VIDEO: Coast Guard & Partners Conduct Joint Operation to Disrupt Illicit Maritime Activity in Delaware

August 23, 2025/Mari Lou

A law enforcement team from the US Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay enforcement division led a joint compliance operation Tuesday with local, state and federal agencies at the Port of Wilmington. The goal – to ensure the port is in compliance with the Maritime Transportation Security Act – while deterring and detecting illicit activity at a key port. Members from Sector Delaware Bay and nine other agencies inspected 78 shipping containers, 53 commercial vehicles and 98 personally operated vehicles within the port as well as 616 exported vehicles.

Additional information from the USCG:

“This operation underscores the power of strong partnerships between local, state, and federal agencies. By combining resources and expertise, we’re able to deliver a unified effort towards complex threats that no single agency could tackle alone. These relationships are critical to protecting our port and ensuring the security of our region” said Capt. Kate Higgins-Bloom, commander, Sector Delaware Bay.

Agencies involved in the operation included:

  • Customs and Border Protection 
  • Drug Enforcement Agency   
  • Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives   
  • Transportation Security Administration (TSA) 
  • TSA Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response team   
  • National Cargo Bureau   
  • Delaware State Police   
  • Wilmington Police Department K9 Division   
  • Coast Guard Investigative Service 
  • Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay

The Maritime Transportation Security Act provides a framework for ensuring the security of maritime commerce and domestic ports. The act’s main goal is to prevent a transportation security incident which is defined as any incident that results in significant loss of life, environmental damage, transportation system disruption and economic disruption to a particular area.

 

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