CBP Sea Crossings to Florida Drop 90% in 2026

CBP: Sea Crossings to Florida Down 90% in FY2026

Attempted sea crossings into Florida dropped more than 90 percent from fiscal year 2025 to FY2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced at a Miami press conference. CBP Border Czar Tom Homan and Commissioner Rodney S. Scott credited increased enforcement at sea — and warned that maritime entry without authorization carries serious legal consequences. For anyone considering a sea crossing, the risks are now higher than ever.

October 30, 2026·2 min read

Attempted sea crossings into Florida fell more than 90 percent from fiscal year 2025 to FY2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced at a press conference at the Port of Miami. Border Czar Tom Homan and CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott delivered the figures alongside local CBP and U.S. Coast Guard leaders. The message from federal officials was direct: the maritime border in Florida is closed to unauthorized entry.

What the numbers mean for people at sea

CBP's Air and Marine Operations (AMO) significantly expanded its capacity in FY2026 — more flight hours, better coordination, and a focus on stopping threats before they reach shore. As a result, AMO agents in Miami seized more than 17,000 pounds of narcotics, more than double the roughly 7,000 pounds seized the year before. Officials also highlighted Operation Gateway Blockade, under which CBP officers in Florida made nearly 200 weapons-related seizures, stopping more than 200 firearms and more than 150,000 rounds of ammunition from reaching criminal organizations overseas.

Homan framed the drop in sea crossings partly as a safety outcome — fewer people being placed on unseaworthy boats by smugglers. But the enforcement reality is equally clear: CBP and the Coast Guard are now intercepting vessels hundreds of miles from the Florida coast. Anyone apprehended at sea is placed directly into removal proceedings. There is no informal release at the shoreline.

What to do

If you or a family member was apprehended at sea by CBP or the Coast Guard, contact an immigration attorney immediately. You are likely in removal proceedings and have deadlines to meet.
If you received a Notice to Appear (NTA) — the document that starts your immigration court case — do not miss your hearing date. Missing it can result in a removal order issued without you present.
If you missed a court hearing, lawyers recommend filing a motion to reopen within 90 days. After that window closes, options become much more limited.
If you fear returning to your home country, tell the officer who processes you. You have the right to request a credible fear interview, which is the first step toward an asylum claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if CBP catches me trying to enter Florida by sea?

You will likely be detained and placed into formal removal proceedings. CBP and the Coast Guard have authority to intercept vessels far from shore. You may be held in detention while your case is processed, and you could face a removal order.

Can I apply for asylum if I was caught at sea trying to enter the US?

You may still express a fear of return and request a credible fear interview, even if apprehended at sea. However, the process is not automatic — you must clearly state your fear to the officer who processes you. An immigration attorney can help you understand your options.

What is a Notice to Appear (NTA) and what do I do if I receive one?

An NTA is the document that starts removal proceedings against you in immigration court. It lists your court date and the charges against you. You must appear on that date. Missing it can result in a removal order issued without you present, called an 'in absentia' order.

Did CBP increase drug seizures in Florida in 2026?

Yes. CBP's Air and Marine Operations in Miami seized more than 17,000 pounds of narcotics in FY2026, compared with just over 7,000 pounds the year before. CBP also made nearly 200 weapons-related seizures under Operation Gateway Blockade.