CBP Draws Smuggler No-Fly Zones for Hovering Boats in Four Spots
Published Date: 8/25/2026
Rule
Summary
This document sets forth the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) declaration establishing four Customs- Enforcement Areas (CEA) in the near shore waters of South Florida, Central/Southern California, Puerto Rico, and the Gulf Coast of Texas. This action will further CBP efforts to interdict hovering vessels utilized for smuggling illegal cargoes into or out of the United States specifically within the CEAs. Additionally, this action authorizes customs officers and agents to enforce applicable U.S. laws, including the authorization to board vessels, examine vessels, merchandise and persons on board, bring the same into port, and pursue, seize, and arrest individuals, within the CEAs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.
Criminal Sanctions for Vessel Masters Enforced
CBP may enforce 18 U.S.C. 2237 within the CEAs, which provides criminal sanctions against a master, operator, or person in charge of a vessel for offenses such as failure to heave to, obstructing boarding, or providing materially false information. Vessel masters and operators in the CEAs therefore face potential criminal liability for those acts.
Four CEAs Established Off U.S. Coasts
As of August 25, 2026, CBP declared four Customs-Enforcement Areas (CEAs) in near-shore waters for South Florida, Central/Southern California, Puerto Rico, and the Gulf Coast of Texas. Within those CEAs CBP may extend enforcement to 24 nautical miles (NM) from baseline (beyond the usual 12 NM) to address hovering vessels used for smuggling.
CBP May Board, Seize, Arrest in CEAs
Inside the CEAs, customs officers and agents are authorized to board any vessel, examine the vessel and any merchandise or person on board, bring vessels into port, pursue, seize, and arrest individuals under applicable U.S. law. Those actions may result in hailings, stops, searches, or being brought into port for vessel owners, operators, passengers, and cargo interests operating in these areas.
No New Reporting or Route Closures, but Delays Possible
CBP states the CEAs do not close waters to navigation, do not impose new reporting or permitting requirements, and do not require vessels to alter lawful routes. However, CBP also warns that enforcement activities within the CEAs may in individual cases cause limited delays to vessel owners, operators, passengers, and cargo interests.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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