Topic: U.S. Customs and Border Protection

ICE Long Beach shootout: As immigration cauldron boils, ICE agents buckle

The Long Beach, Calif., shooting that left one Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent dead and another wounded comes as the Obama administration has moved to improve morale among embattled ICE agents.

Four reasons why illegal immigration across the US-Mexico border has dropped

From 1970 to 2010, more than 10 million Mexicans migrated to the US. Now, after decades of rising numbers immigrating to the US, a new demographic trend is playing out: illegal immigration is waning. Many dispute the reason why. Here are four factors that play a role.

What deters illegal immigrant border crossings into the US? Violence in Mexico.

The number of illegal immigrants apprehended while crossing Mexico en route to the US has dropped by almost 70 percent in the past five years, according to Mexican official data.

Why Obama administration's Fast and Furious troubles may not be over

In the Fast and Furious operation, ATF agents lost track of as many as 2,500 high-powered firearms. Acting Director Kenneth Melson has stepped down, but a congressional investigation will continue.

Drug tunnel found in Arizona, but it's no fancy, million-dollar underground corridor

In the era of narco-submarines and tanks, the tried and true tunnel remains popular, especially along Arizona's Mexican border. The latest reminds Douglas locals of the legendary one from 1990.

Khapra beetle: Feared pest intercepted at airport

Khapra beetle is discovered in rice shipment from India. US interceptions of khapra beetle are up dramatically this year.

How much damage did ATF's ill-fated gun-running sting do to war on drugs?

Fast and Furious, the Mexico gun-running sting gone bad, may cost the ATF's acting chief his job. A larger concern is that it may undermine efforts to stop the flow of US guns south.

Activist offers GPS 'life preservers' for illegal migrants crossing US-Mexican border

GPS devices in the hands of migrant smugglers could save the lives of their human cargo, he says. But the US Border Patrol warns that the devices only encourage people to make the dangerous trip across the Arizona desert.

Will violence in Mexico impact immigrant pool in US?

Seven top immigration officials in Mexico have been fired in states where migrants have been victimized. Recently, a group of rescued kidnap victims accused officials of delivering them to drug gangs.

Spread of drone programs in Latin America sparks calls for code of conduct

At least nine Latin American nations are developing drone programs, raising calls for a code of conduct that will assuage concerns over potential misuse.

Mexico lawmakers livid over US 'Operation Fast and Furious'

Mexican lawmakers have condemned the US 'Operation Fast and Furious,' which purportedly allows gun smuggling in order to track weapons to Mexican drug lords.

US teen killed in Juárez puts spotlight on Mexico's unsolved murders

Unresolved recent killings of a US missionary and a vacationing jet-skier raise questions about the ability of Mexico's weak judiciary to investigate the weekend shooting of a US teen.

Lord of the Rings IV? No, just a pot catapult on US-Mexico border. [video]

Mexican drug traffickers have devised many creative ways of smuggling their products into the US. Along with half-mile tunnels and submarines, catapults are now part of the repertoire.

DREAM act poised for Senate vote Saturday

The DREAM Act creates a path to US citizenship for young people who were brought into the country illegally while minors. It passed in the House but faces a tougher vote in the Senate.

Yemen packages: Air cargo was a target before. Why is it still vulnerable?

Long before explosive packages were shipped on flights out of Yemen, terrorists eyed air cargo as a means of attacking the US. Yet millions of tons of air cargo bound for the US still are not screened.

Judge blocks Arizona execution, state appeals

An Arizona judge blocked the execution of Jeffrey Landrigan scheduled for Tuesday, on the grounds that the state has not been forthcoming. The state immediately appealed the ruling saying the judge made faulty assumptions and had disregarded provisions of the execution protocol.

Arizona immigration law: Will the law or a court decision really change police work?

Take Your Dog to Work Day: Photos of dogs on the job

Take Your Dog To Work Day is today, but some dogs already have full-time jobs.

US Border Patrol shooting (new video) threatens Mexico drug war cooperation

As the US and Mexico arrested 400 people Thursday in a major operation against Mexico's drug war, a new cellphone video emerged of a Mexican teen shot by the US Border Patrol.

Somali diplomat says al-Shabaab terrorist may be trying to get to Texas

Homeland Security has asked law enforcement in Houston to be on the lookout for a suspected member of al-Shabaab, a Somalia-based terror group.

President Obama to send 1,200 National Guard troops to US-Mexico border

President Obama will send 1,200 National Guard troops to help secure the US-Mexico border, pre-empting Republican plans to try and force a vote on such a deployment.

Cinco de Mayo: Has its popularity peaked?

Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico's victory over the French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. But its popularity may be peaking this year because the flow of Mexicans into the US is falling.

Counterfeit goods on the rise

Counterfeit goods used to be so obvious most people knew if their Rolex was a fake. As the market has turned to the Internet, more consumers are unwittingly buying counterfeit designer handbags - and having gone so far as counterfeit airplane engine parts, it's as much a health and safety issue as an economic one.