Recent Texas Border Activity: Over 2,216 Illegals Apprehended, Including Child Sex Offenders, MS-13 Gang Members, Seized Nearly $26M In Drugs
Staff Report
NOTE: Corridor News has reached out to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for additional information and were informed that protecting the border and the U.S. Citizens is their first priority. Therefore, we expect what information we receive will be minimal.
Below you will find the latest information available for reported drug smuggling, human trafficking and illegal crossings that have occurred on the Texas border and ports.
It has been published by many news outlets around the country that the criminal activity on our Texas-Mexico border has been consistently dropping over the last couple of years, and Americans and Texans have been given inconsistent information on what is occurring on our border.
Our U.S. border issues are complex, and they affect all Texans.
This is our home, and to most Texans, the border isn’t a political issue or a tool to use against another political party; this is a safety and security issue for us, our children, families, friends and our local and national law enforcement.
As you read below, we hope the information provided will help all Texans to better understand the problems happening on our southern border and what we need to do to repair our current immigration laws and policies that stem from our lawmakers in D.C.
However, to better understand if these are real problems or just political bloviation concerning our southern border with drug smuggling, human trafficking of children and adults, unaccompanied children and illegal immigrant crossings that include gang members and many from terrorist countries, we need the real numbers, facts and statistics.
Texas isn’t the only state that shares a border with Mexico. Therefore, as you read our weekly report below, remember this information is only what is occurring on the Texas-Mexico border and Texas ports.
This information has been gathered and compiled directly from information given to us by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which is under the purview of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
As for the accuracy of the information we are providing to you, we can only decipher the information that is released to us. Therefore, the number of incidents, arrests, types of narcotics, weight or the street value of said narcotics is considered the minimum amount.
We give the totals of illegal crossing arrests, including their nationality, drug seizures including weight and “street value” totals, current charges or convictions of those apprehended and other items to help all of us make educated decisions. Additionally, we include links to our other weekly border stories.
All people apprehended by the Border Patrol undergo criminal history checks using biometrics to ensure their criminal histories are positively identified.
To report suspicious activity such as alien and/or drug smuggling, contact their website at http://www.cbp.gov. Or follow them on Twitter at @CBPRGV.
The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and to help save lives by reporting suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.
Read related border coverage:
- Mar. 27, 2019: Weekly Texas Border Recap: CBP Seize Nearly $80 Million In Drugs, Arrest Two Child Sex Offenders
- Mar 11, 2019: Weekly Texas Border Activity: CBP Apprehend 1,027 Illegals, Three Child Sex Offenders And Seize $1.4M In Drugs
NOTE: The totals below for arrests, apprehensions, seizures, drugs, etc. are ONLY what is reported by Customs & Border Protection to us. There are multiple incidents that happen everyday on all U.S. borders that aren’t reported. Corridor News is not responsible for the information that is NOT reported or incorrectly reported.
• Mar. 27 – Apr. 3, 2019 •
Texas Border Reported Arrests/Apprehensions
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Reported Arrests/Apprehensions from the following counties;
• El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Sri Lanka, China and USC (U.S. Citizen)
• Arrests/Apprehensions: 2,216+ (“+”: see note below)
Of those above there were…
• Rescue(s): 11
• US Citizen(s): 6
• Fatality(ies): 2
• Minor(s): Total unknown/not given – Age(s) 4 months – 17 years
• Child Sex Offender: 4
• Gang Member:
° MS-13: 4
• Seizures
° Passenger Vehicle(s) Seized: 9
° Commercial Vehicle: 2
• Shipment of wooden pedestals
° Water Vessel(s): 2
• Arrests with Prior Criminal Conviction(s) or Active Criminal Warrant(s)
NOTE: There are multiple incidents involving criminals from Central America, the United States and most all other countries that happen daily on all U.S. borders. However, the totals below include ONLY what is has reported by U.S. Customs & Border Protection and ONLY along the Texas border. Corridor News is not responsible for what is NOT reported or incorrectly reported.
• CBP Charges (New): 2
• Outstanding Warrant(s): 4
• Prior Criminal Conviction(s): 5
- New CBP Charges: Honduran National – Name not given; a 21-year-old legal permanent resident, originally from Honduras, faces a charge of 18 USC § 111 – assault on a federal officer – and was turned over to the custody of the FBI.
- Active Arrest Warrant: U.S. Citizen – Coker Dean Baker, confirmed that she had outstanding state warrant for homicide out of Seminole County in Oklahoma.
- Active Arrest Warrant: U.S. Citizen – Anastacia Phillinia Little, confirmed that she had an outstanding state warrant for homicide out of Seminole County in Oklahoma.
- Active Arrest Warrant: Mexican National – 19-year-old Edwin Javier Hurtado Valdez, a Mexican citizen wanted by the Anne Arundel County in Annapolis, Maryland on an outstanding felony warrant for homicide.
- Active Arrest Warrant: U.S. Citizen: David Wayne Kane, wanted for sexual abuse of a child. The arrest warrant originated out of Marfa, Texas with a bond set at $150,000.
- Prior Conviction: Honduran national – A Honduran national traveling with his 3 year-old child revealed a prior conviction for rape in the 2nd degree in Baltimore, Maryland.
- Prior Conviction: Honduran National – Had a conviction in DeKalb County, Georgia in 2007 for child molestation. The man was sentenced to three years confinement and was removed from the United States. Additionally, he will know face a charge of 8 USC § 1326 – re-entry after deportation, which carries a maximum sentence up to 20 years in prison.
- Prior Conviction: Guatemalan national – Record checks revealed is a Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang member with criminal history to include robbery in the state of Georgia.
- Prior Conviction: Salvadorian National – Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang member with a prior arrest for theft in the state of Maryland.
- Prior Conviction: Nationality Unknown – Previous conviction for voluntary manslaughter in DeKalb County, Georgia.
- Prior Conviction: Nationality Unknown –Previous arrest and conviction for sexual assault on child in Harris County, Texas.
*NOTE: Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
**Note: “+”; U.S. Customs and Border Patrol did not list specific totals and/or countries on some reported incidents.
Texas Border Weekly Narcotic Seizures & Estimated Street Price
*NOTE: The totals below are an estimate of what was reported to us. U.S. dollar and pounds used.
° 7,511.40 lbs.
° $18,618,730
° 105.72 lbs.
° $650,628
• Methamphetamine° 329.99 lbs.
° $6,648,460
• Total Weight of Narcotics: 7,947.11 (+) lbs.
• Estimated Street Value of Narcotics: $25,917,818 Million(+)
**National Air Security Operations Center in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. Customs and Border Protection P-3 crews seized or disrupted 261,939 pounds of cocaine in 2018 for a street value of $3,349675932 billion.
CBP Seizes Smuggled Currency at Presidio Port of Entry
Currency bundles wrapped in black tape were hidden within the tailgate of the truck. | Photo by U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionPRESIDIO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Presidio port of entry seized $170,030 Saturday afternoon.
The money was discovered hidden in the tailgate of a pick-up truck.
CBP officers were conducting an outbound operation at the Presidio crossing when at approximately 12:50 p.m. a 2018 Nissan Titan pick-up driven by a 48-year-old U.S. citizen, accompanied by a 23-year-old Mexican citizen passenger approached the inspection area.
Further inspection of the vehicle revealed currency bundles wrapped in black tape hidden within the tailgate of the truck.
CBP officers seized the money and vehicle and turned the driver and passenger to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement HSI special agents in connection with the failed smuggling attempt.
“CBP officers are working hard to stop the illegal movement of guns, ammunition and unreported currency,” said Michael Neipert, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Presidio port director. “Travelers who do not follow federal currency reporting requirements run the risk of losing their currency and may potentially face criminal charges.”
While anti-terrorism is the primary mission of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the inspection process at the ports of entry associated with this mission results in impressive numbers of enforcement actions in all categories.
CBP Releases March Statistics for Southwest Border Migration
Record levels of apprehensions continue
WASHINGTON —U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released today March Southwest border Migration statistics. Encounters of family units and unaccompanied children along the Southwest border rose again this month to numbers not seen since 2014.
“We are currently experiencing a system-wide emergency in our processing and holding facilities. The humanitarian crisis created by a massive influx of family groups and unaccompanied children in recent months has forced CBP to reallocate resources away from law enforcement, trade and travel missions to process and provide care for those in our custody,” said CBP Deputy Commissioner Robert E. Perez. “The impacts to legitimate trade and travel cannot be overstated. As this crisis continues to worsen, it undermines CBP’s ability to perform its dual mission of protecting our borders and facilitating legitimate trade and travel.”
In Fiscal Year 2019 to date, the U.S. Border Patrol has seen a more than 370% increase in the number of family units apprehended compared to the same time period in FY2018.
Today, 60% of apprehensions along the Southwest border are family units and unaccompanied children, made up predominantly of individuals from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.
Additionally, through the first six months of FY19, CBP has encountered 104 large groups composed of 100 or more individuals totaling 17,242 apprehensions. In comparison, U.S. Border Patrol encountered 13 large groups in FY2018 and two FY2017.
CBP has expanded contract medical support in major “high-risk” locations at and between ports of entry along the Southwest border where large numbers of family units and unaccompanied children have been encountered. This contracted medical support includes medical assessments by certified medical professionals (usually registered nurses and family nurse practitioners) and translation services.
Increased delays to arriving pedestrians, passenger vehicles and commercial trucks have already been experienced across the Southwest border and are expected to continue.
Ports of entry in California and Arizona have closed some commercial lanes. CBP is attempting to mitigate these impacts, but those who cross the Southwest border should expect these delays to worsen as more resources are devoted to the humanitarian crisis.
To view Southwest Border Migration statistics, please visit www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/sw-border-migration and for border wait times, please visit https://bwt.cbp.gov/index.html.
Border Patrol and Air and Marine agents and local Law Enforcement seize $1.7 million in drugs in the Rio Grande Valley
EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents disrupted multiple smuggling attempts that resulted in the seizure of marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamine.
On Thursday, McAllen agents working near Havana, Texas, responded to a report of several subjects carrying bundles of marijuana north of the Rio Grande.
Agents from Air and Marine Operations and Border Patrol, along with Texas Department of Public Safety troopers and U.S. Fish and Wildlife officers, located six illegal aliens and the seized 20 bundles of marijuana worth an estimated $185K.
On Sunday, Rio Grande City agents working near Fronton, Texas, responded to the report of a narcotic smuggling attempt. Upon arrival, agents located a black Chevrolet Suburban loaded with several bundles of marijuana.
As agents searched the area, they observed 10 subjects return to Mexico and arrested two Mexican nationals. Agents seized the suburban and the marijuana, weighing more than 925 pounds and worth an estimated $742K.
Additionally, in separate incidents over the last few days, Border Patrol agents seized over 23 pounds of cocaine, 33 pounds of marijuana and over 2 pounds of methamphetamine, worth an estimated value of $833K.
Border Patrol is processing all subjects accordingly.
Border Patrol agents Continue to Encounter Criminal Aliens in the Rio Grande Valley
EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley arrested two gang members and a sex offender in three days.
On Thursday afternoon, agents apprehended a Salvadoran national on a local ranch near Kingsville, Texas.
During processing, record checks confirmed the subject is a member of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang.
On Friday morning, agents patrolling the Rio Grande arrested four illegal aliens near Roma, Texas.
During processing, record checks on one of the men revealed he is a member of the MS-13 gang with a previous conviction for voluntary manslaughter in DeKalb County, Georgia.
Early Saturday morning, McAllen agents apprehended a group of 12 illegal aliens who attempted to illegally enter the United States near La Joya, Texas.
While processing the group, record checks on one of the men revealed a previous arrest and conviction for sexual assault on child in Harris County, Texas.
The Border Patrol is processing the subjects accordingly.
Brownsville CBP Officers Seize $1.9 Million in Methamphetamine at Veterans International Bridge
Packages containing nearly 99 pounds of methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at Brownsville Port of Entry. | Photo by U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionBROWNSVILLE, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Veterans International Bridge intercepted a load of methamphetamine.
CBP officers discovered the narcotics, valued at approximately $1,975,322, hidden within a tan 2001 Chevrolet Silverado pickup.
“This substantial seizure demonstrates our officers’ commitment to the CBP mission of keeping our borders secure and our country is safer for it,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry. “I congratulate our officers for their outstanding work.”
The seizure took place on Saturday, Apr. 6, at Veterans International Bridge when a 18-year-old male Mexican citizen who resides in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, applied for entry into the United States driving a tan 2001 Chevrolet Silverado Pickup.
The vehicle was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection. With the aid of a non-intrusive inspection system and canine unit, CBP officers discovered a total of 54 packages hidden within the vehicle.
CBP officers removed the packages, which contained a total of 98.77 pounds of alleged methamphetamine.
The estimated street value of the narcotics from the seizure is approximately $1,975,322.
CBP officers seized the narcotics along with the vehicle, arrested the driver and turned him over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for further investigation.
CBP Awards Contract for Duty Handguns
WASHINGTON – U.S. Customs and Border Protection awarded a contract to Glock Inc. today to provide CBP law enforcement personnel the next generation standard duty handgun.
The contract is for up to $85 million over 10 years, which includes other DHS law enforcement components that have the option to purchase duty handguns through the contract.
CBP’s Law Enforcement Safety and Compliance Directorate led the extensive solicitation process to replace CBP’s current duty handgun.
“This contract provides CBP law enforcement personnel the latest in handgun technology and represents our commitment to providing the highest quality use-of-force tools and equipment to our law enforcement personnel who defend America’s frontline every day,” said Deputy Commissioner Robert E. Perez.
The solicitation process included independent performance testing by the National Institute of Justice laboratories, direct input from over 16,000 CBP law enforcement personnel and extensive field evaluations.
With the award of this contract, CBP intends to transition all law enforcement personnel from the current .40 pistol to a 9mm pistol by the end of Fiscal Year 2021.
As a component of CBP Operations Support, LESC’s mission is to optimize the safety and readiness, accountability, and operational performance of CBP law enforcement personnel by articulating use of force policy, establishing appropriate controls and standards and supplying the highest quality education and training, weapons and other tactical equipment.
Eagle Pass Border Patrol Agents Arrest Convicted Child Molester
Honduran National Previously Deported
Eagle Pass, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass Station arrested a convicted sex offender in Eagle Pass.
“Our agents remain committed to protecting our communities,” said Del Rio Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Louie W. Collins. “Thanks to their vigilance, this dangerous individual was arrested before he could make it into the interior of the United States and potentially harm another child.”
On April 5, Border Patrol agents from the Eagle Pass Station arrested a 47-year-old Honduran national after he illegally entered the United States.
Records checks revealed he was convicted in DeKalb County, Georgia in 2007 for child molestation.
The man was sentenced to three years confinement and was removed from the United States.
As a convicted felon, the man faces a charge of 8 USC § 1326 – re-entry after deportation, which carries a maximum sentence up to 20 years in prison.
All individuals arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol undergo record checks using biometrics to ensure those with criminal history or gang affiliation are positively identified.
The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is part of the Joint Task Force-West South Texas Corridor, which leverages federal, state, and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations.
To report suspicious activity call the Del Rio Sector’s toll free number at 1-866-511-8727.
CBP Officers Conducting Outbound Operations at Laredo Port of Entry Apprehend Two Subjects Wanted in Oklahoma for Homicide
LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations officers conducting outbound inspections at the Laredo Port of Entry apprehended two southbound travelers who were wanted on outstanding felony warrants for homicide.
“Today’s apprehension of a couple attempting to flee the U.S. with outstanding felony warrants for homicide demonstrates our commitment to keeping our communities safe,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “Our ability to identify and take into custody wanted fugitives from the streets of our community helps make our nation a safer place to live.”
The apprehension occurred on Thursday, April 4, at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge in the outbound lanes.
CBP officers conducted a primary examination on a 32-year-old male U.S. citizen traveling with a 27-year-old female U.S. citizen driving a Buick Century.
The CBP officer referred both travelers and the vehicle to secondary for further inspection due to a possible match to an outstanding warrant.
CBP officers conducted a fingerprint check and utilizing national law enforcement databases confirmed the identity of both subjects as Coker Dean Baker and Anastacia Phillinia Little, and confirmed that both had outstanding state warrants for homicide out of Seminole County in Oklahoma.
Both subjects were transported to Webb County Jail pending extradition proceedings and warrant adjudication.
Charges and allegations contained in criminal complaints are merely accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
El Paso Border Patrol Agents Apprehend Nine in Vehicle that Failed to Yield in New Mexico, Two Ejected Aliens Died, Driver Arrested
EL PASO, Texas -U.S. Border Patrol agents from the El Paso Sector responded to a report of a suspected smuggling incident Saturday, April 6, 2019 at 8 p.m. EDT, near mile marker 131 on highway 9 in New Mexico.
Agents encountered the grey minivan identified by the report, which failed to yield to emergency lights and sirens.
As a result, agents deployed a controlled tire deflation device on Highway 9 at mile marker 142. The vehicle swerved away from the device, rolled over and two people were ejected.
Agents immediately provided emergency care, and contacted emergency medical services and the New Mexico State Police. Border Patrol emergency medical technicians and a U.S. Coast Guard medical team assigned to the Santa Teresa Station also responded.
The Dona Ana Medical Examiner pronounced the two individuals who were thrown from the vehicle to be deceased. Of the 11 people in the vehicle, EMS transported five with non-life-threatening injuries to a hospital nearby.
Agents identified the driver as a 27-year-old male, U.S. citizen. The identities of the deceased will be withheld pending notification to family members. El Paso Sector also notified Homeland Security Investigations and CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility.
16 Arrested in Human Smuggling Attempt near Comstock
DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Comstock Station arrested a group of 16 undocumented immigrants, including an alleged alien smuggler.
“Transnational Criminal Organizations continue to exploit the humanitarian crisis on the border to smuggle immigrants who are attempting to evade detection,” said Del Rio Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Louie W. Collins. “I commend our Border Patrol agents for thwarting this smuggling attempt.”
On April 2, at approximately 2 a.m., Border Patrol agents arrested a group of 16 undocumented Mexican nationals after they illegally crossed the border near Comstock.
They were transported to the Comstock Station for processing, during which agents determined one of the individuals had guided the rest of the group for profit.
Gabriel Cardenas-Richar, 56, of Mexico, faces federal prosecution on a charge of 8 USC § 1324 – conspiracy to transport illegal aliens – which carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison. He was turned over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations.
The rest of the of the group was processed per U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidelines.
A criminal complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is part of the Joint Task Force-West South Texas Corridor, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations.
Brownsville CBP Officers Seize $135K in Cocaine at Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge intercepted a load of cocaine.
CBP officers discovered the narcotics, valued at approximately $135,660, hidden within a red 2008 Toyota Camry.
“The security of our border is a top priority for CBP and our officers continue to maintain an elevated enforcement posture to prevent dangerous drugs from entering into our country,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry. “I congratulate our officers for their diligence and for their excellent job in this seizure.”
The seizure took place on Wednesday, Apr. 3, at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge when a 48-year-old female Mexican citizen who resides in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, applied for entry into the United States driving a red 2008 Toyota Camry.
The vehicle was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection. With the aid of a canine unit, CBP officers discovered seven packages hidden within the vehicle. CBP officers removed the packages, which contained a total of 17.59 pounds of alleged cocaine.
The estimated street value of the narcotics from the seizure is approximately $135,660.
CBP officers seized the narcotics along with the vehicle, arrested the driver and turned her over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for further investigation.
CBP Officers Seize Over $701K Worth in Hard Narcotics at the Laredo Port of Entry
LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers intercepted a noteworthy amount of hard narcotics with an estimated street value of more than $701,000 in one enforcement action at the World Trade Bridge.
“I commend our CBP officers for their hard work and attention to detail,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “Every narcotics interception at our ports of entry helps to keep our community safe from dangerous drugs.”
The seizure occurred on Wednesday, Apr. 3, at the World Trade Bridge when a CBP officer referred a 2012 Freightliner tractor hauling a shipment of wooden pedestals for a secondary examination.
Upon a non-intrusive imaging and canine inspection, CBP officers discovered 29 packages containing a total of 35 pounds of alleged methamphetamine within the shipment.
The narcotics have an estimated street value of $701,944. CBP officers seized the narcotics. The case was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for further investigation.
CBP and FDA collaborate to protect public health and safety
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) leaders signed an agreement today to maximize inspection and detection capabilities in order to prevent illegal and harmful products from entering the U.S. through the nation’s International Mail Facilities (IMFs) and Ports of Entry.
“CBP and FDA have a long history of working jointly to protect the public from illegal or harmful products entering the U.S.,” said U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin K. McAleenan. “Information and resource sharing between agencies allows us to be more effective and more efficient in confronting threats. We are eager to see the results of this expanded partnership, and I would like to thank FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb for strengthening CBP and FDA collaboration during his tenure. His efforts were key to the success of both of our agencies, I look forward to continue to work closely with our partners at the FDA.”
The agreement will enhance CBP’s ability to disrupt illegal supply chains that exploit the international mail environment, including illicit opioid shipments and improve information sharing to increase efficiency, and facilitate mission responsibilities.
“Today’s letter of intent demonstrates the FDA’s ongoing work with CBP and our other federal partners, to ensure that FDA-regulated products imported into the U.S. are safe and otherwise comply with federal law,” said FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D.
“Thousands of illicit and dangerous products come from overseas each day, such as unapproved fentanyl products, counterfeit prescription drugs or fake over-the-counter products that look legitimate. In recent years, we’ve committed new resources and have been granted new authorities by Congress to target these violative products and stop them before they’re able to enter our country. When bad actors try to circumvent the safety of our supply chains by breaking federal law, we’ll take all appropriate action necessary to ensure these potential risks do not harm the American public.”
An additional focus of this effort will be coordinating shared space as well as increased scientific presence at high-risk/high-volume IMF locations, helping to facilitate and support real-time entry decisions and increased data sharing.
There are currently nine IMF locations across the U.S., with one location in Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands respectively and two locations in California. CBP provides security and facilitation operations at 328 ports of entry throughout the country.
CBP Arrests Subject Wanted on Sexual Abuse of a Minor
PRESIDIO, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers working at the Presidio port of entry arrested a United States citizen wanted for sexual abuse of a child Tuesday afternoon.
The arrest warrant originated out of Marfa, Texas with a bond set at $150,000.
“Drug smugglers and criminals will routinely try to mingle with legal travelers using the port,” said Michael Neipert, CBP Presidio Port Director. “The vigilance of CBP officers working at the Presidio port of entry identified and removed an alleged criminal from the streets of America.”
The arrest was made Tuesday afternoon when 46-year-old U.S. citizen David Wayne Kane attempted to make entry at the Presidio Port of Entry via vehicular primary lanes.
CBP officers received a positive NCIC outstanding warrant alert on the man when he was queried while making entry from Mexico. He was immediately taken into custody and the warrant confirmed and turned over to the Presidio Police Department.
While anti-terrorism is the primary mission of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the inspection process at the ports of entry associated with this mission results in impressive numbers of enforcement actions in all categories.
Laredo Field Office Ports of Entry Continue Processing Commercial Traffic Despite Border Crisis
LAREDO, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) Laredo Field Office (LFO) Ports of Entry continue to processes commercial shipments at the border despite the unprecedented humanitarian and border security crisis along the Southwest border.
Cargo operations at the Laredo Field Office Ports of Entry that extend from Del Rio to Brownsville, Texas are currently operating fewer truck lanes; however, CBP would like to emphasize that the normal cargo hours of operation remain in effect at all eight Laredo Field Office ports of entry and there are no plans at this time to reduce weekend hours.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience and recommend they monitor Border Wait Times through various sources so they can get the latest information,” said Director of Field Operations, David P. Higgerson, Laredo Field Office. “As events unfold, we will continue to communicate with our partners and travelers to keep the community up-to-date of any changes to operations or services at the ports of entry.
For more information about the humanitarian and border security crisis on the Southwest border, please view Commissioner McAleenan’s press conference at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkoyLD5-rcQ&feature=youtu.be
CBP Officers at the Laredo Port of Entry Disrupt Narcotic Smuggling Attempt Worth Over $3.1 Million
LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers intercepted a significant amount of hard narcotics with an estimated street value of more than $3.1 million in one enforcement action at the Gateway to the Americas International Bridge over the weekend.
“Our CBP officers’ knowledge of concealment methods and the technology they utilize on a daily basis played a key role in the discovery,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “CBP officers display exemplary vigilance in keeping dangerous narcotics from entering our country.”
The seizure occurred on Saturday, Mar. 29, at the Gateway to the Americas International Bridge when a CBP officer referred a 2002 GMC Yukon for a secondary examination.
Upon a canine and non-intrusive imaging inspection, CBP officers discovered 27 packages containing a total of 155 pounds of alleged methamphetamine within the vehicle.
The narcotics have an estimated street value of $3,103,194. CBP officers seized the narcotics and the vehicle.
The case was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents for further investigation.
Public-Private Partnership Program Completes Pavement Expansion in Brownsville
How Are They Assisting Your Travel?
BROWNSVILLE, Texas — Last month, construction was completed on the Brownsville Veterans International Bridge Land Port of Entry adding pavement expansion improvements for commercial vehicles.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Donations Acceptance Program (DAP) partnered with the General Services Administration (GSA) and Cameron County, TX to quickly execute this $500,000 project which will increase traffic flow at the port of entry and decrease wait times for commercial vehicles.
The project became a catalyst for streamlining the CBP and GSA approval processes for similar future partnerships.
Beginning in January of 2018, and completed in March of 2019, the project went from idea to realization in fifteen months.
“Our mission is to facilitate legitimate trade and travel while maintaining an enforcement posture to keep our borders and our country secure. This project is a collaborative effort which allows both objectives to be accomplished more efficiently,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry. “I thank our partners for their vision and for working so expeditiously to see this project come to fruition.”
Image shows commercial trucks utilizing the new inbound lanes created through a pavement expansion project made possible through the Donations Acceptance Program. | U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionThe new inbound lanes will allow commercial vehicles to easily maneuver to navigate soon to be installed Multi-Energy Portals (MEPs) as part of the “Model Port” initiative.
MEPs are a drive-through Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) imaging system that will scan commercial vehicles pre-primary inspection, a preemptive step in the inspection process increasing border security and trade facilitation while decreasing driver waiting times at border crossing ports of entry.
The ability to add on more lanes and scan vehicles before they reach primary inspection improves the overall wait commercial travelers.
The “Model Port” initiative looks to launch NII technology at select ports of entry to further enhance CBP’s mission to protect the public while fostering the Nation’s global economic competitiveness by enabling legitimate trade and travel.
Section 482 of the Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act of 2016, Pub. L. No. 114-279, 130 Stat. 1413 (codified at 6 U.S.C. § 301a), authorizes CBP and GSA to accept donations of real property, personal property (including monetary donations) and non-personal services from public and private sector entities.
“On behalf of Cameron County, I am pleased to see the completion of the commercial FAST lane expansion project. As the main source for international commercial traffic in Cameron County, it is vital that the Veterans International Bridge operates at full capacity. We are very grateful for such an opportunity to work with our counterparts to improve our ports of entry. As the DAP is a federal program authorized by Congress, I would also like to extend a thank you to our delegation, including Congressman Vela and Senator Cornyn, for their approval and support on such programs which enhance the overall safety and effectiveness of our communities and ports,” said Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr.
Public-private partnerships are a key component of CBP’s Resource Optimization Strategy and allow CBP to provide new or expanded services and infrastructure at domestic ports of entry. For more information, visit www.cbp.gov/DAP.
For more information on the Cameron County International Bridge System please visit www.co.cameron.tx.us/bridge.html.
Brownsville CBP Officers Seize Narcotics Valued at More Than $272K in Two Seizures
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Brownsville Port of Entry intercepted methamphetamine and cocaine in two separate enforcement actions this past weekend that have a combined estimated street value of $272,183.
Packages containing 25 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Brownsville Port of Entry. | Photo by CBP“Our officers’ experience and expertise were key factors in these seizures. Their alertness allowed them to intercept these dangerous narcotics,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry. “I congratulate our officers on their continued efforts and the outstanding job they do every day.”
The first seizure took place on Friday, Mar. 29, at Gateway International Bridge when a 59-year-old female United States citizen who resides in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, attempted entry into the United States through the pedestrian lane and was referred to secondary.
During the secondary inspection, CBP officers discovered two packages hidden within the bag the woman was carrying.
CBP officers removed the packages, which contained a total of 3.9 pounds of alleged methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $78,043.
The second seizure took place on Saturday, Mar. 30, at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge, when CBP officers encountered a 19-year-old male Mexican citizen who resides in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, as the driver of a silver 2010 Volkswagen Jetta.
The driver was referred to CBP secondary, for further examination after the primary inspection. In the secondary inspection area, CBP officers discovered 11 packages hidden within the Volkswagen Jetta.
CBP officers removed the packages, which contained a total of 25.18 pounds of alleged cocaine that carry an estimated street value of $194,140.
CBP officers seized the narcotics along with the vehicle, arrested the travelers, and turned them over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for further investigation.
Border Patrol Agent Assaulted near Eagle Pass
Subject Attacks Agent after Failed Smuggling Attempt
EAGLE PASS, Texas – An agent from the Uvalde Border Patrol Station was assaulted after a failed human smuggling attempt on Highway 57 near Eagle Pass.
“Violence against on our agents will not be tolerated,” said Del Rio Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Louie W. Collins. “We will seek maximum penalties available under the law on anyone who assaults a Border Patrol agent.”
On March 30, Border Patrol agents attempted to stop a pick-up truck on Highway 57. After the driver failed to yield for several miles, he stopped and attempt to abscond on foot.
When confronted by an agent he became combative, striking the agent in the face before being subdued and arrested. The agent suffered mirror bruising to the side of his face but did not require medical attention other than first aid at the scene.
Upon inspection of the driver’s vehicle, agents found nine undocumented Mexican nationals in the bed of the truck and inside the cab. The nine individuals were processed per CBP guidelines.
The driver, a 21-year-old legal permanent resident, originally from Honduras, faces a charge of 18 USC § 111 – assault on a federal officer – and was turned over to the custody of the FBI.
The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is part of the Joint Task Force-West South Texas Corridor, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations.
Border Patrol Agents Rescue Migrant Family from Drowning
Eagle pass, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass Station marine unit rescued a family of four Guatemalan nationals from drowning in the Rio Grande River.
“Migrants continue to ignore the hazards and risk their lives attempting to cross the Rio Grande River,” said Del Rio Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Louie W. Collins. “Had our Border Patrol agents not been in the area to respond quickly, the woman and her children would have more than likely drowned.”
On March 28, Eagle Pass Station agents rescued a woman and her three children, ages 2, 4, and 15, during their attempt to cross the Rio Grande River. The woman and her children entered the water and were swept downriver by the strong current.
Agents patrolling the river in an airboat encountered the family in distress, and quickly maneuvered their airboat against the current and pulled the woman and children from under the water.
The family did not require medical attention after they were rescued and were processed in accordance with CBP guidelines.
The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is part of the Joint Task Force-West South Texas Corridor, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations.
CBP’s Air and Marine Operations Stop $17 Million Drug Shipment
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas—Agents from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) facilitated the seizure of over three tons of drugs last Friday.
Agents patrolling in a P-3 discovered a suspect panga-style vessel that was located in international waters off the coast of Central America.
A U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement team aboard a U.S. Navy ship patrolling in the area boarded the abandoned “panga” and discovered 6,100 pounds of marijuana destined for the United States.
The Coast Guard and Navy teams seized the narcotics and sank the vessel as a hazard to navigation.
“Typically most of the illicit traffic in the Eastern Pacific Ocean is smuggling cocaine, but marijuana is also a major source of income for drug trafficking organizations,” said Director of Air and Marine Operations Bob Blanchard. “The important thing is that our agents are there to stop these harmful drugs from getting to our streets.”
The National Air Security Operations Center—Corpus Christi is a division of Air and Marine Operations and operates the Lockheed P-3 Orion conducting counter-drug patrol missions over the Eastern Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
Together with the National Air Security Operations Center in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. Customs and Border Protection P-3 crews seized or disrupted 261,939 pounds of cocaine in 2018 for a street value of $3,349675932 billion.
The mission of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations is to serve and protect the American people.
Air and Marine Operations applies advanced aeronautical and maritime capabilities and employs its unique skill sets to preserve America’s security interests.
With 1,800 federal agents and mission support personnel, 240 aircraft and 300 marine vessels operating throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands, Air and Marine Operations uses its sophisticated fleets to detect, sort, intercept, track and apprehend criminals in diverse environments at and beyond U.S. borders.
Eagle Pass South Border Patrol Agents Seize $72K Worth of Methamphetamine
The driver and narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration. | Courtesy of CBPEAGLE PASS, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass South Station seized 15.32 pounds of methamphetamine at the U.S. Highway 57 immigration checkpoint.
“Drug smuggling organizations will frequently attempt to blend in with the traveling public to smuggle narcotics into the United States,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Felix Chavez. “This seizure highlights the contribution our agents and our checkpoints make in keeping dangerous drugs out of our communities and ultimately saving lives.”
On March 25, Eagle Pass South Border Patrol agents assigned to the immigration checkpoint on Highway 57, arrested a 30-year-old Mexican national with 15.32 pounds of methamphetamine with an estimated worth of $72,975 hidden within her vehicle.
The woman and narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is part of the Joint Task Force-West South Texas Corridor, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations.
Border Patrol Agents Care for Child While Undocumented Mother Taken to Hospital
DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Uvalde Station cared for an 18-month-old child while her mother was treated at a hospital after crossing the border illegally.
On March 26, Border Patrol agents from the Eagle Pass Station apprehended a pregnant Honduran woman traveling with her 18-month-old child after entering the United States illegally.
The woman was experiencing abdominal pain and was taken to Fort Duncan Regional Medical Center.
During this time, agents provided care for the 18-month-old in shifts at the Uvalde Border Patrol Station until the mother was released from the hospital.
After being deemed fit for travel by hospital staff, the woman was reunited with her daughter, and processed per U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidelines.
“I am proud of the agents and staff who continue to show great compassion during this humanitarian crisis on our southern border,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Felix Chavez. “However, our agents are continually pulled from their enforcement duties to watch over people at hospitals, and in this case a child while her mother was receiving care.”
The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is part of the South Texas Corridor, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations.
CBP Officers at Laredo Port of Entry Apprehend Man Wanted for Two Counts of Homicide
Pedestrians await primary inspection at Gateway to the Americas Bridge in Laredo, Texas. | Courtesy of CBPLAREDO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations officers at the Laredo Port of Entry apprehended a subject wanted on an outstanding felony warrant for homicide.
The apprehension occurred on Wednesday, Mar. 27 at the Gateway to the America International Bridge.
CBP officers conducted a primary examination on a male subject attempting to make entry via the pedestrian lanes and upon further inspection, the subject was found to be a possible match to an outstanding warrant.
CBP officers conducted a fingerprint check and utilizing national law enforcement databases confirmed his identity as 19-year-old Edwin Javier Hurtado Valdez, a Mexican citizen wanted by the Anne Arundel County in Annapolis, Maryland on an outstanding felony warrant for homicide.
Hurtado Valdez was transported to Webb County Jail.
“Our frontline officers continue to steadfastly uphold our border security mission. The processing and identity verification of a man with an outstanding felony warrant for homicide helps keep our community safe and illustrates our dedication to our mission,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry.
Charges and allegations contained in criminal complaints are merely accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Large Groups Continue to Inundate Border Patrol Agents
EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents continue to encounter large groups of illegal aliens undaunted by Border Patrol presence.
On Monday, Rio Grande City agents patrolling the Rio Grande near Sullivan City, Texas, encountered a group of 110 illegal aliens from the countries of Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala.
A few hours later, Rio Grande City agents working near Roma, Texas, encountered a large group of 98 illegal aliens from Central America.
On Tuesday, McAllen agents working near Penitas, Texas, encountered a group of 158 illegal aliens comprised of family units and unaccompanied children from the countries of El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Ecuador and Nicaragua.
An hour later, McAllen agents working near Abram, Texas, encountered a group of 105 illegal aliens comprised of family units and unaccompanied children from Central America and Ecuador.
That same day, McAllen agents patrolling the river levee near Mission, Texas, encountered a third group of over 100 illegal aliens consisting of family units and unaccompanied children. In all, agents took 123 people in to custody.
The group consisted of citizens and nationals of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Sri Lanka.
This morning, Rio Grande City agents working near Roma, Texas responded to a report of a large group of suspected illegal aliens walking north of the Rio Grande. Upon arrival, agents encountered 190 illegal aliens, all from Central America.
On Tuesday, the Rio Grande Valley Sector apprehended nearly 1,700 illegal aliens, making it the highest one-day total since 2014. At its current rate, the Rio Grande Valley Sector will surpass 2014 apprehensions during the last mass migration influx.
Border Patrol is processing all subjects accordingly.
Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol foils Narcotic Smuggling Attempts
EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents disrupted multiple smuggling attempts that resulted in the seizure of methamphetamines and marijuana.
On Monday, Fort Brown agents responded to the report of several subjects who entered the country illegally near Brownsville, Texas.
Responding agent located the group and arrested two Mexican nationals and seized more 20 pounds of methamphetamine. The narcotics are worth an estimated $665K.
On Tuesday, Rio Grande Valley agents seized more than 225 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $181K in two separate incidents.
Criminals continue to flow through the Rio Grande Valley
EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley arrested two gang members and a sex offender with significant criminal history.
On Friday, Rio Grande City agents working near Roma, Texas, arrested a Salvadoran national after he entered the United States illegally.
During processing, record checks revealed he is a Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang member with a prior arrest for theft in the state of Maryland.
On Sunday, McAllen agents working near Mission, Texas, encountered a group of 49 illegal aliens comprised of family units and unaccompanied children.
While processing the group, record checks on a Honduran national traveling with his 3 year-old child revealed a prior conviction for rape in the 2nd degree in Baltimore, Maryland.
On Monday, Weslaco agents working near Mercedes, Texas, arrested a Guatemalan national after he whose record checks revealed is a Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang member with criminal history to include robbery in the state of Georgia.
The man received two years confinement and three years’ probation. The Border Patrol is processing both subjects accordingly.
Large Groups Encountered Daily in the Rio Grande Valley
EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents continue to encounter large groups of illegal aliens throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
On Friday evening, agents working in Roma, Texas, encountered a group of 131 illegal aliens comprised of family units and unaccompanied children from the countries of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.
The following night, Rio Grande City agents encountered a group of 111 illegal aliens crossing in the same area. Similarly, the group consisted of family units and unaccompanied children from Central America.
On Sunday morning, agents in McAllen encountered a group of 116 illegal aliens crossing near Abram, Texas.
Border Patrol is processing all subjects accordingly.
Checkpoint Agents Stop Big Rig Smuggling Attempt in the Rio Grande Valley
FALFURRIAS, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents disrupted a smuggling attempt of 15 Chinese nationals.
On Saturday, agents working at the Falfurrias Checkpoint referred a tractor trailer to the secondary inspection area after a Border Patrol K-9 alerted to the cargo.
During the investigation, agents discovered 15 illegal aliens from the country of China hidden among the cargo. Agents arrested the driver escorted him into the checkpoint.
The Border Patrol is processing all subjects accordingly.
Brownsville CBP Officers Seize $308K in Cocaine at Gateway International Bridge
Packages containing nearly 40 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Gateway International Bridge. | Courtesy of CBPBROWNSVILLE, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Gateway International Bridge intercepted a load of alleged cocaine.
CBP officers discovered the narcotics, valued at approximately $308,040, hidden within a white 2013 Kia Rio.
“Our officers are doing an outstanding job in intercepting narcotics from those individuals who are intent on bringing them into the United States,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry. “I commend the efforts of our officers and their commitment to the CBP mission of keeping our borders secure.”
The seizure took place on Monday, Mar. 25, at Gateway International Bridge when a 22-year-old male United States citizen who resides in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, applied for entry into the United States driving a white 2013 Kia Rio.
The vehicle was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection. With the aid of a non-intrusive inspection system and canine unit, CBP officers discovered 18 packages hidden within the vehicle.
CBP officers removed the packages, which contained a total of 39.95 pounds of alleged cocaine. The estimated street value of the narcotics from the seizure is approximately $308,040.
CBP officers seized the narcotics along with the vehicle, arrested the driver and turned him over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for further investigation.
