(Daily Signal)—Illegal border crossings are down across the U.S. border with Mexico, and Customs and Border Protection has also seen a significant decline in drug seizures at the border. But the same cannot be said of drug seizures in the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands as cartels look for ways to get their drugs into the United States with the U.S.-Mexico border practically shut down.
While illegal crossings are down in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, drug smuggling is on the rise. Already in fiscal year 2025, Border Patrol has seized 9,600 pounds of cocaine, while it seized 5,900 pounds in 2024 and 5,300 pounds in 2023.
“The Caribbean has always been a hot spot for cocaine,” Chief Patrol Agent Reggie Johnson of the Ramey Sector told The Daily Signal.
The Caribbean’s geographical location makes it a prime region for drug smuggling, according to Johnson. Specifically, Puerto Rico can be thought of as a “bridge to the U.S.,” he explained, because it is geographically much closer to Venezuela, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic—high drug-producing nations—than to the U.S. mainland.
Most of the drugs entering Puerto Rico are smuggled in via boat, according to Johnson. Once inside the U.S. territory, he says it is easier for smugglers to get the drugs to the U.S. mainland because flights are domestic from the Caribbean into the U.S.
Smugglers “may mail the cocaine, they may try to travel with the cocaine on planes, or they’ll take other boats or ships toward the United States,” he said.
Efforts to apprehend drug smugglers is often a joint law enforcement effort that includes the Coast Guard, CBP’s Office of Field Operations, and local police in Puerto Rico.
“It really should not surprise people if there is an uptick in activity in Puerto Rico because the U.S.-Mexico border has been pretty much shut down,” Jessica Vaughan, director of policy studies for the Center for Immigration Studies, told The Daily Signal.
Drug traffickers are “nimble,” Vaughan says. “They have to find substitutes for the business that they were able to do [while] taking advantage of the U.S.-Mexico border,” she said, adding that there has been an increase in maritime drug smuggling since the start of the Trump administration in January.
President Donald Trump has prioritized border security since returning to the Oval Office, ending the “catch and release” of illegal aliens, reinstating the Remain in Mexico Policy, and ending a number of “parole” programs used to mass parole illegal aliens into the U.S. under the Biden administration.
Additional resources are needed to address the increased drug smuggling efforts in Puerto Rico, and Johnson says the passage of the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” is expected to provide those resources.
“We’re going to receive the resources and funding like we’ve never seen before for border security,” the Ramey Sector chief said. “You know, my sector personally, we’re going to have more vehicles, more personnel to address the threats, drones, surveillance towers, ATVs—we’re going to be fully equipped to handle the threat and ensure we can detect the threat before it makes landfall.”
The One Big, Beautiful Bill includes $165 billion in funding for the Department of Homeland Security, including $4.1 billion to hire additional border security personnel and “$3.2 billion for new technology and $2.7 billion for new cutting-edge border surveillance,” according to DHS.
The focus of the Border Patrol right now is “100% situational awareness,” Johnson says, adding that every mile of Puerto Rico’s border is “going to be secure.”
Three Reasons a Coffee Gift Set From This Christian Company Is Perfect for Christmas
When you’re searching for a Christmas gift that’s meaningful, useful, and rooted in faith, you don’t want to settle for anything generic. This season is filled with noise — mass-produced products, last-minute picks, and trends that fade as quickly as they appear. But one gift stands apart because it blends genuine quality with a message that matters: a coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee.
This small Christian-owned company has become a favorite among believers who want to support faith-driven businesses while giving friends and family something they’ll actually enjoy. Here are three reasons a Promised Grounds Coffee gift set may be the most thoughtful and impactful present you give this year.
1. It’s Truly Delicious Coffee
Too many “gift-worthy” coffees look beautiful in the package but disappoint when the cup is poured. Promised Grounds takes the opposite approach — exceptional taste first, thoughtful presentation second.
Their beans are sourced with care, roasted in small batches, and crafted to bring out a rich, smooth flavor profile that appeals to both casual drinkers and true coffee lovers. Whether someone enjoys bold, dark roasts or lighter, more delicate blends, every sip reflects quality that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the biggest specialty brands.
Simply put: this coffee is good. Really good. Some say it’s absolutely fantastic. If you want a gift that won’t be re-gifted, ignored, or shoved in a cabinet, this is it.
2. It Spreads the Word While Serving a Real Purpose
There are many Christian gifts that are meaningful… but not exactly practical. There are also useful gifts that have nothing to do with faith. Promised Grounds Coffee bridges both worlds beautifully.
Each gift set delivers an encouraging, faith-centered message through its packaging and presentation — a simple but powerful reminder of God’s goodness during the Christmas season. The cups are especially popular and serve as a daily reminder of the blessings from our Lord. At the same time, the product itself is something people will actually use and appreciate every single day.
It’s a gift that uplifts the spirit and fills the mug. A gift that points loved ones toward Scripture while still being part of the normal rhythm of life. And in a culture that increasingly pushes faith to the margins, giving a gift that quietly but confidently honors Christ can make a deeper impact than you might expect.
3. It’s Affordable, Valuable, and Elegantly Presented
Many people want to give something meaningful without breaking their Christmas budget. Promised Grounds Coffee strikes that perfect balance — the sets look and feel premium, but the price remains accessible.
The packaging is classy, clean, and gift-ready, making it ideal for:
- Family members of all ages
- Co-workers or employees
- Church friends or small-group leaders
- Hosts, neighbors, and last-minute gift needs
It’s the kind of gift that feels more expensive than it is — and more thoughtful than most of what you’ll find on store shelves.
The Perfect Blend of Faith, Flavor, and Christmas Cheer
A coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee checks every box: a gift that tastes amazing, conveys your faith, supports a Christian business, and brings daily enjoyment to the person who receives it. In a season when so many gifts are forgotten, this one stands out for all the right reasons.
If you want a Christmas present that reflects your values and delivers genuine joy, Promised Grounds Coffee is the perfect place to start.
