River News Now Breaking News Travel

Grand Forks, North Dakota - With the flood waters moving north, rural communities are being surrounded by water on all fronts. North of Fargo, U.S. Customs and Border Protection in coordination with FEMA is working with a host of local, state, and federal agencies to provide the appropriate support and resources to the Red River Valley flood and outer lying areas.

Currently in the 2009 Red River Valley Flood Fight, CBP has deployed 107 personnel from the offices of Air & Marine, Border Patrol and Field Operations to provide assistance to the residents of North Dakota and Minnesota. Agents and officers continue to conduct law enforcement operations, search and rescue missions, security and operational surveillance.

	Aerial image of Red River flooding.

“We want to assure those who are affected by flood waters that they can count on us. We will do anything within our power to ensure their safety during this difficult and trying time. You have not been forgotten,” said Chief Patrol Agent Scott Baker, Incident Commander.

CBP Grand Forks Sector prides itself on the daily interaction between our agents and the public. CBP is highly committed to assisting local, state, and federal agencies in the form of personnel and resources, to ensure the safety of our communities, our employees and their families.

The primary focus for all the federal agencies involved in these concerted flood fighting efforts is the public’s safety and welfare. There is no exception; even when our agents and officers, who are active in the communities in which they live and work, are facing the same flood waters.

“Even as the flood waters move north, CBP will continue to stay focused and committed by providing personnel and resources to the flooded areas, said David Murphy, director of field operations and CBP lead field coordinator at the Grand Forks incident command center. “We are constantly monitoring the flood situation and will continue to work with state, local and our other federal partner agencies in coordination with FEMA.”

CBP operations and the ports of entry in Minnesota and North Dakota have not been affected by the flood and are fully operational. Despite the current flood, CBP is dedicated to its priority mission of preventing terrorists and terrorist’s weapons from entering the United States as well as facilitating legitimate international travel and trade. For additional information please visit the CBP Web site.