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  4. Miami-Based U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer Receives Prestigious Award from Australian Border Force for Joint Operations

Miami-Based U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer Receives Prestigious Award from Australian Border Force for Joint Operations

Release Date
Tue, 12/11/2018

MIAMI – A Miami-based U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer has received the Australian Border Force (ABF) Commissioner’s Award supporting global border enforcement initiatives while working as a liaison officer in Australia. It is the first time a CBP employee has ever received the prestigious award.

CBP Officer John Rico received the Commissioner's Award from the Australian Border Force
CBP Officer John Rico received the
Commissioner's Award from the
Australian Border Force

John Rico, a supervisory CBP officer at Miami’s Seaport, worked as part of an international team targeting illicit trafficking aboard cruise ships. The joint innovative enforcement strategies culminated in stopping dangerous people and contraband well before reaching the Australian border.

The Australian Border Force also recognized the New Zealand Customs Service and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for the joint operations. The Australian Border Force’s mission is to protect Australia’s border and enable legitimate travel and trade.

“Recognition from international partners is a testament to the extraordinary vigilance and professionalism of U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel,” said Miami and Tampa Field Office Director of Field Operations (DFO) Diane J. Sabatino. “The world-class expertise, exceptional dedication and tireless efforts of CBP professionals to strengthen international partnerships and secure our borders does not go unnoticed.”

Commissioner's Award from Australian Border Force
Commissioner's Award from Australian
Border Force

U.S. Customs and Border Protection coordinates and supports foreign initiatives, programs and activities with our external partners around the world.

CBP focuses on international cooperation and strengthening multi- and bi-lateral relationships to achieve international agreements and joint efforts that both facilitate and secure legitimate trade and travel.

CBP strives to protect U.S. borders from beyond by implementing programs and initiatives that promote anti-terrorism, global border security, non-proliferation, export controls, immigration and capacity building.

View “CBP Snapshot” to learn more about ‘A Typical Day’ at our nation’s 328 ports of entry. See how CBP's Office of Field Operations secures our nation’s borders at international ports of entry.

CBP operations across Florida includes travel and trade facilitation and securing over 1,200 miles of the coastal border. Follow @CBPFlorida on Twitter for news and information updates.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021