DHS Inaugurates $22 Million Joint Facility in Ponce, Puerto Rico

PONCE, Puerto Rico -The US Department of Homeland Security inaugurated today a new joint facility during a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking a major investment in CBP and Coast Guard operations and mission readiness in southern Puerto Rico.

The new DHS joint facility, in the Port of Ponce, will house US Coast Guard Resident Inspection Office Ponce and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations Ponce Marine Unit.

These units support CBP and Coast Guard personnel responsible for maritime safety and prevention, border security, inspections and law enforcement operations in the region.

"The Ponce Marine Unit plays a critical role in detecting, interdicting and responding to maritime threats across Puerto Rico's southern approaches," said Christopher Hunter, Director of the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch. "This new facility gives our agents the modern operational, maintenance and coordination space they need to work seamlessly with Coast Guard and local partners, strengthen border security, and protect the people and commerce that depend on a secure Caribbean maritime domain."

The nearly $22 million project included demolition of the former facility, construction of a new two-story, 9,650-square-foot complex with dedicated office, training, operational, security and maintenance spaces. Additionally, the site features a 1,880-square-foot boat maintenance bay, improved pier and boat ramp infrastructure, upgraded utilities, parking, and emergency backup power.

The award, design and construction of this turn-key project was accomplished in partnership with CBP, AMO, USCG, the Coast Guard's Facilities Design and Construction Center, the CBP Office of Facilities and Asset Management.

"This project is a tangible, long-term investment that reinforces Department of Homeland Security operational readiness and critical infrastructure protection across the Caribbean," said Capt. Luis J. Rodriguez, Commander of U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan. "Our Coast Guard and CBP teams in this new facility can operate, communicate and coordinate faster and more effectively with local law enforcement and port partners strengthening our collective capability to secure waterways, support vital commerce, and safeguard the Caribbean maritime domain."

The DHS joint facility is immediately next to the United States Custom House in Ponce, the oldest existing customhouse in Puerto Rico. Built in 1841, this adobe building of the Spanish era is historically and architecturally significant and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

Expanding this regional maritime footprint, the U.S. Coast Guard assumed control of historic regional lighthouses near Ponce in 1933, including the Cardona Island and Caja de Muertos Lights while the Port of Ponce itself served as a vital logistics hub during World War II.

Today, DHS, CBP, and the Coast Guard work together to secure the nation's borders, safeguard maritime commerce, and support public safety throughout Puerto Rico and the surrounding region.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 70,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air and on the seas. We enforce safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration and trust.

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