United States.

Next, of the 22 countries on the Majors List, the President designated one country — Burma — as having “failed demonstrably to make substantial efforts” during the previous 12 months to meet its international counter-narcotics obligations.

Burma is the worlds second largest producer of illicit opium and remains among the worlds largest producers and traffickers of amphetamine-type stimulants. Production and trafficking of methamphetamine from Burma continues to be one of the most serious problems facing Southeast Asia.

These factors plus Burmas unsatisfactory efforts of the government of Burma to combat the production and trafficking of methamphetamine; its unwillingness to hinder the activities of drug gangs that operate freely along Burmas borders with China, Thailand, and Laos; and other factors cited in the Presidents statement of justification preclude Burmas certification.

The President also expressed concern about a number of countries in his determination — some that are on the Majors List, and some that are not.

Haiti. The President noted that, in sharp contrast to the government of Haitis dismal performance last year under the Aristide regime, the new interim government of Haiti headed by Prime Minister Latortue, has taken substantive — if necessarily limited — counter-narcotics actions in the few months it has been in office.

The President expressed deep concern, however, about the ability of Haitian law enforcement institutions to reorganize and restructure sufficiently to carry out sustained counter-narcotics efforts. A sustained commitment is now critical.

Netherlands. While the President noted the decreased use of MDMA or Ecstasy among young people in the United States as a hopeful sign, he emphasized the need to counter the threat posed by club drugs, including MDMA, for which the Netherlands continues to be the dominant source country.

While the President commended the Government of the Netherlands as an enthusiastic and capable partner in this area, he expressed concern about obstacles to mutual legal assistance and extradition from the Netherlands, and stated that there is a clear need to work more deliberately and aggressively to disrupt known criminal organizations responsible for the production and trafficking of synthetic drugs.

Working with the Netherlands, we urge the enhanced use of financial investigation tools, including full exploitation of anti-money laundering statutes and financial investigators to identify and dismantle trafficking organizations. Finally, we would urge the Netherlands use its existing legal regime to the fullest extent possible including provisions allowing for asset forfeiture from those in the drug trade.

Canada. While the vast majority of illicit drugs entering the United States continue to come from South America and Mexico, the President also remains concerned about the flow of illicit, high-purity drugs from Canada.

The President congratulates Canada for its successful efforts at curbing the diversion of precursor chemicals used in methamphetamine production. He also notes that we are now working intensively with Canadian authorities to address the increase in smuggling of Canadian-produced marijuana into the United States.

The President stated, however, that he is concerned about the lack of significant judicial sanctions against marijuana producers, which could be an invitation to greater activity by organized crime, and could, at the same time, undermine law enforcement and prosecutorial efforts on both sides of the border. Canada, for its part, has expressed its own concern to us about the flow of cocaine and other illicit substances through the United States into Canada, and we take those concerns seriously.

The big picture is certainly encouraging: United States and Canadian law enforcement personnel have collaborated on a number of investigations that have led to dismantling several major criminal organizations. We will continue to work closely together in the year ahead to confront these shared threats.

Afghanistan. Despite good faith efforts on the part of the central Afghanistan government, the President expressed concern about the increase in opium crop production in the provinces.

Nigeria. The President reported that although Nigeria put measures in place to increase the effectiveness of their National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and met modest, agreed-upon interdiction targets, Nigerias counter-narcotics efforts continue to be undermined by, what can only be described as, pervasive political corruption.

The President called on Nigeria must take significant and decisive action to investigate and prosecute political corruption, as well as to increase transparency across the government. Such measures in addition to its decision to enter into a compact to promote transparency and combat corruption at the recent G8 meetings in Sea Island Georgia will tie directly to — and directly benefit Nigeria’s anti-narcotics efforts; strengthen the rule of law and reinforce vital democratic institutions institutions institutions central to the counter-narcotics fight.

North Korea. The President is deeply concerned about heroin and methamphetamine linked to North Korea being trafficked to East Asian countries. The President considers it highly likely that state agents and enterprises in North Korea are involved in the narcotics trade. While we know that some opium poppy is cultivated in North Korea, reliable information confirming the extent of opium production is currently difficult to attain and verify. In addition, there are clear indications that North Koreans traffic in, and probably manufacture, methamphetamine.

Although there is no evidence that narcotics originating in, or transiting, North Korea reach the United States, the United States is working closely with our partners in the region to track, deter, and stop North Korean involvement in illicit narcotics production and trafficking.

Finally, the President expressed appreciation for the efforts of China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and others in the region to stop the diversion of pseudoephedrine and ephedrine used to manufacture methamphetamine. At the same time, in view of the growing methamphetamine problem in North America and Asia, he called for additional collaborative efforts to control these precursor chemicals.

[End]

Released on September 16, 2004

(Friday, September 24, 2004)

Detection and confirmation of adult

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Department of Agricultures Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS) have implemented emergency interim measures at all land border ports in California, Arizona, New Mexico and in El Paso, Texas. The Medfly, one of the most destructive pests known to man, causes damage by laying its eggs just beneath the skin of ripening fruit. Commodities that can be attacked by the Medfly includes more than 250 different types, including fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Because this insect pest is so potentially injurious to crops, year-round trapping is maintained as an early warning system in Florida, Texas, Arizona, and California, and in Northern Mexico and Baja. The instant a detection is made, eradication and regulatory restrictions are set in place to prevent the movement of the pest to other areas.

Los Indios, Texas – It is with deep regret that the McAllen Border Patrol Sector announces that on Tuesday, September 21, 2004, at approximately 1:30 a.m., joint recovery operations lead by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Border Patrol agents succeeded in locating the body of Senior Patrol Agent Travis W. Attaway. Searchers located his body approximately one-quarter mile east of the accident scene. At approximately 3:05 a.m., search teams then located the body of Senior Patrol Agent Jeremy M. Wilson 50 yards away from Agent Attaway’s location. “Senior Patrol Agents Travis Attaway and Jeremy Wilson paid the ultimate price, sacrificing their lives to defend our great nation. Senior Patrol Agents Attaway and Wilson embody the dedication and commitment of all our officers and agents to guard our border,” said U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Robert C. Bonner. “Defending our country’s borders is a dangerous occupation. Agents like Travis Attaway and Jeremy Wilson are at risk everyday. We Americans mourn their loss while we praise their service. We remember them and we keep them in our prayers.”

Two days prior to their bodies being recovered, Attaway and Wilson, along with Senior Patrol Agent Javier Sandoval, were involved in a single-craft boating accident west of the Los Indios Port of Entry, Los Indios, Texas. Although a nearby Border Patrol marine unit rescued SPA Sandoval, they were unable to initially locate Attaway and Wilson. A two-day search and recovery operation unified local, state, and other federal agencies in an exhaustive search of the river area near the accident.

(Tuesday, September 21, 2004)

WASHINGTON, D.C. U. S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Robert C. Bonner announced today that the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) has reached a major milestone with over 7,000 members making it the largest voluntary partnership between government and the private sector in United States’ history. C-TPAT was launched in November 2001 with just seven partners in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and represents the commitment of government and business to secure and protect the United States from international terrorism. Today C-TPAT members include almost all major U.S. importers and cover over 50percent by value of maritime cargo. C-TPAT is a joint government-business initiative, designed not only to strengthen overall supply chain and border security but also to facilitate legitimate trade

The growth of C-TPAT has been nothing short of astonishing and proves the commitment the private sector has to combat international terrorism. By working with Customs and Border Protection to secure the supply chain we have additional eyes, ears, and technology working side by side with us to increase security from the factory to the loading docks, Commissioner Bonner said. CBP is using its expertise, authority, knowledge and its historic relationship with the private sector as part of an overall layered strategy for maritime security against the threat posed by global terrorism.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is addressing the terrorist threat 24-hours a day. We have a multi-layered approach that encompasses working with our foreign counterparts, employing intelligence, technology, advanced information in the field and the most professional workforce worldwide. We are aware of the terrorist threat and are evolving hourly to face it and keep America safe. CBP uses various strategies and employs the latest in technology to accomplish its goals. We have extended our zone of security beyond our physical borders through the use of bilateral and private-sector partnerships, targeting and scrutinizing advance information on people and products coming into this country. We are cultivating smart borders through the use of technology and have established a layered defense strategy. And we have created one face at the border, a unified, recognizable presence at the border that combines and capitalizes on the authorities and skills of our diverse workforce. CBP has achieved much since its creation in March 2003. Some of the most significant accomplishments are as follows:

Strengthening control of the United States borders

Technology

Augmented Integrated Surveillance Intelligence System (ISIS), that uses remotely monitored night-day camera and sensing systems to better detect, monitor, and respond to illegal crossings, on both the Northern and Southern borders.

Deployed radiation detection technology including Personal Radiation Detectors (PRDs) to more than 10, 400 CBP officers and agents, and Radiation Isotope Identification Detection System (RIIDS) to over 60 Border Patrol field locations.

Increased the amount of Remote Video Surveillance Systems (RVSS) which are pole mounted cameras that provide coverage 24 hours a day/7 days a week to detect illegal crossings, on both our Northern and Southern borders.

Deployed two Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to support the Arizona Border Control Initiative. UAVs are equipped with sophisticated on-board sensors that provide long-range surveillance and are useful for monitoring remote land border areas where patrols cannot easily travel and infrastructure is difficult or impossible to build.

Implemented a Geographic Information System (GIS), a Southwest border initiative, which tracks illegal migration patterns to better deploy personnel and resources to establish control of our border.

Increased use of radiation portal monitors. These detection devices provide CBP with a passive, non-intrusive means to screen trucks and other conveyances for the presence of nuclear and radiological materials.

Encourage use of smart and secure containers. In order to qualify as a smart box container, it must use a seal or other type of high-security, tamper-evident technology that meets the standards of the International Organization for Standardization. The containers must also have to be equipped with tamper-proof or tamper-evident container security devices.

Increased Border Patrol aircraft and helicopter and marine operations on the northern, southern and coastal areas to enhance our ability to protect and secure our waterways. Resources and Initiatives

Tripled the number of Border Patrol Agents on the Northern Border before 9/11, bringing the total number of agents to 1,000 assigned to the U.S border with Canada. Currently, there are about 11,200 Border Patrol agents nationwide.

Reassigned 200 CBP Border Patrol Agents to the high-threat smuggling corridors of the Arizona-Mexico border. CBP is continuing deployments of special units including the Border Patrol Tactical Unit, Special Response Teams, and the Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue Team in these areas. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will maintain and expand coordinated, heightened security efforts under the Arizona Border Control Initiative (ABCI) to establish operational control over the weakest and most vulnerable area of our Southwest Border where more than 40 percent of illegal aliens are apprehended.

Established additional Border Patrol checkpoints in strategically-located zones of egress from border areas to improve border security by strengthening our defense in depth.

Deployed specially trained explosive and chemical detector dogs to conduct inspections at our Border Patrol Checkpoints.

Implemented the Interior Repatriation Program in July 2004. Interior repatriation is a voluntary program that repatriates Mexican nationals who are apprehended to Mexico City or Guadalajara, Mexico and then to their point of origin instead of to the closest port of entry into Mexico. This program is designed to save lives and break the cycle of smuggling into the United States through the Tucson, Arizona corridor.

Developed a set of policies and practices to ensure that when CBP does encounter an individual, package or conveyance that presents a potential national security risk the proper anti-terrorism procedures are followed. These procedures are designed to ensure that anti-terrorism responses involve appropriate coordination and information sharing among all relevant law enforcement and intelligence agencies, and required CBP to improve communication and coordination with other agencies such as the FBI and ICE.

Worked with national intelligence agencies to share data on suspicious activity and share information with CBP personnel on the front lines.

Expanded the use of expedited removal, already available at ports of entry, to areas between ports of entry patrolled by CBP Border Patrol Agents. This permits aliens apprehended after illegally entering the U.S. to be more efficiently and expeditiously removed from the United States.

Secure traveler programs

Implemented NEXUS, an alternative inspection system, which allows pre-screened, low-risk travelers to be processed in an expedited manner by CBP, via a dedicated commuter lane at several Canadian land borders.

Used the Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) at ports of entry along the U.S. -Mexico border. Dedicated commuter lanes and an automated system allow motorists at selected southern land border ports to enter the United States faster.

Improved selectivity, screening, and targeting

National Targeting Center was established on October 21, 2001before September 11, no national level targeting of people or goods crossing our borders existed. The NTC is the centralized coordination point for all of CBPs anti-terrorism efforts. Utilizing sophisticated targeting methodology it analyzes, screens, and targets for intensive anti-terrorism inspection all passengers and cargo before arrival in the United States.

Established the 24-hour rule, which requires that CBP receive detailed electronic information on all U.S.-bound sea cargo before the cargo is loaded at the foreign port, which provides for improved targeting capability.

CBP uses advance information from the Automated Targeting System (ATS), Automated Export System (AES), and the Trade Act of 2002 Advance Electronic Information Regulations to perform transactional risk assessments, evaluate potential national security risks, and identify cargo that may pose a threat.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CBP personnel are working side by side at the NTC to protect the U.S. food supply by screening high-risk imported food shipments and implementing provisions of the Bioterrorism Act of 2002. CBP and FDA are able to react quickly to threats of bio-terrorist attacks on the U.S. food supply or to other food related emergencies.

The Aviation Transportation Security Act of 2001 (APIS) and the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Reform Act of 2002, mandated the electronic transmission of passenger and crew manifest for inbound and outbound commercial air and sea carriers to the APIS system.

The Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS) was implemented in August 2003. It is an Internet/Intranet based system operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that electronically captures, maintains, and monitors information relevant to each foreign student, exchange visitor, and their dependents. SEVIS provides CBP with a mechanism to facilitate the entry of bonafide students and exchange visitors and quickly identify possible status violators.

The Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) continues to make electronic risk management far more effective. The ACE Secure Data Portal provides a single, centralized on-line access point to connect CBP and the trade community. CBP’s modernization efforts enhance border security while optimizing the ever-increasing flow of legitimate trade.

Pushing Our Zone of Security Outward

Established the Container Security Initiative (CSI) ( Container Security Initiative (CSI) ) . CSI allows CBP to target, and with our foreign counterparts, screen containers, prior to the container being laded on ships destined for the United States. Teams of CBP officers have been assigned to 25 overseas ports to target and screen containers that pose a potential risk for terrorism destined for the United States. Nineteen countries have committed to participation in CSI. There are 37 ports within those nineteen countries that are in various stages of CSI implementation.

Instituted the Immigration Security Initiative (ISI) pilot program that places teams of CBP officers at key foreign hub airports working with foreign law enforcement and airline officials to inspect high-risk passengers prior to boarding U.S. bound aircraft. The first two foreign airports to participate in the program are Amsterdam, Holland and Warsaw, Poland. Private/public sector and international partnerships

Established Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) ( Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) ) to work with importers, carriers, brokers, and other industry sectors to emphasize a seamless security-conscious environment throughout the entire commercial process, from manufacture through transportation and importation to ultimate distribution. Begun in November, 2001, C-TPAT now has more than 7,000 members and is the largest public/private partnership in federal government in U.S. history. C-TPAT provides a forum for the business community and CBP to exchange anti-terrorism ideas, concepts and information to further secure the entire commercial process.

Established the Free and Secure Trade Program (FAST) ( FAST Application Information ) , an expedited processing program to speed the movement of secure truck shipments across our shared borders.

Expanded the Border Safety Initiative (BSI), whose primary objective is the reduction of injuries and prevention of deaths in the southwest border region and the creation of a safer border environment. BSI is a bi-lateral agreement with the Mexican government to inform potential migrants of the hazards of crossing the border illegally and to respond to those who are in a life-threatening situation.

Established Smart Border Action Plans, which are cooperative agreements with Canada and Mexico to protect our common borders as well as our shared economic prosperity. The plans provide for additional security personnel to protect our shared borders.

One Face at the Border

Successfully integrated four different organizations from three different departments of government into CBP with no interruption in operations.

Named a single port director for unified CBP operations at each of the more than 300 ports of entry.

Established a short, clear chain of command from the field to headquarters that encompassed the customs, immigration, and agriculture responsibilities of the new agency.

Issued new DHS badges to CBP officers, CBP agriculture specialists, and CBP Border Patrol agents. The new badge is the visible, unifying symbol of the entire CBP frontline workforce, and represents DHS and CBPs commitment to preserve and protect our nation.

Expanded coverage of the Customs Officer Pay Reform Act (COPRA) to bring fairness to inspector overtime pay. To address the inequities created by numerous overtime systems for frontline inspectors transferring to CBP, the agency proposed that based on its advantages, COPRA, which has been in effect since 1994, be used for all inspectors.

Converted over 18,000 Customs, Immigration, and Agriculture Inspectors to two new positions — Customs and Border Protection Officer (1895 Series) and Agriculture Inspector (0401 Series). This initiative fully integrates the inspectional functions of CBPs legacy inspectors, enhancing the agencys ability to perform its anti-terrorism and traditional missions.

Implemented shared HRM services to optimize service and efficiency to its customers. HRM has established a new shared services organization that fully integrates additional staff from legacy agencies. The new service provides the tri-bureaus of ICE, USCIS, and CBP with high-quality HR service as well as service to other DHS clients.

Established CareerFinder as the agencys online vacancy system. Careerfinder will be used to fill all tri-bureau vacancies (USCIS, CBP, ICE), excluding only entry-level positions that require testing.

Initiated an innovative Border Patrol relocation expense program. The new program reduces the average cost of voluntary moves for Border Patrol Agents from approximately $72,000 to $12,000 per move.

Training

Improved anti-terrorism training for all CBP personnel. CBP has implemented anti-terrorism training for all personnel with a special focus on training related to weapons of mass effect. This includes identifying and intercepting potential instruments of terrorism using non-intrusive inspection technology and radiation detection equipment.

Produced an agriculture fundamentals module for classes of new CBP Officers as their initiation to the agriculture component of their new training. A new agriculture procedures module will be delivered to all current CBP Officers at the nation’s ports of entry.

Keeping our borders and our future safe and secure CBP will continue its efforts to defend our borders against terrorists and their weapons through innovative use of detection technology, advanced information systems, risk-management, and collaborative ventures with the trade and foreign governments while maintaining a vigorous and welcoming tourism and commercial trade posture.

(Thursday, September 16, 2004)

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The Coast Guard assisted U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with the apprehension of a stowaway on board the Antiguan-flagged, 315-foot motor vessel

Due to the high frequency of stowaways attempting to enter the United States illegally, all vessels traveling here from the Dominican Republic are required to conduct a security sweep of the vessel prior to entering port and report the results to the Coast Guard. While conducting this sweep, crewmembers discovered and detained one stowaway. He reported to the crew that there were more stowaways on board. The master of the vessel notified the Coast Guard of the situation, who further notified CBP.

(Monday, September 20, 2004)

Washington, D.C. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Robert C. Bonner today announced the success of a pilot that will allow CBP to collect duties and fees on a monthly basis. In the first three months, nearly $32 million were collected from importers and brokers using the monthly statement and payment capabilities in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), the new CBP technology system for imports. Customs and Border Protection is transforming the way the federal government collects duties for imported goods,” said Commissioner Bonner. “For the first time in 215 years, importers and brokers can make a single monthly duty payment on all imported goods instead of paying duties on them one entry at a time. ACE is successfully modernizing the import business process, while improving efficiency and security for both CBP and the importing community.”

The ACE is enhancing processing and communications with the trade community, and providing quicker, more comprehensive reporting and information gathering capabilities to all users. ACE users can now develop up to 60 different reports, query accounts, integrate ledgers, create on-line account action plans, receive shipment alerts or notifications, view import transactions on a national basis, review a monthly listing of their daily account statements, and make monthly electronic duty payments.

(Wednesday, September 15, 2004)

Marfa, Texas – Vigilance and good police work by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Border Patrol agents resulted in the arrest of three people sought for questioning in a double homicide in Colorado. The trio were stopped and arrested yesterday morning at the Border Patrol’s Immigration Checkpoint on Interstate 10 near Sierra Blanca, Texas. While conducting an immigration check at the primary inspection point, agents became suspicious when a Border Patrol canine positively alerted to the presence of hidden humans or drugs in the vehicle, a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The vehicle had Colorado license plates and was driven by 23-year-old Misty Chavez. Border Patrol agents detained the car and its passengers for a secondary inspection.

The passengers in the vehicle were 26-year-old Aaron Joseph Bernal and 25-year-old JoAnn Yvette Redwillow. While in the secondary inspection area, one of the Border Patrol agents remembered that the car, Bernal and Redwillow were named in a Law Enforcement Lookout that and were wanted for questioning in a double homicide committed on Sunday, September 12th in Denver, Colorado. Agents also recovered a stolen, loaded .40 caliber pistol and 80 rounds of ammunition from the vehicle.