Dulles CBP Agriculture Specialists Seize 440 pounds of Unprocessed Cotton in Traveler Baggage - USCBP
STERLING, Virginia – This story may seem to be hanging by a thread, but this was certainly no yarn as U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists seized about 440 pounds of unprocessed cotton that arrived in passenger baggage at Washington Dulles International Airport on Monday.
CBP officers referred a family that arrived from Afghanistan to a secondary examination. The family declared to officers that they purchased cotton from a store and intended to use it to fabricate bedding products for themselves. Officers observed that three large duffel bags were stuffed with unprocessed cotton and sought advice from CBP agriculture specialists.
CBP agriculture specialists noticed that the unprocessed cotton still contained seeds. The cotton and seeds are prohibited without a U.S. Department of Agriculture permit, phytosanitary certificate, and specific entry treatments such as fumigation.
Raw, unprocessed cotton may be a vector for invasive and harmful insect pests, such as the cotton seed bug and pink bollworm, which could threaten the United States textile and agriculture industries.
CBP agriculture specialists seized the cotton, which weighed a little more than 440 pounds, and released the family.
“It’s important for travelers to know that something that they consider traditional and innocuous may be inadmissible because it could pose a serious threat to our nation’s agriculture and textile industries. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists have a very important role and that is to educate travelers about these potential threats while they also protect our nation’s vital agricultural resources, and by extension, our nation’s economic security,” said CBP Area Port Director Christine Waugh, Area Port of Washington, D.C.
CBP agriculture specialists safeguard American agriculture by preventing the introduction of harmful exotic plant pests, foreign animal diseases, and potential agricultural bioterrorism into the United States. Every day they inspect tens of thousands of international travelers and cargo shipments being imported to the United States. On a typical day last year, CBP agriculture specialists across the nation confiscated 4,691 prohibited plant, meat, animal byproducts, and soil, and intercepted 222 insect pests at U.S. ports of entry.
CBP's border security mission is led at our nation’s Ports of Entry by CBP officers and agriculture specialists from the Office of Field Operations. CBP screens international travelers and cargo and searches for illicit narcotics, unreported currency, weapons, counterfeit consumer goods, prohibited agriculture, invasive weeds and pests, and other illicit products that could potentially harm the American public, U.S. businesses, and our nation’s safety and economic vitality.
Learn more at www.aphis.usda.gov and www.CBP.gov.
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U.S. Border Patrol Vessel Seizure Serves as Reporting Requirement Reminder - USCBP
GRAND FORKS, ND – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the International Falls Border Patrol Station seized a vessel and issued a fine to a U.S. citizen failing to report his return to the United States after traveling to Canada.
Binational coordination yielded information about a man who had made landfall in Canada and returned to the U.S. in mid-July without reporting his arrival to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. On August 12, 2026, Border Patrol agents assigned to the International Falls Station encountered the man, a U.S. citizen serving as a local fishing guide, east of International Falls, Minnesota. During questioning, the man admitted to making landfall in Canada and returning to the U.S., via boat, without reporting his arrival to CBP.
Agents seized the boat used during the incident and issued him a fine for violating a U.S. Code, which states the master of a vessel arriving in the United States from a foreign port, a foreign vessel arriving from a domestic port, or certain other qualifying watercraft must immediately report the vessel’s arrival to CBP and present the vessel and its contents for inspection. For boaters on international waters this means: if you anchor, come into contact with another vessel/vehicle/snowmobile, or make landfall in a foreign country, you must report your arrival to CBP immediately.
Failure to comply may result in seizure of the vessel and the assessment of penalties. The first offense carries a $5,000 fine, while subsequent offenses may result in a $10,000 fine.
For those seeking to avoid fines and penalties, CBP offers the Reporting Offsite Arrival-Mobile app for water crossings in the Grand Forks Sector area of operations. The app allows individuals to report their arrival to CBP officers through kiosks or a mobile device. Please visit https://www.cbp.gov/travel/pleasure-boats/pleasure-boat-overview/roam for more information.
“We encourage everyone to take advantage of the recreational opportunities our international waters have to offer, but it’s imperative that you’re familiar with reporting requirements to avoid violations of law.” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Michael W. Hanson.
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Federal Register Notices:
• Initiation of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Administrative Reviews
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Welded Stainless Line and Pressure Pipe From India and the Republic of Türkiye: Initiation of Countervailing Duty Investigations
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Truck Bed Covers From China; Scheduling of the Final Phase of Countervailing Duty and Antidumping Duty Investigations
• Rescission of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Administrative Reviews
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Difluoromethane (R-32) From the People's Republic of China: Continuation of Antidumping Duty Order
• Mattresses From Malaysia: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2024-2025
• Aluminum Extrusions From the People's Republic of China: Final Results of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review; 2024
• Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet From the People's Republic of China, Bahrain, Brazil, Croatia, Egypt, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Oman, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, and the Republic of Türkiye: Initiation and Preliminary Results of Changed Circumstances Reviews and Intent To Revoke the Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders, in Part
• Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Certain Child Car Seats; Notice of Commission Determination Not To Review an Initial Determination Terminating the Investigation Based on Settlement; Termination of the Investigation in Its Entirety
• Certain Pre-Stretched Synthetic Braiding Hair and Packaging Thereof (II); Notice of the Commission's Determination To Review in Part, and, on Review, To Affirm in Part and Take No Position in Part on a Final Initial Determination Finding No Violation of Section 337; Termination of the Investigation
• Certain Glass Substrates for Liquid Crystal Displays, Products Containing the Same, and Methods for Manufacturing the Same II; Notice of the Commission's Final Determination Finding a Violation of Section 337; Issuance of a Limited Exclusion Order and Cease and Desist Order; Termination of the Investigation
• Mattresses From Cambodia, China, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam; Scheduling of Expedited Five-Year Reviews
• Certain Wi-Fi Routers, Wi-Fi Devices, Mesh Wi-Fi Network Devices and Components Thereof; Notice of Request for Submissions on the Public Interest
• Large Vertical Shaft Engines From China; Determinations
• Certain Glass Substrates for Liquid Crystal Displays, Products Containing the Same, and Methods for Manufacturing the Same; Notice of Request for Submissions on the Public Interest
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Organic Soybean Meal From India: Preliminary Results and Rescission, in Part of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2024-2025
• Carbon and Alloy Steel Wire Rod From the Republic of Korea: Preliminary Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2024-2025
• Utility Scale Wind Towers From Indonesia: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2023-2024
• Certain Frozen Fish Fillets From the Socialist Republic of Vietnam: Final Results and Rescission, in Part, of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2023-2024
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Certain Passenger Vehicle and Light Truck Tires From the People's Republic of China: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2023-2024
• Large Power Transformers From the Republic of Korea: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2023-2024
• Large Diameter Welded Pipe from Greece: Preliminary Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2024-2025
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Carbazole Violet Pigment 23 From China and India; Termination of Five-Year Reviews
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In the News:
• Government fights trade judge’s order for tariff refunds to all importers [AP]
• US tariffs on forced labour face legal risk as Chinese firms see impact easing: reports [South China Morning Post]
• Canada, U.S. trade officials mapping out potential deal to pitch to Trump next week: sources [CBC]
• A surprise credit after an overseas purchase: The tariff refunds now flowing through shippers [AP]
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FCC Proposes to Prohibit Import, Marketing of Covered Equipment - Federal Communications Commission
Full Title: Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau and Office of Engineering and Technology Seek Comment on Prohibiting the Importation and Marketing of Certain Covered UAS and UAS Critical Components and Equipment Listed in Section 1709 of FY2025 NDAA
Document Type: Public Notice
Bureau(s): Public Safety and Homeland Security
DA/FCC #: DA-26-832
Docket No: 26-184
Public Notice [pdf]
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Secretary Rollins Visits Moore Air Base To Announce New Memorandum of Understanding Between USDA and DHS - USDA
NWS Sterile Fly-Production At Moore Air Base Is Ahead of Schedule
(Washington, D.C., Aug. 11, 2026) – Yesterday, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins hosted an event at Moore Air Base in Texas to announce new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), reinforcing a whole-of-government commitment to protect the nation’s food, agriculture, and veterinary systems from emerging threats like New World screwworm (NWS). U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott represented U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin at the event.
“The United States has the strongest food and agriculture system in the world,” said Secretary Rollins. “This new agreement builds upon the National Farm Security Action Plan in partnership with DHS. The MOU further aligns our animal health mission with DHS’s border, security, and inspection authorities, so we are better positioned to detect, assess, and respond to agricultural threats like New World screwworm. Together, we can move faster and more effectively to better support and protect America’s animals, people, and agricultural resources.”
“Safeguarding American agriculture from threats abroad starts at our border,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin. “Proud to work alongside Secretary Rollins as we fight to protect our farmers, ranchers, and livestock.”
Key Elements of the MOU:
• Unified Threat Detection: The MOU leverages advanced technologies, including unmanned aircraft systems and artificial intelligence, to enhance screening, detection, and interdiction at and between ports of entry and within border enforcement zones. This approach improves the ability to identify and respond to NWS and other high-consequence animal and plant pests and diseases.
• Enhanced Coordination and Information Sharing: USDA and DHS will share actionable biosurveillance and information in real-time, supporting faster and more effective responses—from frontline inspections to information exchange. This ensures both agencies can safeguard livestock, wildlife, and companion animals more effectively.
• Strengthened Partnership: By formalizing roles and expanding joint capabilities, the MOU improves how USDA and DHS work together during high-consequence events, supporting stronger, more unified national biosecurity. The agreement underscores USDA’s commitment to collaboration, leveraging DHS’s enforcement and security strengths alongside USDA’s deep technical expertise.
• Operational Readiness: The MOU establishes clear protocols for coordinated response actions, joint training, and capacity building. It outlines responsibilities for both departments, ensuring preparedness for incidents that threaten the nation’s food and agriculture sectors.
• Research and Development Collaboration: The partnership expands existing research collaborations, including with DHS Centers of Excellence, to develop advanced screening, detection, and mitigation technologies for NWS and other emerging threats.
Federal, state, tribal, and local partners, as well as industry stakeholders, helped shape the MOU. Their expertise and operational experience were essential in crafting practical, field-ready guidance for real-world response scenarios.
USDA and DHS will continue to refine response tools, strengthen coordination, and support joint planning efforts. The agencies will periodically review and update the MOU to ensure alignment with evolving preparedness activities and industry practices.
This MOU will continue to help both departments combat the estimated 800,000 head of cattle are smuggled each year from Central America into Mexico, representing roughly $320 million in illicit trade. Smuggled livestock often bypass sanitary inspection and traceability systems, allowing potentially diseased or unmonitored animals to move undetected across borders. This illegal action jeopardizes regional biosecurity and threatens the substantial progress made in eradicating New World screwworm. USDA will work closely with Mexico to ensure that only fully documented and legally compliant cattle enter approved U.S. ports of entry, tightening adherence to USDA import requirements and NWS safeguards.
For more information about USDA’s efforts to prevent and prepare for NWS, please visit Screwworm.gov.
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FTC Sends More than $23.8 Million to Drivers and Diners Harmed by Grubhub’s Deceptive Advertising Claims and Other Unlawful Conduct - Federal Trade Commission
The Federal Trade Commission is sending payments totaling more than $23.8 million to drivers harmed by Grubhub’s deceptive earnings claims and diners harmed by the company’s misleading and unlawful conduct.
In December 2024, the FTC and the Illinois Attorney General alleged that food delivery company Grubhub engaged in an array of unlawful practices including deceiving drivers about how much money they would make delivering food, blocking diners from their accounts and funds, and unfairly and deceptively listing restaurants on its platform without their permission.
Under the settlement terms, Grubhub was ordered to make substantial changes to its operations across several areas, including honestly advertising pay for drivers, providing users with a mechanism to dispute blocked accounts, and listing restaurants on its platform only with their consent.
The FTC is sending checks or PayPal payments to 640,038 affected consumers. Most consumers will receive a check in the mail. Check recipients should cash their checks within 90 days, as indicated on the check. PayPal recipients should redeem their PayPal payments within 30 days.
Consumers who have questions about their payment should contact the refund administrator, Analytics Consulting LLC, at 1-888-446-4992, or visit the FTC website to view frequently asked questions about the redress process. The Commission never requires people to pay money or provide account information to get a payment.
The Commission’s interactive dashboards for redress data provide by state-by-state breakdown of redress in FTC cases. In 2025, FTC actions led to more than $435 million in redress to consumers across the country.
The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and protect and educate consumers. The FTC will never demand money, make threats, tell you to transfer money, or promise you a prize. Learn more about consumer topics at consumer.ftc.gov, or report fraud, scams, and bad business practices at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Follow the FTC on social media, read consumer alerts and the business blog, and sign up to get the latest FTC news and alerts.
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Are Ads on Social Media Vetted or Checked for Scams? Here’s What to Know - Federal Trade Commission
You’re browsing your social media feed when an ad grabs your attention mid-swipe: that designer bag you’ve been dreaming of is 50% off for a limited time only! You’re dying to get your hands on one, so you don’t think twice about clicking on the ad. Why would you? The ad is right there in your feed and it looks real, so you trust that it’s legit. But it might not be. That’s because social media platforms don’t always thoroughly vet the ads you see or the advertisers behind them.
Unfortunately, scammers are taking advantage of that, and some consumers are paying the price. According to an FTC data spotlight, in 2025, people reported losses of more than $95 million to scams that started when they ordered something after seeing an ad on social media. And since a lot of people don’t report scams, real losses are likely much higher.
How to avoid fake or scammy ads on social media
Because ads on social media aren’t always thoroughly vetted by platforms, it’s a good idea to check out the company before you buy based on an ad or post. Look online for its name plus “scam” or “complaint.”
Anyone can pay to place ads in your social media feed — including scammers impersonating real brands, selling knock-off products, or touting a program to teach you how to invest and beat the stock market. And they can show you personalized ads based on your online activity like your interests and shopping habits. Check out What To Do About Online Tracking and Personalized Ads to learn how to review and adjust your privacy and advertising settings in your browser, phone, and apps.
Report scams on social media
If you spot or lose money to a fake or scammy ad, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.