What happens to a vessel located beyond the 12-nautical mile line that unlawfully introduces merchandise into the U.S.?

A vessel located beyond the 12-nautical mile line that unlawfully introduces merchandise into the U.S. is deemed constructively present and is subject to boarding by enforcement agencies. This principle arises from the legal interpretations of jurisdictional limits. While vessels typically enjoy some level of sovereignty beyond the 12-mile territorial sea limit, if they engage in illegal activities such as introducing contraband or merchandise unlawfully into U.S. waters, they can be treated as if they are within U.S. jurisdiction. This constructively present status allows law enforcement to take necessary actions, including boarding the vessel, to enforce U.S. laws. Thus, the lawful frameworks governing maritime law and jurisdiction come into play, enabling enforcement actions regardless of the vessel's actual geographic location when it has committed unlawful acts against U.S. statutes.