Fentanyl remains a major problem for the United States, but with President Donald Trump making it harder than ever for cartels to operate across our southern border, border agents are not reporting that egg smuggling has become more common than fentanyl. Can you believe it?
At a glance:
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents have reported 3,768 seizures of bird and poultry-related products since October, compared to just 352 fentanyl seizures
• There has been a 36% increase in attempts to smuggle eggs into the U.S. compared to last year, with San Diego seeing a dramatic 158% increase
• Smuggling surge linked to record-high egg prices, with some cities seeing prices as high as $10 per dozen
• Raw egg imports are prohibited due to risks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (bird flu) and Virulent Newcastle disease
• The Trump administration is working to rebuild a national stockpile of avian flu vaccines to address price surges and virus outbreaks
Egg Smuggling Epidemic Overwhelms Border Agents
Border agents are facing an unexpected crisis as egg smuggling has become more prevalent than drug trafficking at U.S. borders. CBP officers have conducted nearly 4,000 seizures of poultry products since October, dwarfing the 352 fentanyl seizures during the same period.
The surge in contraband eggs comes amid soaring prices that have reached record highs across the country. Desperate consumers are turning to illegal imports from Mexico and Canada, where prices are significantly lower – although recent reports have indicated that domestic prices for eggs are slowly beginning to come down.
In Texas alone, CBP agents have stopped at least 90 people from smuggling eggs from Mexico since January. El Paso border agents have issued 16 civil penalties totaling nearly $4,000 for smuggling prohibited products including raw eggs.
Health Concerns Drive Import Restrictions
The importation of eggs across the border is not simple, and crossing the border with large quantities of eggs in a regular vehicle is not permitted. Federal regulations strictly prohibit bringing fresh eggs, raw chicken, unprocessed avian products, and live birds into the United States due to serious health concerns. These restrictions are primarily designed to prevent the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, commonly known as bird flu.
Bird flu has become widespread in wild birds and has caused significant outbreaks in U.S. poultry and dairy cows. The disease has resulted in 70 human cases in the United States, including one death, with symptoms ranging from mild eye redness to severe respiratory failure. There are even reports of pets, including cats, dying from the virus in the United States.
Raw eggs from Mexico also pose a risk of transmitting Virulent Newcastle disease, which is fatal in birds but not considered a food safety concern for humans. The Trump administration has recognized the severity of the situation and is working to rebuild a national stockpile of avian flu vaccines.
Border Security Priorities Questioned
The dramatic shift in smuggling patterns has raised questions about border security priorities and resource allocation. Matthew Holmes of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce stated, “It appears there are more eggs being smuggled into the U.S. from Canada right now than fentanyl.”
And while Democrats might use that line as a reason to suggest Trump’s border policies are unnecessary, it actually just proves that what Trump is doing is working!
Holmes further questioned the connection between trade decisions and fentanyl interdiction efforts, noting that “as serious as combatting illegal fentanyl is, its link to these trade decisions is highly questionable.” Data shows that less than 1% of fentanyl seizures occur at the northern border.
