What does 19 USC § 1589a(3) mention regarding warrantless arrests?

The provision 19 USC § 1589a(3) specifically addresses the authority of customs officers to make warrantless arrests in relation to felony offenses that they observe firsthand. This means that if a customs officer witnesses a felony being committed, they are empowered to act immediately without needing a warrant. This provision is crucial because it allows for prompt enforcement of the law in situations where immediate action may be necessary to prevent further unlawful conduct or to ensure that a suspect does not flee.

The focus on felony offenses highlights the seriousness of the crimes that warrant such immediate intervention and reflects a legal framework that prioritizes public safety and the enforcement of customs laws over procedural delays that a warrant might entail. The context of warrantless arrests primarily pertains to observed felonies rather than traffic violations or misdemeanors, which is why the other choices do not fit the specified criteria in the statute.