Texas Border Operations: CBP Seize $12.7 Million In Drugs, Arrest 322, Including Gang Members, Child Molesters
For anyone to understand whether there are actual drugs, smuggling, human trafficking, illegal immigrant crossings or gang activity is a problem or political bloviation, we need the numbers and facts…
By, Corridor Staff
Below you will find new information reported drug, smuggling, human trafficking and illegal crossings that have occurred either on the Texas border and ports over the week of July 11 – July 17, 2018.
As you read below, you may come to understand the issues on the U.S. and Mexico border are not a simple problem to be fixed by the current border security policies out of D.C.
It has been recently published by many media outlets that the drug, smuggling, human trafficking and illegal crossings have been consistently dropping over the last couple of years.
U.S. citizens are given inconsistent information on illegal crossings and criminal activity that is happening on the Mexico and U.S. border.
For anyone to understand whether drug, smuggling, human trafficking, illegal immigrant crossings or gang activity is a problem or political bloviation, we need the numbers and facts.
Texas isn’t the only state that shares a border with Mexico. So as you read the weekly report below, remember this information is only what is occurring on the Texas-Mexico border and Texas ports.
We gathered the information below directly from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which is under the purview of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
As for the accuracy of the information we have provided to you, we can only decipher the information that is released to us. Therefore the number of incidents, arrests, types of narcotics, weight and street value is considered the minimum amount…
Below you can find the totals of illegal crossing arrests, including their nationality & drug seizures including pounds, type of drug and “street value” total. Additionally, you will find a link to view last week’s totals.
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 1-800-863-9382.
Read related border coverage:
- July 11, 2018: Texas Weekly Border Report Includes The Rescue Of Three Year Old Child Abandoned By Human Smuggler
- July 5, 2018: CBP Seize $2.3 Million In Narcotics, Apprehend Nine Gang Members, Four Child Molesters
- June 27, 2018: Customs & Border Protection Intercept $14.6 Million In Drugs, Child Smuggler, Gang Member On Texas Border
• Week of July 11 – July 17, 2018 •
Texas Border Reported Arrests/Apprehensions
• Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Ecuador, Mexico, Brazil, Peru and United States Weekly Total: 322
Of those above were…
° 7 U.S. Citizens
° 3 Child Molesters
° 1 18th Street Gang Member
° 5 MS-13 Gang Members
° Deceased: None Reported
° Rescued: 1 (Pregnant Woman)
Texas Weekly Drug Total Seizures & Estimated Street Price
NOTE: The totals are an estimate. U.S. dollar and weight in pounds used.
WIKILEAF• Marijuana
° 1538. lbs.
° $6,058,500
• Cocaine:
° 89.6 lbs.
° $3,251,440
• Methamphetamine
° 83.52 lbs.
° $3,057,680
• Heroin:
° 8.12 lbs.
° $405,130
• Additional Confiscated/Seized Goods:
° The seizures included nine vehicles
° Three tractor-trailers
° $20,000 in U.S, Mexican currency
Weekly Drug Weight Total:
1,719.55 lbs.
Estimated Street Value:
$12,773,050 Million
U.S. Border Patrol Agents seize more than 500 pounds of Marijuana at Ysleta Checkpoint
Release Date: July 17, 2018
DESERT HAVEN, TX. – Border Patrol Agents working at a Border Patrol immigration checkpoint outside of El Paso intercepted a man earlier this week who attempted to smuggle approximately 530 pounds of marijuana concealed inside a truck.
On Monday, agents assigned to the checkpoint on highway 62/180 watched as a white Ford F-250 approached the primary inspection area. Agents immediately noted the excessively nervous behavior of the driver. As agents began to inspect the vehicle, they also recognized it had after-market modifications.
Once in secondary inspection, agents brought in a drug-sniffing canine to conduct a non-intrusive search. The canine quickly alerted to the possible presence of narcotics inside the truck.
Agents then found a black toolbox that appeared to have been recently installed. Additional search of the tool box’s interior resulted in the discovery of two hidden compartments.
The agents opened the trap doors and found plastic-wrapped bundles consistent with the smuggling of narcotic loads. The discovery amounted to 290 bundles of marijuana inside the toolbox, which totaled 531.4 pounds, valued at $425,000.
The U.S. Citizen driver was placed under arrest while the vehicle and the contraband were seized and turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration, who accepted the case for prosecution.
This latest drug smuggling attempt is a another prime example of the important work U.S. Border Patrol agents do on a daily basis to keep drugs off our streets and out of our communities.
CBP Stops Colorful Meth/Cocaine Drug Smuggling Attempt
Release Date: July 17, 2018
Drug bundles in door. Photo courtesy of CBP.EL PASO, TEXAS – Trying to smuggle drugs through a border port of entry is generally not the brightest idea. But that didn’t stop one smuggler from trying to do so with some colorfully wrapped bundles of contraband.
CBP officers working at the Bridge of the Americas Sunday stopped a vehicle containing 19 bundles of cocaine and methamphetamine. The packages were wrapped in bright blue, yellow and red tape instead of the traditional black most commonly used.
“While the wrapping of choice was novel what is most important here is that CBP officers stopped a significant amount of drugs from reaching their intended destination,” said Ray Provencio, acting CBP El Paso Port Director.
The seizure was made just after noon Sunday when a 2014 Chevrolet Aveo with a single male driver entered the port from Mexico. A CBP officer at the primary inspection station initiated an exam and noted high “Buster” density meter readings consistent with hidden contraband while checking the rear doors.
A CBP drug sniffing dog searched the car and alerted to the doors. CBP officers scanned the vehicle with the Z-Portal x-ray system and noted anomalies in the doors.
CBP officers continued the exam and found drug filled bundles in the doors. Seventeen bundles contained 28.3 pounds of methamphetamine and the other two bundles held 4.9 pounds of cocaine.
CBP officers arrested the driver of the car, a 26-year-old citizen of Mexico. He was turned over to ICE Homeland Security Investigations to face charges associated with the failed smuggling attempt.
During the last four days CBP officers working in the El Paso ports of entry have recorded eight drug seizures seizing 438 pounds of marijuana, 28.3 pounds of methamphetamine, and 23.2 pounds of cocaine.
Six NCIC fugitives were apprehended during the period. CBP officers also stopped 10 agriculture violations resulting in $2,400 in penalties being assessed. Prohibited items included pork, raw chicken apricots, apples, figs, mangos and potatoes.
Eagle Pass Woman Arrested for Smuggling Heroin and Meth
Release Date: July 17, 2018
Meth and heroin found in Eagle Pass. Photo courtesy of CBP.DEL RIO, Texas – Border Patrol agents assigned to the Highway 57 immigration checkpoint in Eagle Pass arrested an 18-year-old woman from Eagle Pass after discovering 11.56 pounds of methamphetamine and 5.12 pounds of black tar heroin with a combined street value over $126,000.
“Border Patrol agents are committed to keeping dangerous drugs from entering our communities,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Felix Chavez. “Our agents continue doing a remarkable job everyday intercepting narcotic smuggling attempts.”
On July 15, Eagle Pass South Border Patrol agents discovered 10 plastic bags containing crystal methamphetamine and two plastic containers with black tar heroin hidden in a 2008 silver “Kia”.
The woman and narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation.
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.
Border Patrol: RGV agents arrest four criminal aliens, three affiliated with gangs
Release Date: July 17, 2018
EDINBURG, Texas – Agents across the Rio Grande Valley arrested members of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and 18th Street gangs.
On July 12, agents apprehended a Honduran national near Falfurrias, Texas. His records checks revealed that the subject is a confirmed Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang member.
Later that evening, Rio Grande City agents arrested a Guatemalan national near Roma, Texas. Record checks revealed that the subject is a member of the 18thStreet gang.
On July 13, Weslaco agents arrested an adult male El Salvadoran near La Blanca, Texas who was later identified to be a Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang member.
That same day, Weslaco agents apprehended an adult male Mexican national near Hidalgo, Texas.
Upon processing, it was revealed that the individual was arrested on September 19, 2006 by the Kannapolis Police Department in North Carolina for a First Degree Sex Offense – Child. The man was convicted and sentenced to 633 days confinement.
All subjects will be processed accordingly.
The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and report suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Arrest 11 Illegal Aliens Near Benavides, Texas
Release Date: July 16, 2018
Border Patrol agents responding to suspicious activity involving this vehicle later discovered, with aerial assistance provided by CBP Air and Marine Operations, 11 illegal aliens who had fled from the vehicle near Benavides, Texas. Photo courtesy of CBP.LAREDO, Texas – On July 15, 2018, Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Hebbronville Station were responding to illegal activity involving a white Chevrolet Silverado near Benavides, TX.
Agents provided the vehicle description to the Duval County Sheriff’s Office who later encountered the vehicle on FM 2295.
Upon noticing the presence of law enforcement, the vehicle turned off the road, drove through a fence and struck a utility pole, rendering the vehicle inoperable.
Immediately after, the occupants abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene.
Agents arrived to the scene of the accident, and with the assistance of aerial support from CBP Air and Marine Operations, located and arrested 11 illegal aliens.
All subjects were found in good health and were identified as being from the countries of Mexico and Guatemala. All subjects were processed accordingly.
The vehicle was seized by the Duval County Sheriff’s Office.
To report suspicious activity such as alien and/or drug smuggling, download the “USBP Laredo Sector” App or contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free at 1-800-343-1994.
Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol agents seize narcotics worth over $673K
Release Date: July 16, 2018
Agents apprehend over 650K in narcotics. Photo courtesy of CBP.KINGSVILLE, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents discover an assortment of narcotics during a failed smuggling attempt.
On Friday, agents assigned to the Kingsville checkpoint referred a Freightliner Truck to the secondary inspection area after a Border Patrol K9 alerted to the cargo area.
During the inspection, agents located 8 bundles of cocaine with a total weight of 18 pounds; 2 bundles of methamphetamine, with a total weight of 2.5 pounds; and a bundle of heroin weighing nearly 3 pounds.
The combined value of the narcotics is estimated to be worth over $673K.
The driver, a 23-year-old United States citizen and the alleged narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The Rio Grande Valley Sector currently has multiple campaigns focused on rescues and danger awareness, such as “Operation Big Rig” and “No Se Arriesgue” to combat smuggling and ultimately save lives. Call 911 to report suspicious activity; “They’re humans, not cargo!”
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Seize Methamphetamine Valued at Over $1.3 Million
Release Date: July 14, 2018
Bundles containing 41.56 pounds of methamphetamine seized by Border Patrol agents at the Hwy. 59 Border Patrol checkpoint. Photo courtesy of CBP.LAREDO, Texas – On July 14, 2018, Freer Border Patrol Agents seized 41.56 pounds of methamphetamine at the checkpoint located on Highway 59 near Freer, Texas.
The narcotics were found concealed inside the rear bumper of a sedan after the vehicle was referred to secondary.
At total of 19 bundles were discovered worth an estimated $1,329,920.
Border Patrol agents arrested three subjects, all determined to be Mexican nationals.
The methamphetamine was turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
“The men and women of the United States Border Patrol will continue to prevent and disrupt the flow of narcotics into the United States. This narcotics seizure attests to our commitment to the war on drugs and keeping our communities safe,” said Laredo Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jason D. Owens.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol Arrests 96 Illegal Aliens After Responding to Single Vehicle Accident
Release Date: July 14, 2018
Border Patrol agents discovered foot sign from this vehicle accident on Hwy. 44 that led to the location of another abandoned vehicle within a ranch and apprehension of 96 illegal aliens. Photo courtesy of CBP.LAREDO, Texas – On July 14, 2018, Freer Border Patrol Agents responded to a concerned citizen’s report of a single vehicle accident on Highway 44 near Freer, Texas.
Upon arriving on scene, agents discovered a blue Chevrolet Silverado that appeared to have struck a guardrail and was heavily damaged.
A search of the vehicle revealed it had been abandoned, but agents noticed foot sign of several individuals leading into a ranch.
Agents proceeded to search the immediate area and discovered a tan Ford F-250 abandoned inside the property.
After an exhaustive search for the occupants of the abandoned vehicles, agents located and arrested 96 illegal aliens.
The illegal aliens were found in good health and were identified as being from the countries of Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Ecuador and Brazil. All subjects were processed accordingly. Both vehicles were turned over to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
“The men and women of the United States Border Patrol remain determined in disrupting illicit activity along our border. Through our combined enforcement efforts, we will continue to deny criminal organizations the ability to operate,” said Laredo Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jason D. Owens.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Intercept Smuggling Case Involving 41 Illegal Aliens
Release Date: July 14, 2018
Border Patrol agents discovered 41 illegal aliens within a trailer at the Interstate 35 Border Patrol agents. Photo courtesy of CBP.LAREDO, Texas – On July 14, 2018, Laredo North Agents assigned to the Border Patrol Checkpoint located on Interstate Highway 35 interdicted a smuggling case involving 41 illegal aliens.
The event transpired after the driver of the tractor trailer was questioned regarding his immigration status at the primary inspection lane. The driver of the tractor trailer consented to a non-intrusive inspection utilizing the x-ray machine, which detected several anomalies.
Upon further inspection, Border Patrol agents discovered 41 illegal aliens inside the trailer. The illegal aliens were found in good health and were identified as being from the countries of Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras.
The driver, a United States citizen, was arrested. All subjects were processed accordingly.
“The men and women of the United States Border Patrol remain determined in disrupting illicit activity along our border. Through our combined enforcement efforts, we will continued to deny criminal organizations the ability to operate,” said Laredo Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jason D. Owens.
To report suspicious activity such as alien and/or drug smuggling, contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free at 1-800-343-1994.
CBP Field Operations Seizes over $500K in Cocaine at Roma Port of Entry
Release Date: July 13, 2018
Packages containing 40 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Roma Port of Entry. Photo courtesy of CBP.ROMA, Texas — Officers with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Roma Port of Entry arrested two men from Mexico in two separate, unrelated incidents in connection with failed drug smuggling attempts of $506,500 worth of alleged cocaine.
“Our CBP officers have stepped up to the plate and intercepted these loads of narcotics which although compact, will still not make their way into our country and possibly cause harm to our citizens,” said Port Director Andres Guerra, Roma Port of Entry.
On July 12, CBP officers working at the Roma-Miguel Aleman International Bridge encountered a 2005 blue Ford Taurus driven by a 38-year-old male Mexican citizen from Miguel Aleman, Tamaulipas, Mexico.
After presenting his Mexican border-crossing card, a CBP officer referred him to secondary for further inspection and it was there that officers discovered packages of suspected narcotics hidden within the vehicle.
With the use of a canine team (K9), officers removed and seized 15 packages of alleged cocaine weighing 40 pounds, which carry an estimated street value of $300,500 and seized the vehicle as well. CBP OFO arrested the adult male after a brief attempt to abscond.
The second incident occurred the same day after CBP officers discovered 11 packages of alleged cocaine concealed within a white 2005 Chevy Tracker driven by a 32-year-old male Mexican citizen from Nuevo Leon, Mexico. With the use of non-intrusive imaging technology (NII), CBP OFO seized the 26.7 pounds valued at $206,000 and seized the Chevy as well.
CBP OFO arrested both men and ultimately turned them over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents for further investigation.
HSI, Border Patrol agents arrest 18 alien smugglers, 117 illegal aliens; seize cash, vehicles, drugs
Release Date: July 13, 2018
EL PASO, Texas — Special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and agents with U.S. Border Patrol arrested 18 alien smugglers and seized cash, vehicles and more than 1,000 lbs. of marijuana last month in a joint effort.
Special agents assigned to HSI El Paso’s human smuggling group and Border Patrol agents, who are part of HSI’s Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST), worked together to identify, locate and arrest smugglers operating alien smuggling organizations in southern New Mexico and the El Paso area.
The following two U.S. citizens are among the alien smugglers who were arrested and charged with alien smuggling: Elias Serrano, 42, with prior convictions for aggravated stalking, kidnapping, possessing a deadly weapon and possessing marijuana with intent to distribute; and • Jesus Briseno, 25, with prior convictions for escape from custody, possessing marijuana, assault/causing injury to family member, and driving while intoxicated.
Additionally, agents arrested 117 illegal aliens, which included the following criminal aliens: a 34-year-old Guatemalan with an outstanding warrant out of Florida for driving under the influence, and also charged with illegally re-entering the U.S. after deportation; a 30-year-old Mexican with ties to a Mexican drug cartel was arrested for fraud and misuse of visas; and a 32-year-old Mexican with convictions for child endangerment and driving while intoxicated, was arrested for illegally re-entering the U.S. after deportation.
The month long enforcement action resulted in the arrest of illegal aliens in three area stash houses from the following countries: Mexico (93), Guatemala (12), Honduras (6), Brazil (3), El Salvador (2) and Peru (1). The seizures included nine vehicles, three tractor-trailers and $20,000 in U.S and Mexican currency.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to vigorously pursue members of transnational criminal networks that exploit and endanger people they smuggle into our country,” said Jack P. Staton, special agent in charge of HSI El Paso. “These smugglers are driven by human greed and heartlessness. HSI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners, such as Border Patrol, to maintain the integrity of our border and nation’s immigration laws.”
“This is a great example of the dedication and cooperation amongst area law enforcement agencies working towards the shared goals of securing our borders, protecting our local communities and our nation,” said Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Chris T. Clem, U.S. Border Patrol-El Paso Sector.
Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol agents arrest six criminal aliens in one day
Release Date: July 11, 2018
RGV Border Patrol arrest six criminal aliens in one day. Photo courtesy of CBP.EDINBURG, Texas – Yesterday, Border Patrol agents across the Rio Grande Valley arrested four gang members and two sex offenders.
Fort Brown agents arrested a Mexican national near Brownsville, Texas. The man’s criminal record revealed he was arrested in January, 2017, by the Neptune Township Police Department in New Jersey.
He was charged with Sexual Assault of a Victim 13-15 Years of Age and Endangering Sexual Conduct with Indictment/Accusation. On February, 2018, the subject was convicted and sentenced to 200 days confinement and one year probation.
RGV Border Patrol arrest six criminal aliens in one day
McAllen agents arrested a Guatemalan man near Hidalgo, Texas. His records showed a criminal conviction for Rape/Assault. He was sentenced to three years confinement.
In two different incidents, Falfurrias agents arrested 3 Salvadoran nationals. All of the subjects’ records revealed that they are active members of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang.
Also in Falfurrias, agents arrested another Salvadoran national whose records checks revealed him as a member of the 18th Street gang.
All subjects will be processed accordingly and their prior orders of removal will be reinstated.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Discover Illegal Aliens Hidden in Windjammer of Tractor Trailers
Two illegal aliens were discovered by Border Patrol agents hidden in the windjammer area of a tractor at the Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate 35. Photo courtesy of CBP.Release Date: July 11, 2018
LAREDO, Texas – On July 10, 2018, Laredo North Agents assigned to the Border Patrol Checkpoint located on Interstate Highway 35 encountered two smuggling cases in which a total of four illegal aliens were found inside the windjammer of the tractor.
The first event transpired after the driver of a tractor trailer was questioned regarding his immigration status and was referred to secondary for further inspection after a Border Patrol canine alerted to the presence of concealed humans and/or narcotics.
Upon further inspection, Border Patrol Agents discovered two illegal aliens hidden in the windjammer. The driver was identified as a United States citizen.
The second event occurred several hours later when the driver of a tractor trailer was questioned regarding his immigration status.
During a non-intrusive inspection utilizing the x-ray machine, agents detected an anomaly in the windjammer of the tractor, which was later revealed to be two illegal aliens. The driver of the second vehicle was identified as a Mexican National who was lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
The four illegal aliens were found in good health and were identified as being from the countries of Mexico and Ecuador. All subjects were placed under arrest and processed accordingly.
“The men and women of the United States Border Patrol remain determined in disrupting illicit activity along our border. Through our combined enforcement efforts, we will continued to deny criminal organizations the ability to operate,” said Laredo Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jason D. Owens.
To report suspicious activity such as alien and/or drug smuggling, contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free at 1-800-343-1994.
Law enforcement agencies arrest Mexican smuggler who fled from the Falfurrias, Texas checkpoint
Release Date: July 11, 2018
EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Falfurrias Checkpoint arrested a Mexican national who fled the checkpoint after being referred for a secondary inspection.
On Monday, agents referred a Chevrolet Silverado with several occupants to the secondary inspection area. As agents instructed the driver to park, the man accelerated at a high rate of speed away from the checkpoint. Agents pursued the vehicle and alerted local and state authorities of the pursuit.
The driver came to a stop near Hebbronville, Texas, and all occupants fled from the vehicle. With the assistance of the Hebbronville Border Patrol Station and the Department of Public Safety, the driver and one other occupant were located and arrested.
The driver was determined to be a 32 year-old Mexican national who is illegally present in the United States. The passenger is also a Mexican national who was being smuggled into the country illegally.
The driver is facing multiple charges. Both subjects will be processed accordingly.
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.
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.
Stash house in Rio Grande Valley disrupted
Release Date: July 11, 2018
Law enforcement disrupt stash house in Weslaco, Texas. Photo courtesy of CBP.WESLACO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Rio Grande Valley Sector dismantle a stash house operation resulting in the apprehension of 16 illegal aliens.
Yesterday, Border Patrol agents, working in collaboration with the Hidalgo County Constables Office, Precinct 4, identified a suspected stash house operating out of a residence in Weslaco, Texas. The individuals located inside were from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador.
All subjects will be processed accordingly. The case is being referred for prosecution.
The Rio Grande Valley Sector currently has multiple campaigns focused on rescues and danger awareness, such as “Operation Big Rig” and “No Se Arriesgue” to combat smuggling and ultimately save lives. Call 911 to report suspicious activity; “They’re humans, not cargo!”
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.
Rio Grande Valley agents rocked during rescue of a pregnant woman
Release Date: July 11, 2018
Agents rescue distressed pregnant woman while being rocked. Photo courtesy of CBP.PROGRESO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents were attacked with rocks while providing medical assistance to a pregnant woman.
On Saturday, Weslaco agents observed a group of illegal aliens using a tree to climb up the Progreso Port of Entry (POE) after a failed attempt to gain entry into the United States. The agents alerted officials working at the POE and approached the group.
As they got closer to the area, agents noticed two subjects on top of the bridge and a woman in distress at the base of the tree.
The woman, a 25 year-old Mexican national, was complaining of back pain and claimed to be pregnant.
As agents began to provide the woman with medical attention, one of the subjects on the bridge began to throw rocks at the agents.
The agents were able to move to the woman to a safe location and had the local Emergency Medical Services transport her to the hospital for an evaluation. The assailants fled back to Mexico.
Once cleared by medical staff, the woman will be processed accordingly.
From October 1, 2107, to June 30, 2018, the Rio Grande Valley Sector has rescued 1157 people, an increase of 53% when compared to last year.
The Rio Grande Valley Sector currently has multiple campaigns focused on rescues and danger awareness, such as “Operation Big Rig” and “No Se Arriesgue” to combat smuggling and ultimately save lives. Call 911 to report suspicious activity; “They’re humans, not cargo!”
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us at @CBPRGV.
