US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the US Coast Guard carried out a daring back-to-back operation to board two 'ghost fleet' oil tankers, the Motor Tanker Bella I and the Motor Tanker Sophia. Both vessels were either last docked in Venezuela or headed there. Footage released by the US showed helicopters lowering troops onto the ships, which were then taken over. Noem said, "In two predawn operations today, the Coast Guard conducted back-to-back meticulously coordinated boarding of two 'ghost fleet' tanker ships— one in the North Atlantic Sea and one in international waters near the Caribbean." The US seized the Russian-flagged tanker with ties to Venezuela, M/T Sophia. The US Southern Command stated that Bella-1 violated US sanctions, while M/T Sophia was involved in illicit activities in international waters. Noem praised the teamwork under former President Trump’s leadership, saying, "US Coast Guard tactical teams worked closely with counterparts at the Departments of War, Justice and State using their specialized expertise to conduct these operations and conduct two safe, effective boardings within hours of each other." She revealed that the Motor Tanker Bella I had tried to evade capture by changing its flag and even painting a new name on its hull, but failed to escape justice. Praising the USCGC Munro crew, Noem said, "The heroic crew of the USCGC Munro pursued this vessel across the high seas and through treacherous storms— keeping diligent watch, and protecting our country with the determination and patriotism that make Americans proud. These brave men and women deserve our nation’s thanks for their selfless devotion to duty." She ended with a strong warning: "The world’s criminals are on notice. You can run, but you can’t hide. We will never relent in our mission to protect the American people and disrupt the funding of narco terrorism wherever we find it, period. This is our country’s greatest fighting force at their best. This is America first at sea."