CBP Turns Seized Goods into Humanitarian Support Through World Vision Donation

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Miami and Tampa Field Office joined World Vision Wednesday to highlight the donation of a large quantity of seized cabinets, transforming merchandise once held as part of CBP enforcement activity into resources that will support communities around the world.

The donation was coordinated through CBP's Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures program following completion of the required legal and administrative processes. Rather than being destroyed or otherwise disposed of, the seized merchandise was approved for donation to World Vision.

World Vision plans to distribute the cabinets through humanitarian partners supporting communities in Africa and Central America. Current distribution planning includes approximately 6,846 boxes of cabinets, representing roughly six containers of donated merchandise.

"Our enforcement mission doesn't end when merchandise is seized," said Daniel Alonso, director of field operations for CBP's Miami and Tampa Field Office. "We also have a responsibility to ensure seized property is handled lawfully and responsibly through final disposition. When eligible goods can be donated and put to productive use, that is good stewardship and a positive outcome for communities that can benefit from them."

The donation represents the final stage of a process that begins with CBP enforcement and continues through the custody, management and lawful disposition of seized property.

CBP Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures personnel are responsible for ensuring seized property is properly documented, tracked and managed while applicable legal and administrative requirements are completed. Eligible property may ultimately be disposed of through several authorized methods, including donation when appropriate.

"Every seizure carries an accountability requirement from the moment property enters our custody until its final disposition," said Robert Del Toro, port director at Miami International Airport. "Our FP&F personnel did the detailed work necessary to move this merchandise through that process, and today we get to see the result - seized goods being put back to use instead of going to waste."

The effort required coordination among CBP personnel and World Vision to ensure the merchandise was properly transferred and could be moved through the organization's international humanitarian network.

"For 75 years, World Vision has worked alongside communities to improve the lives of vulnerable children and families. By repurposing these cabinets instead of allowing them to go to waste, we are maximizing resources, reducing unnecessary disposal, and supporting schools, clinics, and community projects that strengthen families and communities around the world," said Wade Martin, national director of corporate engagement for World Vision.

The donation also provides a look at a part of CBP's enforcement mission that often occurs outside public view. Once enforcement and legal proceedings are complete, CBP remains responsible for ensuring seized property is disposed of in accordance with federal requirements.

Through this donation, merchandise that once represented the result of an enforcement action will now serve an entirely different purpose in communities thousands of miles from South Florida.

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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