Director of Field Operations Chicago

DFO for the CBP Chicago Field Office

[Executive Asst. Commissioner Diane J. Sabatino @OFOEAC]

Today - and every day - we honor the courage and selflessness of our veterans. Because of their sacrifice, our nation remains free. #OFOproud🇺🇸 #VeteransDay

[Director of Field Operations Chicago @DFOChicago]

Today and every day, U.S. Customs and Border Protection honors the brave men and women who have worn the uniform of the U.S. Armed Forces. 🇺🇸

Across our agency, thousands of CBP personnel—from our Border Patrol agents and Air and Marine operators to our field operations officers and support staff—proudly continue their commitment to safeguarding our nation, transitioning their military service into front-line protection at our borders.

To all veterans across our workforce and across the country: Thank you for your dedication, sacrifice, and continued service to the American people. 🛡️✨

#VeteransDay #CBP #BorderSecurity #HonorTheBrave #ServiceToCountry #Veterans

[Director of Field Operations Chicago @DFOChicago]

Spotted designer sandals, belts, purses, wallets, or gold accessories at a price that seems "too good to be true"? Think twice before you buy. 🛑

The items shown here represent just a sample of the counterfeit goods intercepted by CBP—including Coach, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Salvatore Ferragamo items, totaling over $37,000.

Purchasing counterfeit products carries hidden, serious dangers to you and your community:

1️⃣ Funding Criminal Networks: Your money doesn't go toward a harmless discount. Profits from counterfeiting flow directly into Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) to finance illegal operations.

2️⃣ Safety & Health Hazards: Counterfeit apparel, accessories, and jewelry completely evade legitimate manufacturing and safety standards. They frequently use substandard, toxic, or hazardous materials that can put your health and skin at direct risk.

3️⃣ Financial Scams & Data Theft: Shady third-party counterfeit sellers often expose consumers to credit card fraud, identity theft, and zero customer protection or recourse when the product fails or never arrives.

4️⃣ Economic & Job Harm: Illegitimate goods undercut honest, hardworking businesses and destroy local jobs, robbing communities of vital revenues.

When you buy fake, you pay the real price. CBP remains on the front lines protecting consumers, enforcing intellectual property rights, and securing legitimate trade. 🛡️🇺🇸

#CBP #TradeEnforcement #IPR #BorderSecurity #CounterfeitGoods #ProtectTheEconomy #ConsumerSafety

[CBP @CBP]

Join us here TODAY at 1pm EST for a live chat on why CBP is one of the leading federal agencies in hiring military veterans and the support they receive through our Veteran Support Program.

Facebook: https://t.co/melgTCZFnf

[Director of Field Operations Chicago @DFOChicago]

More than $810,000 in luxury timepieces and jewelry—including Rolex, Cartier, Patek Philippe, and Bulgari—intercepted by CBP. 🛑

While these high-end items might look glamorous, illicit trade in counterfeit and smuggled luxury goods carries a hidden, dangerous cost. Here is why stopping these shipments is vital:

1️⃣ Funds Criminal Enterprises: Profits from counterfeit and contraband goods frequently flow directly into Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs), helping finance narcotics trafficking, human smuggling, and other illegal operations. 2️⃣ Economic Harm: Illegitimate goods undercut honest businesses, destroy local jobs, and rob communities of critical tax revenues that fund public infrastructure and services. 3️⃣ Consumer Fraud & Safety: Counterfeit luxury items evade strict manufacturing and regulatory standards, often using substandard or hazardous materials while deceiving buyers.

CBP remains on the front lines, protecting intellectual property rights, securing our borders, and dismantling illicit financial networks. 🛡️🇺🇸

Note: Photos are just a sample from 8 separate seizures: more than $810,000 in luxury timepieces and jewelry

#CBP #TradeEnforcement #IPR #BorderSecurity #CounterfeitWatch #ProtectTheEconomy #SupplyChainSecurity

[Director of Field Operations Chicago @DFOChicago]

Traveling through Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)? We have some exciting news to make your journey smoother! ✈️📱

Mobile Passport Control (MPC) has officially launched at CVG!

What is MPC? It’s a free, secure app that allows eligible travelers to submit their travel documents, photos, and customs declarations right from their smartphone or mobile device. Best of all? No pre-approval is required, no paper forms are needed, and you may be directed to a designated queue for faster processing!

Who is currently eligible to use MPC at CVG? 🇺🇸 U.S. Citizens 🟩 U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents 🇨🇦 Canadian B1/B2 citizen visitors 🌍 Returning Visa Waiver Program travelers with an approved ESTA

Download the app and learn more about how to streamline your next international arrival here: https://t.co/UnWmNIRE1B 🛡️✨

#CBP #CVG #MobilePassportControl #TravelTips #AirportSecurity #SmartTravel #CustomsAndBorderProtection

[Director of Field Operations Chicago @DFOChicago]

Protecting fair trade and rooting out trade fraud, one shipment at a time! 🛡️☀️

Recently at the Port of Otay Mesa, CBP officers and import specialists uncovered an attempt to evade duties on solar panel mounting kits (including stainless steel fasteners, aluminum extrusions, and rails). The shipments falsely claimed USMCA eligibility, featuring concealed "Made in China" labels hidden beneath "Made in Mexico" ones to duck Section 232 and 301 tariffs.

Thanks to diligent enforcement, the entries were rejected, the cargo was exported, and nearly $488,607.20 in potential revenue was successfully protected. CBP maintains heightened scrutiny on shipments flagged for trade fraud indicators to ensure a fair economic playing field for legitimate businesses. 📊🔌

(Note: Stock photo used for illustrative purposes and does not depict the actual merchandise.)

#CBP #PortOfOtayMesa #TradeEnforcement #USMCA #Tariffs #EconomicSecurity #TradeCompliance

[Director of Field Operations Chicago @DFOChicago]

Time is up for illicit trade! 🚫⌚

CBP personnel recently intercepted a massive shipment of luxury watches and watch components—featuring high-end brands like Rolex, Cartier, Audemars Piguet, Orient, and Tissot. The total appraised value of the seized merchandise clocks in at a staggering $1,619,735.60!

Whether it's diamond-encrusted timepieces or designer watch bands, counterfeit and unauthorized goods undermine legitimate commerce and deceive consumers. CBP’s intellectual property rights (IPR) enforcement program remains steadfast in keeping fake and illicit goods out of the U.S. marketplace, protecting American innovation, and ensuring fair competition. 🛡️✨

#CBP #IPR #CounterfeitSeizure #LuxuryWatches #BrandProtection #TradeEnforcement #IntellectualProperty

[Director of Field Operations Chicago @DFOChicago]

Prohibited wildlife and bushmeat have no place in passenger luggage! 🛑🐒

During baggage processing at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, CBP agriculture specialists referred a traveler to secondary inspection. Upon opening the bag, specialists discovered 1 kilogram of non-human primate meat.

Because animal products of this nature can carry serious infectious disease and public health risks, the item was immediately seized in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

From safeguarding agriculture to protecting public health, our specialists are always on guard. Remember to declare all agricultural items and leave restricted wildlife products behind when traveling internationally! 🛡️✈️

#CBP #AgSecurity #OHareAirport #CDC #BorderProtection #PublicHealth #ProtectUSAgriculture

[Director of Field Operations Chicago @DFOChicago]

Protecting fair trade and ensuring proper duties are collected is a core part of CBP’s mission! 🛡️📊

Recently, our trade enforcement personnel identified and intercepted an attempt to evade Section 232 tariffs on an entry of unthreaded copper-zinc tubes and pipes originating from Italy. The importer improperly attempted to deduct alloying elements from the copper content to lower their tariff liability.

Our team took swift action, rate-advancing the entry to assess the correct duties and successfully recovering $274,782.50 in revenue under Section 232 provisions. Enforcing trade compliance levels the playing field for domestic industries and protects U.S. economic security!

(Note: Stock photo used for illustrative purposes and does not depict the actual merchandise.)

#CBP #TradeEnforcement #Section232 #Tariffs #EconomicSecurity #ImportCompliance

[Director of Field Operations Chicago @DFOChicago]

Time is up for counterfeiters! 🚫⌚

CBP officers at the Port of Louisville recently intercepted a massive shipment containing 460 counterfeit Audemars Piguet watches originating from Hong Kong and destined for Texas. If these luxury timepieces had been genuine, their combined Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) would have exceeded a staggering $66 million!

Illegitimate sales of counterfeit goods cheat consumers, drain revenue from legitimate businesses, and can pose health and safety risks due to substandard materials. CBP’s intellectual property rights (IPR) enforcement program remains on the front lines to protect American innovation, uphold fair competition, and keep fake goods out of the marketplace. 🛡️✨

Read the full news release here: https://t.co/4HV6WQlSa2

#CBP #PortOfLouisville #IPR #CounterfeitSeizure #BrandProtection #TradeEnforcement #IntellectualProperty

[Director of Field Operations Chicago @DFOChicago]

Strong collaboration in action! 🛡️📦

CBP Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team (A-TCET) officers, TSA Investigations and HSI at the Area Port of Chicago recently targeted an outbound shipment destined for the United Kingdom at a CBP-bonded facility.

Upon inspection, the team discovered a massive haul: 918 bundles weighing approximately 515.27 kilograms. The entire shipment was successfully seized and turned over to HSI for further investigation.

Whether inbound or outbound, CBP and our law enforcement partners remain relentless in protecting supply chains and disrupting illicit trade! 🇺🇸🤝

#CBP #HSI #PortOfChicago #BorderSecurity #TradeEnforcement #LawEnforcementPartnership

[Director of Field Operations Chicago @DFOChicago]

Talk about a wild travel snack... but definitely not one that’s approved for landing! 🚫🐀✈️

Recently, a sharp-nosed CBP K-9 and our agriculture specialists in Chicago intercepted an unexpected item during a baggage inspection: 0.8 kgs of grasscutter (an African rodent/bushmeat) and wood with bark hidden in a traveler’s bag.

After an X-ray anomaly flagged the luggage, our team teamed up with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The verdict? A hard pass. Due to serious human health concerns, the bushmeat was denied entry, securely double-bagged, and handed over to the CDC for final disposition.

From protecting American agriculture to blocking potential health hazards, our teams are always on duty. Remember: leave the exotic wildlife snacks behind when crossing borders! 🛑📦

#CBP #AgSecurity #K9Unit #CDC #BorderProtection #ProtectUSAgriculture #TradeEnforcement

[Director of Field Operations Chicago @DFOChicago]

No tricks, just treats—and authentic goods! 🎃👻

This Halloween, CBP officers are hard at work intercepting counterfeit costumes, unsafe holiday items, and illicit goods before they can reach store shelves and deceive consumers. Whether you’re trick-or-treating or handing out candy, we’re committed to keeping U.S. supply chains and consumers safe.

Have a fun and safe Halloween from all of us at CBP! 🛡️🍬 #CBP #HalloweenSafety #IPR #BrandProtection #TradeEnforcement

[Director of Field Operations Chicago @DFOChicago]

CBP officers have intercepted a massive haul of counterfeit luxury goods! 🚫👜

The recent seizure included a wide array of fake high-end designer merchandise—from Louis Vuitton handbags, Gucci bags, and Chanel shirts to Coach wallets, Dior apparel, and luxury footwear—totaling an estimated domestic value of $101,157.92.

Counterfeit goods harm legitimate businesses, deceive consumers, and fuel illicit economies. CBP remains steadfast in enforcing intellectual property rights (IPR) to keep unsafe and fake goods out of the U.S. marketplace. 🛡️✨

#CBP #CounterfeitSeizure #IPR #IntellectualProperty #BrandProtection #TradeEnforcement #ProtectConsumers

[Director of Field Operations Chicago @DFOChicago]

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers recently intercepted a massive shipment of illicit goods and fraudulent documents with a total estimated value of $181,189.74.

The diverse seizure included: 👜 Luxury Goods & Designer Purses: High-end counterfeit bags and wallets from brands like Chanel, Goyard, and Louis Vuitton. 👟 Apparel & Footwear: Counterfeit jerseys, jackets, shirts, and shoes (Adidas, Nike, Chrome Hearts, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, and more). 🕶️ Accessories: Counterfeit luxury sunglasses, jewelry, and socks. 🪪 Fraudulent Documents: Multiple counterfeit Mexican driver's licenses and voter ID cards. 🚬 Tobacco: Undeclared commercial quantities of cigarettes.

Counterfeit goods cheat honest businesses, fund illicit criminal networks, and often bypass health and safety regulations. CBP officers remain vigilant at ports of entry to protect American consumers and enforce intellectual property rights every single day. 🛡️💼

#CBP #TradeEnforcement #CounterfeitCrackdown #IPR #BorderSecurity #ProtectConsumers #Customs #LawEnforcement

[Executive Asst. Commissioner Diane J. Sabatino @OFOEAC]

Meet Ace and Hawkeye! 🐾
After five weeks of training with K9 instructors at CBP’s Front Royal training facility, these two pups were paired with their handlers for another five weeks of training together.
Now, with 10 weeks of training behind them, Ace, Hawkeye and their handlers have officially graduated as OFO’s first Resiliency Canine class!
Congratulations to our newest K9 teams! 🐕‍🦺🎓
#OFOproud🇺🇲 #WorkingDogs

[Director of Field Operations Chicago @DFOChicago]

CBP officers assigned to the Port of Chicago recently intercepted and seized a shipment of DJI-branded drones valued at $479,850.70 within a Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) warehouse.

The shipment was mis-manifested and brought into the FTZ without the required entry filings. Because these products are subject to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), the merchandise has been turned over to CBP’s Fines, Penalties, and Forfeiture (FP&F) for final disposition.

Enforcing the UFLPA and protecting American supply chains from illicit trade remains a top priority for our personnel. 🛡️📦

#CBP #PortOfChicago #UFLPA #TradeEnforcement #BorderSecurity #SecuringTheBorder

[Director of Field Operations Chicago @DFOChicago]

⚾The Chicago Field office is joining the excitement as the Milwaukee Brewers make their run in the World Series.
Different Cities, Different Teams, but a shared love of baseball.
Let's Go Brewers! 💙💛 ⚾

[Director of Field Operations Chicago @DFOChicago]

Time is up for fake luxury! 🛑⌚

When a shipment manifested as cheap "hardware" with a declared value of just $100 caught the attention of Indianapolis CBP officers, it led to a massive discovery during a random enforcement examination.

Inside, officers uncovered 300 counterfeit "Audemars Piguet" luxury watches. Confirmed by our Center of Excellence and Expertise (CEE), these items featured inferior craftsmanship and infringed on registered trademarks.

Thanks to rigorous trade enforcement, this massive counterfeit haul—with a total estimated MSRP of $12,000,000.00 USD—was successfully seized.

Why do we stop this? Counterfeit luxury goods deceive consumers with poor quality, fund underground criminal networks, and undermine legitimate businesses. Staying vigilant at our ports of entry ensures that intellectual property theft is stopped in its tracks. 💪🔒

Read more at https://t.co/ksO369Fexg

(Note: The photo shown depicts just one of the intercepted shipments.)

#CBP #IPR #Counterfeits #BrandProtection #TradeEnforcement #AudemarsPiguet #LuxuryFakes #IndianapolisCBP