WASHINGTON D.C.— Today, Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), chairman of the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security, and Rep. Michael Guest (R-MS), chairman of the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement, announced a hearing for next Tuesday, June 10, to assess the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) efforts to combat illicit maritime activities, including cartel smuggling operations, which pose significant threats to U.S. national security and public safety. 

“Drug cartels and criminal organizations are working overtime to undermine the United States for their own profit, at the expense of American lives and our national security,” Chairman Gimenez said.“The United States Coast Guard must be fully equipped and prepared to defend our sovereignty, protect our communities, and maintain a strong presence in our waters. I look forward to discussing ways to improve intelligence sharing, strengthen interagency coordination, and deploy cutting-edge technologies, like unmanned aerial and maritime systems, to confront the growing threats to our nation.”

“With the immense progress that DHS has made in disrupting the business model of transnational criminal organizations and securing our borders, cartels will be forced to work even harder to line their pockets––and our maritime borders present unique opportunities,” Chairman Guest said.  “Next week’s hearing is essential to understanding how law enforcement, like CBP, is working to stay one step ahead of the transnational criminal organizations who continue to exploit the maritime domain for drug and human smuggling, weapons trafficking, and other illegal activities that pose a significant danger to Americans.” 

DETAILS:

What: A Joint Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security and Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement hearing entitled, “From Cartels to Coastlines: An Examination of U.S. Federal Efforts to Confront Illicit Maritime Activities in U.S. Waters.”

When: Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 10:00 AM ET 

Where: 310 Cannon House Office Building  

Witness testimony will be added here. The hearing will be livestreamed on YouTube and will be opened to the public and the press. Press must be congressionally credentialed and should RSVP in advance.

WITNESSES:

Rear Admiral Adam A. Chamie
Assistant Commandant for Response Policy, U.S. Coast Guard

James C. Harris III
Assistant Director, Countering Transnational Organized Crime (CTOC), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)

Jonathan P. Miller
Executive Assistant Commissioner, Air and Marine Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Heather MacLeod
Director, Homeland Security and Justice, Government Accountability Office

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