Feds creating partnership to protect Port of Va.

RICHMOND

Federal, state and local officials are joining to better protect the Port of Virginia.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Virginia Port Authority are announcing a new partnership with state and local officials on Wednesday to enhance security at the port.

The Norfolk Border Enforcement Security Task Force will be the 22nd such partnership in the U.S. and Mexico.

The teams are designed to increase information sharing and collaboration among agencies tasked with protecting borders and ports.

In addition to the nation's borders, BEST programs have been set up along the Gulf Coast and in numerous locations along the East Coast.