Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers assigned to the Brownsville Port of Entry recently intercepted three live parrots hidden within a vehicle during an alleged wildlife smuggling attempt.
“Parrots are protected species and our frontline officers work diligently to prevent suspected attempts to smuggle them as part of the illegal animal trade,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry. “Exotic birds may carry various diseases not known to exist in the U.S. that could endanger native wildlife and U.S. agriculture, resulting in potential economic harm as well.”
The incident occurred on March 13 at Gateway International Bridge when CBP officers referred a 2007 GMC Yukon for secondary inspection. During the examination, CBP officers discovered three live parrots concealed within a box in the vehicle.
Homeland Security Investigations special agents initiated a criminal investigation into the seizure. CBP worked with partner agencies, including U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to safeguard the birds at a local zoo.
Parrots are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora regulated by FWS.
Smuggling birds into the United States is illegal and a serious criminal offense, involving penalties such as fines and imprisonment. CBP works with partner agencies like FWS and USDA to intercept and prosecute smugglers.
On the border at land, air, and sea-based ports of entry, including Laredo, CBP officers and agriculture specialists continue to fulfill CBP’s agriculture mission by preventing the introduction of harmful pests and diseases into the United States. Read more about CBP’s agriculture mission.
