Media release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection - June 12, 2018

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, MINNESOTA  —June 12, 2018 U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the International Falls Station served a seizure warrant and detained four people on Rainy Lake on June 6. Agents seized the vessel, charging one person with 19 USC 1436(b), and 19 USC 1433 (failure to report arrival into the United States) which could result in a $5000 fine. 

 Agents conducting marine operations on Rainy Lake observed a vessel traveling south on Rainy Lake that matched the description and registration of a signed U.S. District Court seizure warrant. Upon positive identification of the vessel, agents stopped the boat containing four individuals and served a warrant of seizure to the operator. Agents briefly questioned the three remaining passengers and determined that they were citizens of the United States not in violation of any law and transported them to their hotel.   

 “CBP has instituted several programs over the past few years to make it easier for boaters to report their arrival into the United States and be in compliance with the law,” said Patrol Agent in Charge Derek Mason. “Just recently CBP launched a new app called CBP ROAM which allows boaters the ability to report their arrival immediately into the United States from their smartphones on Rainy Lake.”

The owner/operator of the vessel was cited for violation of 19 USC 1436 and 19 USC 1433 and the vessel that was used in violation of the law was seized. 

You can report suspicious activity anonymously at 1-800-982-4077, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or email at [email protected].