Posted on 11/17/2022 10:41:18 AM PST by Red Badger
EXCLUSIVE — At least five people were involved in a maritime shooting between U.S. border agents and drug smugglers that took place off the coast of Puerto Rico early Thursday morning, the Washington Examiner was first to report Thursday.
The shootout happened 14 miles off the coast of northwestern Puerto Rico. Three federal agents were shot, according to a federal officer and a statement from Customs and Border Protection.
The agents were from the Customs and Border Protection's Air and Marine Operations arm. AMO agents work the air and sea to patrol for human and drug smugglers. The incident took place around 8:00 a.m. local time, one hour ahead of Eastern time.
The agents were "involved in an exchange of gunfire with individuals on board a suspected smuggling vessel upon approach 14 miles off the coast of Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico," CBP confirmed to the Washington Examiner.
One law enforcement source there said the agents interdicted the smugglers as they had been transferring drugs on board to another vessel. Two men were taken into federal custody, according to a local news outlet.
First responders surged resources to the scene and life-flighted agents to the island, where they were taken to the hospital, according to video first obtained by the Washington Examiner.
"The marine agents suffered various gunshot injuries as a result. The agents are being airlifted by CBP and Coast Guard to the Puerto Rico Trauma Center," according to CBP.
Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH), the top Republican on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, cited the report during a hearing on threats to the homeland Thursday.
"Ranking member Portman mentioned the tragic loss of one of our front-line personnel. Several others were gravely wounded. I was briefed on the situation very early this morning," Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said during a hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Thursday. "These are brave members of our Air and Marine Operations within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, so the difficulty of this job cannot be compared to the difficulty that our front-line personnel face every day — and their bravery and selfless service should be recognized.”
Federal agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations were on the scene as agents arrived on the island, and the incident is under investigation.
CBP's AMO arm is separate from the Border Patrol, whose agents work on land between the ports of entry, and Office of Field Operations, federal officers who inspect people, vehicles, and goods entering the country at air, land, and sea ports of entry.
Update: A previous version of this story stated that five agents were shot. That number was later clarified to three agents.
Fast & Furious 2?
“The shootout happened 14 miles off the coast of northwestern Puerto Rico.”
In international waters.
But I thought Kammie the VP Border Czar took care of everything. 😰
If men using lashes to guide their horses on patrol were falsely accused of “whipping” the illegals then what happens if heavy firepower is used to stop the thugs in gangs now?
Maybe ask about their dysfunctional family childhood experiences first and then fire back?
Brought a whip to a gunfight?
It’s a Clear and Present Danger. Take the appropriate steps.
In international waters.
Am I wrong in thinking this is tactically unsound? That the better approach would be to interdict after the two drug boats have separated? Make note of the delivery boat but chase the jackpot? Now you've likely halved their firepower, and you can force that pilot to make mistakes and cause his crew to panic (throw drugs overboard, off-balance the boat, etc.)
“but border and customs agents in international waters?”
Yes, why should they not be viewed as simple pirates if they are trying to board vessels in international waters where they have no jurisdiction?
RIP. Where is a 5 inch naval gun when it’s needed?
Some lawyers are going to get rich off this one.
https://share.america.gov/what-do-you-know-about-international-waters/
ENOUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There’s still hope that President Trump will make AOC czarina of Puerto Rico in 2025, and gift it to Venezuela.
A lot of people are angry now.
Proverbs 26:3
A whip is for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,
And a rod for the back of fools.
And He made a scourge of cords, and drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen; and He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables;
Whereas my father loaded you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke; my father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.’”
Nahum 3:2
The noise of the whip,
The noise of the rattling of the wheel,
Galloping horses
And bounding chariots!
Took them into custody? They should have been vaporized in 25MM canon fire.
I wonder if AOC has ever even been to PR?...................
Puerto Rico is in the news after it’s historic election. Agenda.
Good question. I dunno.
Cubans or Venezuelans?
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