WASHINGTON, D.C.–Today, Senator Rick Scott’s bipartisan, bicameral legislation to name the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations Mayagüez Unit in Puerto Rico after Agent Michel O. Maceda who tragically lost his life in the line of duty, passed the Senate unanimously and is headed to the president’s desk to be signed in to law. Joining Senator Scott on the legislation are Senators Marco Rubio and Alex Padilla, as well as Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón, who is leading the companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

Agent Michel O. Maceda passed away on November 17, 2022 from injuries sustained while performing a boarding operation with two other agents on a target of interest off the shore of Puerto Rico. Onboard the target vessel, one of the occupants pulled a firearm and shot all three marine interdiction agents, killing Agent Maceda and seriously injuring the other two agents. Agent Maceda recently served as a marine interdiction agent in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. He started his CBP career on April 11, 2016, as a Border Patrol agent in Douglas, Arizona, and transferred to Air and Marine Operations on January 31, 2021. Agent Maceda honorably served with the United States Army prior to joining CBP. He was survived by his parents, a daughter and a brother.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Americans will always be thankful for the bravery of Marine Interdiction Agent Michel O. Maceda who dedicated his life to protecting Puerto Rico and our nation’s borders. I want to thank my colleagues in the Senate and Representative González-Colón for their support and unanimously voting to name CBP Air and Marine Operations Mayagüez Unit in Puerto Rico after him to ensure his bravery, service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

Congresswoman Jenniffer González Colón said, “Two years ago, Marine Interdiction Agent Michel O. Maceda died in the line of duty after being shot by drug smugglers during a maritime interdiction operation off the coast of Puerto Rico. His heroic actions contributed to the seizure of over 2,900 pounds of cocaine, preventing them from reaching and threatening our communities. I’m pleased the Senate passed my legislation to designate CBP Air and Marine Operations’ Mayagüez Marine Unit in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico in honor of Agent Maceda. This would be a fitting tribute to his memory and sacrifice. I thank Senator Rick Scott for his partnership and look forward to having the President sign the bill.”

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