Texas Border: CBP Arrest Child Sex Offenders, Gang Members And Seize Almost $11 Million In Hard Narcotics
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…
by Melissa Jewett, Publisher
NOTE: Due to the lack of information that is currently available from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, we reached out and were informed that protecting the border is their first priority; currently, they are heavily involved in caravan operations as portions of the caravan have reached the Texas Border. Therefore, we expect what information we receive will be minimal for the time being.
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 over the week of November 8 – November 14, 2018.
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:
- Dec. 6, 2018: Texas Border: CBP Seize $10M In Narcotics, Arrest Seven Gang Members And Six Child Sex Offenders
- Nov. 22, 2018: Texas Border: CBP Arrest Gang Members, U.S. Citizens For Drug Trafficking & Seize $4.8 Million 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 what is NOT reported or incorrectly reported.
• Week of Dec. 6 – Dec. 12, 2018 •
Texas Border Reported Arrests/Apprehensions
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Reported Arrests/Apprehensions from the following counties;
• El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Ecuador, and USC (U.S. Citizen)
• 282+ Arrests/Apprehensions (“+”: see note below)
Of those above there were…
• 1 USC (U.S. Citizen(s)
• 4 Child Sex Offender
• 2 MS-13
• 4 18th Street Gang Member(s)
• Yes… UAC (Unaccompanied Children)
• Yes… UAJ (Unaccompanied Alien Juvenile(s))
• Yes… Family Units
• 4+ Vehicle(s) Seized (out of those 1 was a commercial tractor trailers)
• Additional Seizures: Weapons, Drugs, Currency — totals not given
• Prior Criminal Conviction(s) & Active Warrants: 5
• 1- Previous arrest and felony conviction in Los Angeles for lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14
• 1- Felony conviction in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, for indecent liberties with a child
• 1- Active outstanding warrant in Fairfield, California, for domestic violence
• 1- Arrest and conviction in Lynchburg, Virginia, for indecent liberties with a child
• 1- Arrest and conviction for sexual assault of a child
*Note: “+”; U.S. Customs and Border Patrol did not list exact or specific totals or countries on some reported incidents.
Texas Border Weekly Narcotic Seizures & Estimated Street Price
NOTE: The totals below are an estimate. U.S. dollar and pounds used.
• 369. lbs.
• $7,392,070 Million
• 100. lbs.
• $778.940
• 2802 lbs.
• $2,222,000 Million
• 7.32 lbs.
• $293,000
• Total Weight of Narcotics: 3,278.87 lbs.
• Estimated Street Value of Narcotics: $10,686,010 Million
CBP Officers Seize Cocaine Valued at $285K at the Gateway to the Americas International Bridge
December 12, 2018
LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers at the Laredo Port of Entry recently intercepted a significant narcotic load with an estimated street value of more than $285,000 in one enforcement action.
“Our CBP officers continue to maintain strict vigilance as traffic starts to increase in the approach to the holiday season and that dedication, tempered with high tech tools and inspections experience resulted in a significant cocaine seizure,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry.
The seizure occurred on Monday, Dec. 10 at Gateway to the Americas Bridge when a CBP officer referred a 1994 Ford F-150 pickup truck driven by a 20-year-old male Mexican
citizen resident of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico
for a secondary examination.
Following a canine and non-intrusive imaging inspection, CBP officers discovered 15 packages containing a total of 37 pounds of alleged cocaine within the vehicle. The narcotics have an estimated street value of $285,940.
CBP officers seized the narcotics and arrested the driver. The case was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents for further investigation.
CBP Field Operations Makes Substantial Narcotics Seizure Worth Nearly $7 Million at Pharr International Bridge
December 11, 2018
PHARR, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Pharr International Bridge accomplished a hefty narcotics seizure of methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin worth $6,998,000, discovered within a commercial shipment arriving from Mexico.
“Once again, our officers’ astute awareness and outstanding ability to work in tandem utilizing all available tools and resources resulted in the discovery of these hard narcotics that won’t make their way into our communities,” said Port Director David Gonzalez, Hidalgo/ Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.
The seizure occurred on Dec. 10 at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge cargo facility after a CBP officer referred a commercial shipment of stone blocks for further inspection.
A secondary examination, which included the utilization of a canine team, resulted in officers detecting
packages of suspected narcotics
concealed within the shipment.
CBP officers seized 35 packages of alleged methamphetamine weighing 320 pounds (145.16 kg.), seven packages of alleged cocaine weighing 39.55 pounds (17.94 kg.) and two packages of alleged heroin that weighed 7.32 pounds (3.32 kg.). The estimated street value of the narcotics is $6,400,000, $305,000 and $293,000, respectively.
CBP OFO seized all the narcotics, the tractor/trailer and the case remains under investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents.
Rio Grande Valley Stash House Dismantled
December 11, 2018
MCALLEN, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents, along with local law enforcement agencies, dismantled an active stash house.
Thursday, December 6, Rio Grande Valley Sector agents received information of a home operating as a stash house in McAllen, Texas.
Agents, along with the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office and McAllen Police Department, responded. Upon arrival, they arrested 11 illegal aliens from the countries of Guatemala, and El Salvador.
The Border Patrol is processing all subjects accordingly. The case remains under investigation.
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!”
CBP, CDC, USDA Eye Puppy Imports
December 11, 2018
Agencies ensure animals meet vaccination, age requirements
HOUSTON – As the holidays approach, gift-givers may feel the pressure to wrap the perfect four-legged gift.
A CDC officer examines a puppy’s teeth. That demand has some importers looking to duck federal regulations in order to bring in the perfect pup this holiday season.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. Department of Agriculture are working to ensure that animals imported to the U.S. meet federal regulations designed to protect consumers and animal health.
“On average, we see 80 dogs imported as cargo weekly,” said Houston Area Port Director Raymond S. Polley. “In the months ahead of the holidays, the number increases about 30 percent.”
When animals are imported to the United States, they may be met by representatives of several government agencies, including CDC representatives who ensure that requirements for dogs and other CDC-regulated animals are met to prevent the importation of disease.
“CBP is CDC’s key partner to protect America’s public health from disease importation,” said Dr. Kendra Stauffer, Veterinary Medical Officer with the CDC’s Quarantine and Border Health Services Branch; “We work with CBP to protect public health at ports of entry by ensuring all dogs are healthy and have proper documentation showing vaccination against rabies when entering the United States.”
CBP and CDC officers examine manifest documents related to importing dogs to ensure they meet federal regulations.
According to USDA, puppies can be imported for resale or adoption if they are in good health, have been vaccinated for rabies, distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus and parainfluenza virus, and are at least 6 months of age.
CBP and CDC officers examine manifest documents related to importing dogs to ensure they meet federal regulations. | Photo by CBP“Sometimes, we see these puppies arriving from terribly long flights,” Polley said. “They are tired and in such a state. Our experienced officers work closely with CDC and USDA to ensure the imported puppies are in good health. This partnership yielded a turnkey operation that is replicated across the country.”
In Houston in 2017, 108 dogs were denied entry and in 2018, 57 dogs were not allowed entry into the country. The work started in Houston has led some importers to try to circumvent authorities by sending their imported puppies through other international airports.
“CBP, USDA and CDC across the country are enforcing federal regulations,” Polley said. “This time of year, we dub our work: Operation Santa Paws. We recognize that importers may try to meet the holiday demand by manipulating the animal’s records. It puts the consumer at risk and it definitely puts the animal at risk.”
A puppy that has not been properly vaccinated could carry diseases that not only affect the animal but other animals as well as people who may encounter that puppy.
For more information about importing animals, visit USDA.
Crossing of Family Units and Unaccompanied Children continues in the Rio Grande Valley
December 10, 2018
HIDALGO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley continue to encounter large groups of family units and unaccompanied children along the Rio Grande.
Early Sunday morning, Weslaco agents patrolling near Hidalgo, Texas, encountered a group of 62 illegal aliens comprised of family units and unaccompanied children. Agents determined the nationalities of the 62 illegal aliens are Honduran and Guatemalan.
This morning, agents working in Hidalgo, Texas, encountered a group 110 illegal aliens consisting of family units and unaccompanied juveniles. Agents determined the subjects to be from the countries of Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.
For the month of November, Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley Sector apprehended over 11,400 family units and over 2,300 unaccompanied children.
Border Patrol is processing the subjects accordingly.
The Rio Grande Valley Sector currently has multiple campaigns focused on rescues and 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!”
CBP Officers Seize Methamphetamine Worth Over $992K at the Laredo Port of Entry
December 10, 2018
A CBP officer conducts a vehicular primary inspection at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge. | Photo by CBPLAREDO, 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 $992,000 in one enforcement action at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge.
“I congratulate our frontline officers for their firm commitment to carry out the CBP mission and protect the public from illegal narcotics,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry.
The seizure occurred on Saturday, Dec. 8 at Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge when a CBP officer referred a 2012 Nissan Versa driven by a 40-year-old female Mexican citizen who resides in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas for a secondary examination.
Upon a canine and non-intrusive imaging inspection by CBP officers, a total 49 pounds of alleged methamphetamine was discovered. The narcotics have an estimated street value of $992,070.
CBP officers seized the narcotics and the vehicle. The driver was arrested and the case was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents for further investigation.
Claims of Credible Fear Increase in Fiscal Year 2018
Claims at Ports of Entry Increased by 121 Percent in FY2018
December 10, 2018
WASHINGTON – U.S. Customs and Border Protection today released statistics regarding claims of fear by those who are determined by CBP officers to be inadmissible at ports of entry or apprehended along the border by U.S. Border Patrol agents.
In recent years, CBP has seen a significant increase in the number and percentage of aliens who seek admission or unlawfully enter the U.S. and then assert an intent to apply for asylum or a fear of persecution.
“These numbers reflect a dramatic increase in initial fear claims by those encountered on the border, which is straining border security, immigration enforcement and courts, and other federal resources,” said Commissioner Kevin K. McAleenan. “As the majority of these claims will not be successful when they are adjudicated by an immigration court, we need Congress to act to address these vulnerabilities in our immigration system which continue to negatively impact border security efforts.”
In Fiscal Year 2018, CBP law enforcement personnel on the Southwest Border reported 38,269 claims at ports of entry and another 54,690 claims between the ports, for a total 92,959.
This represents a 67-percent increase in claims in Fiscal Year 2018 compared to FY2017, and a dramatic departure from 2000-2013, when fewer than 1 percent of those encountered by CBP initiated asylum claims.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) adjudicates claims of fear originating from sources around the globe.
Along the border, CBP encounters thousands of individuals who express a fear of being returned to their country of origin.
CBP’s responsibility is to document the claim and initiate transfer to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to begin the asylum process.
Border Patrol Arrests Sex Offenders and a Gang Member in the Rio Grande Valley
December 10, 2018
EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley arrested two sex offenders and a gang member in separate incidents.
Friday, agents from the Fort Brown Station working near Brownsville, Texas, arrested a Salvadoran man whose record checks confirmed as a Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang member.
That same day, McAllen Border Patrol agents working near Mission, Texas, arrested a Salvadoran national after he illegally entered the United States.
During processing, record checks revealed an extensive criminal history to include an arrest and conviction in Lynchburg, Virginia, for indecent liberties with a child. The man received a sentence of one-year confinement.
Today, agents working near Rio Grande City, Texas, arrested a Mexican man after a failed narcotic smuggling attempt. During processing, record checks revealed a previous arrest by the Starr County Sheriff’s Office for sexual assault of a child.
The Border Patrol is processing the subjects accordingly.
Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Seizes over $1.5M worth of Marijuana
December 10, 2018
EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents disrupted 12 separate narcotic smuggling attempts and seized nearly two tons of marijuana over the weekend.
Friday, McAllen agents working near Mission, Texas, observed smugglers utilize a raft filled with bundles of marijuana cross the Rio Grande.
After crossing, the smugglers loaded the narcotics into a Ford F-150 parked along the river. As mobile units responded to the area, the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed.
When agents encountered the vehicle, the driver returned to the river and abandoned the pickup as he returned to Mexico. Inside the Ford F-150, agents discovered over 945 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $756K.
Later that day, agents working near Roma, Texas, observed several subjects carrying bundles of narcotics north of the Rio Grande. When agents attempted to interdict, the smugglers abandoned the narcotics and fled to Mexico.
Agents searched the area and seized over 160 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $130K.
Over a three-day period, agents in the Rio Grande Valley Sector seized over 1,900 pounds worth more than 1.5 million dollars.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Arrest Multiple Subjects at Suspected Stash House
December 9, 2018
LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents apprehended over a dozen individuals after responding to a report of a suspected stash house Saturday afternoon.
The incident happened around 3:30 p.m. on December 8, when agents received information about multiple suspected illegal aliens at a residence in south Laredo. Upon arriving at the address, agents saw several individuals attempting to hide.
Responding agents apprehended a total of 14 subjects, including four juveniles.
Immigration inspections determined all the individuals were nationals of Guatemala illegally present in the United States. All subjects were taken into custody for processing.
Border Patrol Arrests Gang Members and Sex Offenders in the Rio Grande Valley
Release Date: December 7, 2018
EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley arrested five gang members and two child predators in one day.
Early Tuesday morning, Rio Grande City agents working near Fronton, Texas, apprehended a Salvadoran national after he illegally entered the United States. During processing, records checks revealed that the man is an 18th Street gang member.
Minutes later, agents working near Artecitas, Texas, encountered a group of six illegal aliens.
During processing, record checks of one of the illegal aliens revealed a previous arrest and felony conviction in Los Angeles for lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14.
That afternoon, Falfurrias agents arrested a group of illegal aliens as they attempted to circumvent the immigration checkpoint. Record checks on the subjects revealed two of the five subjects are confirmed 18th Street gang members.
Shortly after, agent working in Los Ebanos, Texas, apprehended a Salvadoran national who admitted is a member of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang.
Later that afternoon, agents arrested a Honduran national near Roma, Texas. Record checks on the man revealed a previous arrest and felony conviction in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, for indecent liberties with a child.
That evening, McAllen agents arrested a Salvadoran man near Hidalgo, Texas, whose record checks confirmed an active warrant in Fairfield, California, for domestic violence. Additionally, the man is an active 18th Street gang member.
The Border Patrol is processing the subjects accordingly.
Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Seizes over $700K worth of Marijuana
December 7, 2018
EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents disrupted six separate narcotic smuggling attempts and seized over 900 pounds of marijuana.
On Thursday, agents observed narcotic smugglers scale the border fence near Brownsville, Texas.
As responding agents arrived to the area, the smugglers abandoned the marijuana and swam back to Mexico. The seized bundles weighed nearly 80 pounds, worth an estimated $64K.
Later that day, Brownsville agents observed several subjects carrying bundles of marijuana near the near the Rio Grande. As agents approached the group, the smugglers dropped their bundles and absconded to Mexico. The marijuana weighed nearly 100 pounds, worth an estimated $80K.
In addition, on Wednesday, agents seized 722 pounds of marijuana in four separate incidents valued at an estimated $578K.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Arrest 63 Illegal Aliens
Release Date: December 7, 2018
LAREDO, Texas – In a collaborative effort between Air and Marine Operations and U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo West and Carrizo Springs Station, 63 illegal aliens were arrested in the brush west of Laredo.
The incident occurred on December 6, when agents responded to a report of possible alien smuggling activity inside a private ranch and began to follow tracks.
Subsequently, after approximately a three-hour search, agents encountered the large group of illegal aliens. A total of 63 subjects were detained and an immigration inspection revealed that they were all illegal aliens.
All 63 illegal aliens were found in good health and were from the countries of Ecuador, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico. All subjects were transported to the Laredo West Station and processed accordingly.
CBP at Hidalgo International Bridge Arrests Local Woman with $188K Worth of Cocaine
December 6, 2018
Packages containing 24 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Hidalgo International Bridge. | Photo by CBPHIDALGO, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo International Bridge arrested a 22-year-old woman from Hidalgo, Texas after discovering over 24 pounds of cocaine concealed within the vehicle she was driving.
“I commend our frontline officers for their dedication and commitment towards the interdiction of illegal narcotics, helping CBP Field Operations continue with our mission of hindering this illicit flow of dangerous
drugs at the border,” said Port Director David
Gonzalez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.
The seizure occurred on Dec. 5, at the Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge after a CBP officer referred a gray 2010 Mazda CX7 SUV for further inspection. With the assistance of a canine team, a thorough secondary examination resulted in the discovery of nine packages of alleged cocaine that were concealed within the SUV.
CBP OFO seized the vehicle and the narcotics that were valued at $188,000, arrested the Hidalgo resident and subsequently turned her over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents for further investigation.
