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 October 4 – October 10, 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, friends, families and our local 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 the 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 provided 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 1-800-863-9382.
Read related border coverage:
NOTE: The totals below for arrests, apprehensions, seizures, drugs, etc. are ONLY what is reported by Customs & Border Protection. Corridor News is not responsible for what is NOT reported or incorrectly reported.
• Week of Oct. 4 – Oct. 10, 2018 •
Texas Border Reported Arrests/Apprehensions
Texas Border Reported Arrests/Apprehensions from the following counties;
• Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, BrazilEcuador, Nicaragua and USC (U.S. Citizens)
• Arrests/Apprehensions Weekly Total: 108+ (“+”: see note below)
Of those above there were…
• 8 USC (U.S. Citizen)
• 2 MS-13 Gang Member(s)
• 2 Rescue(s)
• YES (total unavailable) Child(ren)/Unaccompanied/Juvenile(s)
• 1 Individuals apprehended with active criminal charges, warrants or convictions;
• U.S. Citizen: Arrest warrant for aggravated 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.
• Weight Total of Narcotics: 1,383.34 lbs.
• Estimated Street Value of Narcotics: $2,638,880 Million
Protecting Agriculture — Agro-Terrorism
The CBP agriculture specialist and the CBP officer at U.S. ports of entry and international mail facilities target, detect, intercept, and thereby prevent the entry of these potential threats before they have a chance to do any harm.
Main large photo: Khapra Beetle larvae in a bag of rice confiscated by the US Customs and Border Protection- Photo by CBP. Top right photo: An adult Khapra Beetle | Photo by University Florida – Institute of Food & Agricultural.Khapra Beetles is one of the world’s most feared stored-product pests. In fact, it has been described as one of the 100 worst invasive species worldwide.
• Interception of Khapra Beetles;
Travelers arrived to IAH from Sudan, India, and Turkey carrying dry fava beans, dry coriander seeds, and dried dates were the unknown culprits carrying live, dead, and cast skin remains of a pest which were confirmed to be Trogoderma granarium Everts or Khapra beetle.
Source: University Florida – Institute of Food & Agricultural
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Brownsville CBP Officers Seize $187K in Cocaine at Gateway International Bridge
October 10, 2018
BROWNSVILLE, 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 $187,680, hidden within a white 2009 Ford Fusion.
“This is a significant seizure and it is because of our officers’ experience and vigilance that it was intercepted,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry. “I applaud the efforts of our officers and their commitment to the CBP mission.”
The seizure took place on Monday, Oct. 8, at Gateway International Bridge when a 32-year-old male Mexican citizen who resides in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, applied for entry into the United States driving a white 2009 Ford Fusion.
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 10 packages hidden within the vehicle. CBP officers removed the packages, which contained a total of 24.34 pounds of alleged cocaine.
The estimated street value of the narcotics from the seizure is approximately $187,680.
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.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Intercept $1.4 Million in Methamphetamine
October 9, 2018
LAREDO, Texas – Border Patrol agents assigned to the Border Patrol Checkpoint on U.S. Highway 59 seized nearly 38 pounds of methamphetamine with an estimated value of more than $1,421,200.
On October 8, 2018, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Border Patrol Checkpoint on U.S. Hwy. 59 encountered a white Chevy pickup truck at the primary inspection lane.
As the driver was being questioned of their immigration status, a service canine alerted to the odor of narcotics and/or concealed humans, subsequently referring the driver to secondary for further inspection.
While at secondary, agents conducted a closer and thorough inspection of the truck, successively finding 15 bundles concealed within the seats of the truck. All bundles were removed from the vehicle and tested positive for methamphetamine.
The narcotics, vehicle, and driver were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
To report suspicious activity such as drug and/or alien smuggling, download the “USBP Laredo Sector” App.
Border Patrol Seizes Over $1M worth of Marijuana in One Day in the Rio Grande Valley
October 9, 2018
EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents continue to intercept marijuana smuggling attempts throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Yesterday morning, Rio Grande City agents responded to a report of several subjects traversing through private property near Garciasville, Texas.
Upon arrival, agents followed a fresh trail that led them to an abandoned house. A search of the area resulted in the arrest of five illegal aliens and five bundles of marijuana weighing over 290 pounds with an estimated value of $235K.
Hours later, agents working near Garceño, Texas, observed a GMC Yukon leaving the Rio Grande at a high rate of speed. Mobile units responded, located the vehicle and attempted to conduct a vehicle stop. The driver failed to yield and a pursuit ensued which ended after the driver struck a chain link fence and abandoned the vehicle.
Inside the Yukon, agents discovered four bundles of marijuana weighing over 350 pounds worth an estimated $283K. The Starr County Sheriff’s Office located the driver and arrested him.
That same afternoon, agents observed several subjects load bundles of marijuana into a Ford F150 near Rio Grande City, Texas. Agents, along with other local law enforcement agencies, responded to the area and attempted to stop the vehicle.
The driver of the F150 refused to yield and attempted to return to the river. Agents arrested the driver after he abandoned the vehicle and attempted to flee. Inside the F150, agents seized five bundles of marijuana weighing over 350 pounds worth an estimated $283K.
In Brownsville, Texas, agents located three bundles of marijuana abandoned in the brush. The more than 70 pounds of marijuana is worth an estimated $25K.
Later that day, Fort Brown agents responded to a report of several subjects illegally entering the United States near Brownsville, Texas. Upon arrival, agents located a fresh trail that led to two illegal aliens and two bundles of marijuana. The nearly 50 pounds of marijuana is worth an estimated $39K.
The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and report suspicious activity.
Two More Stash Houses Discovered in the Rio Grande Valley
October 9, 2018
EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents and local law enforcement agencies identified two active stash houses operating in residential neighborhoods.
On Wednesday, Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol agents received information regarding an illegal alien stash house in McAllen, Texas.
Agents and Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived to the residence and proceeded to conduct a welfare check. Inside the home, agents identified 12 illegal aliens from the countries of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and Brazil.
Yesterday, Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol agents, along with the Hidalgo County Constable’s Office deputies, identified an active stash house in Edinburg, Texas. Once inside, agents found six illegal aliens from the countries of Guatemala and Honduras.
The Border Patrol is processing all subjects accordingly.
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!”
Rescues Continue in the Rio Grande Valley
October 9, 2018
EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents working in the Rio Grande Valley continue to rescue subjects in brush and perilous situations.
Monday afternoon, the McAllen Police Department contacted the McAllen Border Patrol Station regarding a distressed 911 caller who was lost after smugglers abandoned her. Agents responded to the last known GPS coordinates of the caller to conduct a search.
After hours of searching through the dense foliage, agents located the Honduran woman and provided her with basic medical attention.
Thursday afternoon, McAllen Border Patrol agents working near Sullivan City, Texas, apprehended a group of illegal aliens. While processing the group, one subject advised agents that a female that was traveling with them became unresponsive not too far from their current location.
Agents searched the area and found the Guatemalan female in question. A Border Patrol Emergency Medical Technician assessed the subject and performed Basic Life Support. Agents removed the subject from the dense brush and requested transport to a hospital via Air Evac.
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!”
Border Patrol K-9’s Stop Smuggling Attempts at Rio Grande Valley Checkpoints
October 9, 2018
EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents continue to disrupt smuggling attempts at immigration checkpoints.
Wednesday, agents working at the Sarita checkpoint referred a sedan to secondary after a K-9 alerted. While in secondary, agents found three illegal aliens inside the trunk of the vehicle.
Thursday night, a K-9 at the Falfurrias checkpoint alerted to a sedan at the primary inspection lane. Upon opening the trunk, agents found three illegal aliens attempting to hide from agents.
Today, agents working at the Falfurrias checkpoint referred a sedan to secondary inspection after a K-9 alerted to the trunk of the vehicle. At secondary, agents discovered three illegal aliens inside the trunk attempting to conceal themselves.
The cases remain under investigation and Border Patrol is processing the subjects accordingly.
Operation Big Rig is a call to action for the community to get involved and call 911 if they see or are aware of smuggling or suspicious activity, “They’re humans, not cargo.”
CBP Officers Nab Man Wanted on Sexual Assault of a Child Charges
October 9, 2018
EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the El Paso port of entry arrested a local man being sought on an El Paso County Sheriff’s Department warrant for aggravated sexual assault of a child.
“CBP officers are thorough and diligent in their processing of all arriving people and those efforts routinely identify people being sought by law enforcement, Said Ray Provencio, acting El Paso port director.
The arrest was made just before 9 p.m. when 20-year-old Jorge Manual Garcia arrived at the Bridge of the Americas as a passenger in a 2005 Hyundai Elantra.
CBP officers working the primary inspection booth queried all the occupants of the vehicle and received notice that Garcia was being sought. Garcia was processed without incident and turned over to the El Paso Police Department. He is a U.S. citizen.
Marijuana Seized by CBP at Presidio Port of Entry
October 9, 2018
PRESIDIO, TEXAS – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers working at the Presidio port of entry seized 108 pounds of marijuana Thursday morning. The drugs were concealed within a false bed of a 1993 Ford Ranger.
“This seizure is a result of the use of modern technology and excellent officer observational skills”, said Michael Neipert, CBP Presidio Port Director.
The seizure was made at 5:30 a.m. Thursday when a male Mexican citizen applied for entry at the primary inspection station.
A CBP officer noted that the driver was nervous when making his primary declaration. The vehicle and driver were referred to secondary for a detailed examination.
The vehicle was scanned with Z-Portal x-ray system resulting in anomalies detected in bed of the pickup truck. Closer examination revealed two trap doors leading to a false bed containing 98 bundles weighing a little over a pound apiece. The contents of the bundles tested positive for the properties of marijuana.
CBP officers took custody of the 27-year-old driver and turned him over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement HSI agents in connection with the failed smuggling attempt.
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.
Border Patrol Agents Discover Illegal Aliens in Refrigerated Trailer
October 7, 2018
LAREDO, Texas – Border Patrol agents assigned to the checkpoint on Interstate Highway 35 north of Laredo, Texas uncovered a smuggling attempt when they found 43 illegal aliens concealed in a refrigerated trailer.
On October 7, the event unfolded when agents encountered a blue Freightliner tractor pulling a white refrigerated trailer, with two visible occupants. During the primary inspection of occupants, a service canine alerted to the odor of concealed humans and/or narcotics.
The tractor-trailer was referred to secondary and further inspection revealed 43 individuals from the countries of Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and the Dominican Republic. All individuals were illegally present in the United States.
The driver and passenger, both United States citizens, along with the illegal aliens were placed under arrest and processed accordingly. All of the individuals were evaluated and did not require medical attention.
To report suspicious activity such as drug and/or alien smuggling, download the “USBP Laredo Sector” App.
Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Agent Assaulted
October 5, 2018
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agent struck in the head during skirmish with illegal alien.
Early this morning, agents encountered a group of illegal aliens near Brownsville, Texas. As the agents attempted to take the group into custody, one of the illegal aliens became combative and a struggle ensued.
During the struggle, the illegal alien kicked the agent in the forehead, causing a laceration to his head. The agent received medical treatment at a local hospital.
The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and to help save lives by reporting suspicious activity.
MS-13 Gang Members Apprehended in the RIo Grande Valley
October 5, 2018
EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley arrested two MS-13 gang members.
Monday, McAllen agents arrested a Salvadoran national in McAllen, Texas. Record checks confirmed that he is an MS-13 gang member.
Early this morning, Falfurrias agents arrested a Salvadoran national whose record checks confirmed was a MS-13 gang member. The Border Patrol is processing the subjects accordingly.
The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and to help save lives by reporting suspicious activity.
Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Intercepts Two Alien Smuggling Attempts
October 5, 2018
EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents disrupted smuggling attempts at Rio Grande Valley checkpoints.
Early Saturday morning, agents working at the Falfurrias checkpoint arrested a United States citizen after a failed smuggling attempt of two illegal aliens in the trunk of the vehicle.
Hours later, agents working at the Sarita checkpoint referred a vehicle to the secondary inspection after a Border Patrol K-9 alerted to the trunk. Upon inspection, agents discovered one illegal alien attempting to conceal himself.
Sunday evening, the Peñitas Police department contacted the McAllen station and requested assistance from agents on a vehicle bailout that occurred near Tom Gill Road. Agents conducted a search of the area and arrested three illegal aliens.
Border Patrol referred the trunk cases for prosecution.
Operation Big Rig is a call to action for the community to get involved and call 911 if they see or are aware of smuggling or suspicious activity, “They’re humans, not cargo.”
Stash House Discovered in the Rio Grande Valley
October 5, 2018
MERCEDES, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents and the Hidalgo County Constable’s Office disrupted an active stash house operating in a residential neighborhood.
On Monday afternoon, Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol agents received information regarding a possible stash house operating in Mercedes, Texas. Agents and deputies from the Hidalgo County Constables Office identified the residence and conducted a welfare check on the occupants.
Inside agents identified 22 subjects consisting of men, women and unaccompanied children from the countries of Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Ecuador. The Border Patrol is processing all subjects accordingly.
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!”
Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Seizes Over $360K worth of Marijuana
October 5, 2018
EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents disrupted two smuggling attempts resulting in the seizure of more than 450 pounds of marijuana.
On Friday, Fort Brown agents observed two subjects attempting to avoid detection while carrying bundles of marijuana near Brownsville, Texas.
Responding agents located and arrested the two Mexican nationals. A search of the immediate area resulted in the seizure of over 93 pounds of marijuana with an estimated value of $73K.
Early this morning, Rio Grande City agents observed several subjects carrying bundles of narcotics. As agents approached the group, the smugglers abandoned the bundles and fled to Mexico. After searching the area, agents recovered six bundles of marijuana weighing over 360 pounds worth an estimated $290K.
The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and report suspicious activity.
CBP Captures Khapra Beetles in Multiple Interceptions
October 4, 2018
HOUSTON – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists intercepted Khapra beetles at Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).
CBP agriculture specialists had a busy day at the end of August when they found harmful pests hidden amongst four different travelers’ belongings.
The travelers arrived to IAH from Sudan, India, and Turkey carrying dry fava beans, dry coriander seeds, and dried dates were the unknown culprits carrying live, dead, and cast skin remains of a pest which appeared eerily similar to the Khapra beetle.
Main large photo: Khapra Beetle larvae in a bag of rice confiscated by the US Customs and Border Protection- Photo by CBP. Top right photo: An adult Khapra Beetle | Photo by University Florida – Institute of Food & Agricultural.“CBP agriculture specialists are well trained and work diligently to prevent this type of pest from entering the U.S. agriculture system,” said Houston Area Port Director Raymond S. Polley. “Protecting our nation’s agriculture industry is vital and I am proud of the work the CBP agriculture specialists do day in and day out.”
Khapra beetles are known to be amongst the top 100 worst invasive species in the world. They are able to live without food for long periods of time and are resistant to many types of insecticides. They feed on grain and cereal but can eat many other products to survive. Their introduction to the U.S. agriculture would be devastating.
All suspected Khapra beetles and cast skins were submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Entomologist for identification. They were confirmed to be Trogoderma granarium Everts or Khapra beetle. All remaining pests were destroyed by steam sterilization.
CBP agriculture specialists have extensive training and experience in the biological sciences and agricultural inspection.
On a typical day nationally, they inspect over 1 million people as well as air and sea cargo imported to the United States, intercept 352 agriculture pests and 4,638 prohibited meat, plant materials, animal products, and soil. Learn what CBP accomplishes on a typical day in fiscal year 2017.
Learn more about CBP’s agriculture protection mission.
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