Office of CBP Air and Marine - Missions

Missions

Among OAM's many missions are anti-terrorism, countering smuggling, and stopping illegal immigration. The agency uses its aviation and marine assets to detect, interdict, and apprehend conveyances carrying terrorists, contraband, or illegal aliens. OAM also leverages its unique detection and interdiction capabilities to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the United States Coast Guard, the United States Border Patrol, Joint Interagency Task Force South, and other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

To accomplish its missions, OAM utilizes a multitude of fixed and rotary wing aircraft, as well as high speed blue water interceptors and utility vessels for strategic operations in high-risk areas. OAM also utilizes unarmed versions of military UAVs to patrol the U.S. border. All of CBP aviation missions are conducted by Air Interdiction Agents, while CBP's maritime operations in the Great Lakes and Territorial Seas are the responsibility of Marine Interdiction Agents. Patrol Agents from the Office of Border Patrol are responsible for conducting U.S. Customs and Border Protection's marine missions in the small lakes and rivers along the Mexican and Canadian borders.

Air and Marine Interdiction Agents work with both U.S. and foreign agencies and military forces to support their law enforcement efforts. Personnel and assets are deployed abroad to support DHS priorities, most notably for training and counter narcotics missions.