CBP agriculture specialists at the port of Nogales intercept prohibited animal-based costumes

NOGALES, Ariz. - On July 15, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists at the port of Nogales intercepted prohibited handmade costumes containing chicken feet and unknown bird feathers.

CBP officers referred a traveler to secondary inspection after the traveler declared agricultural items. During the examination, agriculture specialists discovered a large bag containing the costumes. Because of the potential risk of foreign animal disease, agriculture specialists denied entry to the costumes and returned the traveler to Mexico to dispose of the materials.

"CBP agriculture specialists work diligently at all ports of entry to protect U.S. agriculture and natural resources from harmful pests, foreign animal diseases and agro-terrorism," said Tucson Director of Field Operations Roque Caza. "Many agricultural products are prohibited from entry because they can harbor diseases that threaten our nation's food supply and environment."

CBP reminds travelers that they must declare all agricultural items to an officer or agriculture specialist upon arrival at any port of entry. Prohibited or restricted items include:

• Meats and animal products
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Plants, seeds, and soil
• Products made from restricted animal or plant materials

Failure to declare agricultural items will result in the confiscation of the goods and civil penalties.

CBP remains committed to protecting American agriculture and ensuring the safety of our nation's natural resources. For more information on what can be brought into the United States, travelers can visit the CBP website.

CBP's Office of Field Operations is the primary organization within Homeland Security tasked with an anti-terrorism mission at our nation's ports. CBP officers screen all people, vehicles and goods entering the United States while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel. Their mission also includes carrying out border-related duties, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration and trade laws, and protecting the nation's food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases.

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's mission includes keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws. Follow us on X @CBPArizona. Report terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking or any other suspicious activity to the new port tipline at 1-866-739-9118.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 70,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air and on the seas. We enforce safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration and trust.

• Topics
• Agriculture
• CBP Officers
• Office of Field Operations