(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.”
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.