CBP Seize $54.6M In Drugs, 31 Automatic Handguns And Arrest Three Gang Members On The Texas Border

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 on the Texas Border as a large portion of the latest caravan 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.

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:

• Feb. 7, 2019: TX Border: During Shutdown CBP Air Security Operations-Corpus Christi Stopped 11,000 Pounds Of Cocaine Worth $140.6M

 

• Jan. 31, 2019: Texas Border: CBP Apprehend Child Sex Offenders, Firearms, Over $2M In Cash And Nearly $5.5M In Drugs

 

• Dec. 27, 2018: Texas Border: CBP Seize Over $2.5M In Drugs In Two Days, Announce Lapse Of Communication Operations Due To Fed Shutdown

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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.

• Feb. 7 – Feb. 20, 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, and USC (U.S. Citizen)

• Arrests/Apprehensions: 90+ (“+”: see note below)

Of those above there were…

• U.S. Citizen(s): 3
• Child Sex Offender: 4
• Gang Member(s): MS-13 – 3; Sureno – 1
• Male: 18 (Noted by CBP)
• Female: 4 (Noted by CBP)
• Rescue(s): 25
• Fatality(ies): 2
• Children-Nationality & Age:
   ° Honduran – age(s): 1 at 1 yr., 1 at 3 yrs., 1 at 12 yrs. & 6 between ages 1yr. to 17yrs.(Noted by CBP)
   ° Guatemalan – age(s): 1 at 3yrs. (Noted by CBP)
• Seizures
   ° Commercial Vehicle(s): 3
   ° Passenger Vehicle(s) Seized: 14
   ° Gun(s): 31 automatic handguns and 48 assorted magazines
   ° Commercial shipment of fresh bell peppers
   ° Commercial Shipment of frozen strawberries

• Arrests with Prior Criminal Conviction(s) & Criminal Active Warrant(s): 10

• 1 Conviction: Conviction in the state of Iowa for enticing a minor and 3rd degree sexual abuse.The man received five years confinement;
  
• 1 Conviction: Statutory sexual assault conviction in the state of Pennsylvania  & traveling with his 2 year old child;
  
• 1 Conviction: Domestic violence and kidnapping in the state of South Carolina;
  
• 1 Conviction: Assault, 3rd Degree (MS-13 gang member);
  
• 1 Conviction: Child Molestation;
  
• 1 Conviction: Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon and Kidnapping-False Imprisonment in the state of Florida;
  
• 1 Conviction: Indecent Liberties with Child;
  
• 1 Conviction: Riot participation, possession of marijuana, assault of a public servant, interference with emergency call, assault with a deadly weapon and battery;
  
• 1 Active Warrant: Outstanding warrant out of Dallas, Texas, for homicide and
  
• 1 Active Warrant: Injury causing death/manslaughter/murder in the state of Quintana Roo in Mexico
  
  *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.

 

Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol seizes over 1,000 pounds of Marijuana

EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley Sector seized over $870K worth of marijuana in a 24 hour span.

Yesterday, Rio Grande City agents working near Fronton, Texas, observed multiple smugglers walking north from the Rio Grande. As responding agent encountered the group, the smugglers abandoned the narcotics and fled to Mexico.

Agents searched the brush and discovered 13 bundles of marijuana weighing nearly 895 pounds worth an estimated $716K. 

Border Patrol Agents Apprehend MS-13 Gang Member in Eagle Pass

Honduran National Previously Deported

Eagle Pass, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass Station arrested a member of the Mara Salvatrucha, MS-13, criminal gang, who had been deported.

“Violent criminals continue to illegally cross the border and attempt to enter the United States,” said Del Rio Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Matthew J. Hudak. “Our agents remain vigilant to prevent these types of criminals from entering and harming our communities.”

On Feb. 18, Border Patrol agents conducting linewatch operations near Eagle Pass apprehended a 35-year-old Honduran national.

Records checks revealed he was deported from the United States in 2006 and is a confirmed member of the notorious MS-13 gang.

The individual’s prior order of removal will be reinstated, and he faces prosecution under 8 USC § 1326 – reentry after deportation, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

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.

Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Agents Rescue Abandoned Group

FALFURRIAS, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents located four illegal aliens abandoned in the vast ranch lands of Brooks County.

On Tuesday, Falfurrias agents patrolling near Highway 755 encountered a woman who claimed was part of a group left behind by smugglers.

As agents provided the woman with basic medical care, additional agents backtracked the woman’s path, and hours later, located three additional subjects. Agents provided the group with basic medical attention and transported them to the Falfurrias station for further evaluation.

The Border Patrol is processing all subjects accordingly.

Border Patrol Seizes Nearly $1M Worth of Marijuana in the Rio Grande Valley

EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley disrupted six narcotic smuggling attempts resulting in the seizure of over 1,200 pounds of marijuana in separate incidents.

On Thursday, Rio Grande City agents working near Los Barreras, Texas, observed multiple subjects load bundles of marijuana into a vehicle just north of the Rio Grande.

As agents responded, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled the area. A search of the vehicle revealed 12 bundles of marijuana weighing nearly 560 pounds worth an estimated $448K.

Additionally, within the past three days agents stopped five separate marijuana smuggling attempts resulting in the seizure of over 680 pounds with an estimated value of $544K.

Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol Agents Foster Community Relations

EDINBURG, Texas — On Thursday, Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Sector Border Community Liaison (BCL) Border Patrol agents participated in a Career Day Presentation at Gonzalez Elementary in McAllen, Texas.

BCL agents informed students of the qualifications, training, educational background, ethical principles and determination necessary to become a United States Border Patrol Agent.

This month, Brownsville Station’s BCL unit participated in multiple Career Day events throughout the community to include; El Jardin Elementary, Jubilee Leadership Academy, and St. Mary’s Catholic School. Agents shared the everyday precautionary measures and tactics when patrolling the border.

Along with BCL agents, the RGV Horse Patrol Unit and Border Patrol’s All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Unit provided demonstrations and explained the various resources the Border Patrol uses to secure the nations borders.

After the presentations, students interacted with the horses and received general safety tips when riding horses and operating ATVs.

Border Patrol Arrests Criminal Aliens in the Rio Grande Valley

EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley Sector arrested multiple criminal aliens during the holiday weekend.

On Friday, McAllen agents working in Mission, Texas, apprehended a Salvadoran man after he entered the United States illegally.

During processing, record checks revealed an arrest and conviction in the state of Iowa for enticing a minor and 3rd degree sexual abuse. The man received five years confinement.

That same day, agents working near Fronton, Texas, encountered a group of 14 illegal aliens comprised of family units and unaccompanied children.

While processing the group, record checks revealed one of the men traveling with his two year old child has a previous arrest and conviction in the state of Pennsylvania for statutory sexual assault.

On Saturday, McAllen agents working in near Mission, Texas, arrested a Mexican national whose record checks revealed a warrant of arrest in Mexico for injury causing death/manslaughter/murder in the state of Quintana Roo.

On Monday, Harlingen agents working near San Benito, Texas, assisted the Department of Public Safety with a traffic stop.

During the stop, agents determined one of the subjects to be an illegal alien and took him into custody. During processing, record checks revealed previous convictions for domestic violence and kidnapping in the state of South Carolina.

Additionally, over the holiday weekend, Rio Grande Valley agents arrested an MS-13 and a Sureño gang member in separate incidents.

The Border Patrol is processing the subject accordingly.

Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Checkpoints Stop Cocaine Smuggling Attempts

EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents seized nearly $3M worth of cocaine at the immigration checkpoints.

On Saturday, Kingsville agents working at the Sarita Checkpoint arrested a United States citizen after locating 33 bundles of cocaine concealed inside of a tractor trailer. The cocaine weighed over 80 pounds is worth an estimated $2.7M.

Similarly on Monday, Falfurrias agents working at the checkpoint referred a vehicle to the secondary inspection area and located two bundles of cocaine concealed inside. The narcotics weighed over five pounds, worth an estimated $178K.

Agents arrested the drivers. Border Patrol referred both cases for federal 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!”   

Border Patrol Rescues Child Attempting to Cross Rio Grande

Agents Resuscitate 12-Year-Old Honduran Boy

EAGLE PASS, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Marine Unit in Eagle Pass saved the life of a 12-year-old Honduran boy after pulling him from the Rio Grande River. The boy was part of a group of three people who attempted to cross the river together, including his older brother.

“This incident highlights the dangers of attempting to enter the United States illegally,” said Del Rio Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Matthew J. Hudak. “If not for the training and quick response by our marine agents, this young boy would have lost his life.”

On Feb. 18, agents from the Eagle Pass South Station were conducting river operations when they noticed several individuals struggling to stay afloat in the Rio Grande River.

The agents immediately navigated their service vessel to the individuals, where the 12-year-old boy had already lost consciousness and was underwater.

Agents pulled the boy’s limp body onto the vessel and resuscitated him with CPR. The boy’s older brother was also pulled onto the vessel. The third person, a Nicaraguan male, swam to the U.S. side of the river on his own.

Agents transported them to dry land where emergency medical technicians and Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue (BORSTAR) agents were waiting.

All three individuals were transported to Fort Duncan Regional Medical Center where they were evaluated by medical professionals and subsequently released. They were then transported to the Eagle Pass South Border Patrol Station for processing per 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 Field Operations Officers Seize Over $12 Million in Methamphetamine at Pharr International Bridge

Packages containing 906 pounds of methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge. | Photo by U.S. Customs and Border Protection

PHARR, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Pharr International Bridge hit the drug-smuggling organizations hard this weekend with a substantial interception of hard narcotics, seizing $12,700,000 worth of methamphetamine.

“This was an outstanding interception our officers accomplished this weekend,” said Port Director David Gonzalez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. “Our officers’ astute sense of awareness and tenacity is unparalleled and truly commendable.”

On Feb. 16, CBP officers working at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge cargo facility encountered a 42-year-old male Mexican citizen
with a commercial shipment of frozen strawberries arriving from Mexico.

CBP referred the shipment for further inspection and with the use of all available tools and resources, officers discovered 350 packages of alleged methamphetamine concealed within the trailer.

CBP OFO seized 906 pounds of methamphetamine (411 kg) along with the tractor/trailer. This seizure was accomplished with the utilization of non-intrusive imaging (NII) equipment along with assistance from CBP canine teams.

CBP OFO arrested the man involved in the seizure and subsequently released him to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents for further investigation.

CBP Officers Create A Double Play As They Seize Meth Worth Over $1.7 Million at the Laredo Port of Entry

Packages containing 63 pounds of methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at Gateway to the Americas International Bridge in Laredo, Texas. | Photo by U.S. Customs and Border Protection

LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers create a double play as they seize methamphetamine worth over $1.7 million in two enforcement actions on Wednesday, Feb.13.

“CBP has numerous layers of enforcement and our officers will go above and beyond to keep these illicit drugs from entering our country and affecting our community,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry.

The first seizure was intercepted at the Gateway to the Americas International Bridge when a CBP officer referred a 2010 Ford Focus, driven by a 21-year-old male Mexican citizen who resides in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico for a secondary examination.

During a canine and non-intrusive imaging inspection, CBP officers discovered three packages containing a total of 63 pounds of alleged methamphetamine within the vehicle.

The second interception occurred at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge when a CBP officer referred a 2008 Chevrolet Captiva, driven by a 42-year-old female Mexican citizen who resides in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico for a secondary examination.

Upon a physical and non-intrusive inspection by CBP officers, a total of 19 packages containing a total of 23 pounds of alleged methamphetamine were discovered within the vehicle.

The narcotics have a combined estimated street value of $1,714,296. CBP officers seized the narcotics and the vehicles.

Both drivers were arrested and the cases were turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents for further investigation.

Eagle Pass Border Patrol Agents Recover Body from Rio Grande

EAGLE PASS, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol marine agents and the Eagle Pass Fire Department worked together to recover the body of a deceased man from the Rio Grande River early Thursday morning.

“Crossing the Rio Grande River is both illegal and dangerous,” said Del Rio Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Matthew J. Hudak. “This tragic death reminds us of the unforgiving and perilous nature of this part of our nation’s southern border.”

On Feb. 14, agents at the Eagle Pass Border Patrol Station were notified of a possible deceased person in the Rio Grande River, near Bridge No. 2.

The Eagle Pass Fire Department, assisted by Border Patrol marine units, recovered the body of an unidentified male from the river. Local authorities in Eagle Pass took possession of the remains.

Since Oct. 2018, there have been four reported deaths in the Del Rio Sector.

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.

Eagle Pass Border Patrol Agents Rescue 17 from Rio Grande

EAGLE PASS, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Del Rio Sector’s Special Operations Detachment and marine units from the Eagle Pass Station rescued 17 Central American migrants from the Rio Grande River in three incidents on Thursday.

“As the number of migrants crossing the dangerous Rio Grande River has risen over the past several weeks, so too have our number of rescues,” said Del Rio Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Matthew J. Hudak. “No loss of life or injury took place during these operations thanks to the quick actions taken by our agents, of whom I’m extremely proud.”

At approximately 2:30 a.m. on Feb. 14, Border Patrol agents from the Eagle Pass Station reported hearing cries coming from the Rio Grande River.

A Customs and Border Protection helicopter in the area responded and confirmed that a group of eight appeared to be stranded on a small island in the middle of the river.

Agents assigned to the elite BORSTAR (Border Search, Trauma and Rescue) unit, part of Del Rio Sector’s Special Operations Detachment, were in the area and deployed to assist. BORSTAR agents successfully reached the group and brought them to the United States riverbank.

Later in the day, at approximately 12:15 p.m., another group of six migrants entered the river and attempted to cross to the United States side, only to become overwhelmed by high water levels and the swift current.

Border Patrol marine units quickly responded, pulled the group on board their vessel and transported them to the U.S. shore.

The third water rescue of the day occurred at around 3:40 p.m., when agents from the Eagle Pass Station again spotted a group of people in the river, apparently in distress, near Bridge No.2.

Marine units deployed and pulled the group of three to safety. An ambulance transported the group to Fort Duncan Regional Medical Center in Eagle Pass for further treatment and observation. All have since been released from the hospital.

Of the 17 migrants rescued during these attempts to cross the Rio Grande, 16 were from Honduras (including six children ranging in age from 1 to 17 years old) and one Guatemalan child, age 3. All were processed in accordance with CBP guidelines.

Since Feb. 4, Border Patrol agents in Del Rio Sector have rescued 35 people from the Rio Grande River.

Brownsville CBP Officers Apprehend Fugitive Wanted for Homicide

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Brownsville Port of Entry detained a fugitive at the Gateway International Bridge who had an outstanding warrant out of Dallas, Texas, for homicide.

“Our officers remain vigilant in keeping our borders secure and apprehending wanted persons with outstanding warrants is an important part of our mission,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry. “I congratulate our officers for their dedication and vigilance as we continue to keep our communities safe.”

The fugitive apprehension occurred Thursday, Feb. 14, at the Gateway International Bridge, when CBP officers encountered Antonia Gabriela de la Fuente, a 44-year-old female United States citizen who resides in Brownsville, Texas, as she attempted entry into the United States.

The traveler was referred to CBP secondary, when a query revealed she appeared to have an active warrant.  Once the traveler was in the secondary inspection area, subsequent biometric queries confirmed she had an outstanding warrant for homicide out of the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office.

CBP officers confirmed the warrant to be active. CBP turned de la Fuente over to the custody of Cameron County Sheriff’s Office to await transfer to the originating agency of the warrant.

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) is a centralized automated database designed to share information among law enforcement agencies including outstanding warrants for a wide range of offenses.

Based on information from NCIC, CBP officers have made previous arrests of individuals wanted for homicide, escape, money laundering, robbery, narcotics distribution, sexual child abuse, fraud, larceny, and military desertion.

Criminal charges are merely allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

CBP Officers Seize Hard Narcotics Worth Over $2.2 Million at the Colombia-Solidarity Bridge

Packages containing 100 pounds of methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at Colombia-Solidarity Bridge. | U.S. Customs and Border Protection

LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers continue their strong enforcement posture as they recently intercepted a significant amount of hard narcotics worth more than $2.2 million at the Colombia-Solidarity Bridge while conducting enforcement operations over the weekend.

“I commend the officers for their keen observational skills and interviewing techniques which played a key role in this interception,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “The narcotics that were seized today are the kind that have been devastating the most vulnerable members of our communities and our nation.”

The seizure occurred on Saturday, Feb. 9, when a CBP officer referred a 2017 Dodge Journey driven by a 22-year-old male Mexican citizen who resides in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico for a secondary examination.

Upon a canine and non-intrusive imaging inspection by CBP officers, 18 packages containing 100 pounds of alleged methamphetamine were discovered within the vehicle.

The narcotics have an estimated street value of $2,201,954. 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.

Border Patrol seizes over 2,000 pounds of marijuana in the Rio Grande Valley in the last three days

EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents continue to disrupt narcotic smuggling attempts throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

On Saturday, agents working near Fronton, Texas, observed several subjects illegally crossing the Rio Grande with bundles of narcotics.

As the agents responded to the area, they observed a green SUV believed to be involved with the smuggling attempt. When agents encountered the smugglers, the illegal border crossers abandoned the marijuana and fled to Mexico.

An immediate search of the area resulted in the discovery of 17 bundles of marijuana weighing over 1,100 pounds, worth an estimated $920K. Additionally, agents located the green SUV abandoned in the middle of the river.

In the past three days, agents in the Rio Grande Valley seized over 2,000 pounds of marijuana worth over $1.7M.

Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Checkpoint seizes $4.8M worth of Meth

FALFURRIAS, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents disrupted three separate methamphetamine smuggling attempts at the Falfurrias Checkpoint in the past few days.

On Thursday, checkpoint agents arrested a United States citizen after finding six bundles of methamphetamine concealed inside his vehicle. The drugs weighed more than 55 pounds and is worth an estimated $1.8M.

Similarly over the weekend, checkpoint agents stopped two separate methamphetamine smuggling attempts resulting in the seizure of nearly 100 pounds of meth, with an estimated value over $3M.

Border Patrol Agents in Clint Stop Smuggling Scheme

CLINT, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol Agents stopped a smuggling attempt by a convicted felon, arrest two illegal aliens and seized more than four grams of cocaine, all in a single smuggling scheme.

Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Clint Border Patrol Station observed two subjects making an illegal entry at noon Wednesday. 

Shortly thereafter agents observed a vehicle approach the area where the subjects were hiding and pick them up.

Border Patrol Agents conducted an immigration stop, questioned the occupants as to their citizenship and subsequently placed them under arrest for having entered the United States illegally.

Further interviews and investigation of the driver, later identified as 32-year-old Eduardo Giron Jr., produced several previous arrests and convictions. Giron was also carrying almost five grams of cocaine.

Giron’s criminal history includes arrests for riot participation, possession of marijuana, assault of a public servant, interference with emergency call, assault with a deadly weapon and battery.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office took custody of the contraband and will be charging the subject with possession of a controlled substance. Giron has also been set for prosecution in federal court for the smuggling scheme. The illegal alien passengers will face immigration charges.

Incidents such as the one previously described are prime examples of how the U.S. Border Patrol plays a major role in making our communities safer and clearly depict the level of cooperation among all Federal, State and Local law enforcement agencies.

CBP Presidio makes Cocaine seizure

PRESIDIO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers working at the Presidio port of entry seized 15.5 pounds of cocaine. The drugs were hidden inside a SUV. The estimated street value of the seized contraband is $191,700.

“This seizure is a result of the vigilance and hard work of Presidio’s CBP officers,” said Michael Neipert, CBP Presidio Port Director.

The seizure was made about 10:30 Friday morning. CBP officers employed a variety of enforcement tools resulting in the discovery of the drug load in a hidden compartment.

CBP officers arrested the driver a 19-year-old Mexican citizen from Chihuahua City, Chihuahua. The driver was turned over to ICE HSI agents to face federal prosecution for 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.

Weapons and Drugs seized by Presidio CBP

PRESIDIO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers working at the Presidio port of entry on three separate occasions seized 15 pounds cocaine, 45 pounds methamphetamine, and 31 handguns all within a six day period.

The street value of the drugs is $389,000 and the market value of the weapons is $14,675.

“Our Nation’s security at the border requires CBP officers to be vigilant for all types of contraband and concealment methods,” said Michael Neipert, CBP Presidio Port Director, “Presidio CBP officers do an excellent job of detecting contraband.”

The first seizure was made at 9:30 p.m. on Friday February 1 when a 36-year-old Mexican citizen male driver applied for entry at the primary inspection station driving a 2011 Dodge Journey. The vehicle was referred for an x-ray exam where anomalies were observed in the dashboard area of the vehicle. Officers removed six foil-wrapped bundles which field tested positive for cocaine.

The second seizure occurred on Sunday February 3 at 11:30 a.m. when a 1993 Chevy Silverado driven by a 62-year-old male Mexican citizen driver arrived at the primary inspection booth. The vehicle was referred for an x-ray exam and anomalies were observed in the spare tire of the vehicle. After dismantling the spare tire, officers removed 50 bundles containing a substance which field tested positive for methamphetamine.

On February 6, CBP officers were conducting outbound operations when a 2006 Ford F-250 pick-up towing a 2011 Ford E-350 passenger van and driven by a 54-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen was selected for an intensive inspection. Inspection of the van resulted in discovery of a non-factory compartment in the firewall of the vehicle.

Visual inspection of the inside of the compartment revealed a number of weapons in vacuum sealed bags. A total of 31 automatic handguns and 48 assorted magazines were removed from the compartment.

CBP officers took custody of and arrested all three individuals who were turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement HSI agents in connection with the failed smuggling attempts.

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 Enhances Security in Eagle Pass in Preparation for the Migrant Caravan

EAGLE PASS, Texas – In anticipation of the roughly 1,800 people arriving as part of a caravan to the Mexican city of Piedras Negras across from Eagle Pass, CBP has enhanced its security efforts in the area.

On Thursday Jan. 31, CBP became aware of a caravan of people from Central America traveling towards the border areas of Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico—South of Eagle Pass, TX—and Ciudad Acuna, Coahuila, Mexico—South of Del Rio, Texas.

To ensure the Ports of Entry (POE) are not overrun by a large number of people attempting to enter the U.S. illegally, CBP has taken steps to harden the port.

Currently, hardening materials are arriving to the Ports of Entry in Eagle Pass, Texas, to act as impediments to illegal crossers. These include Connex containers, K-Rails and several spools of Concertina Wire (c-wire).

For now, CBP is relying on organic resources from Eagle Pass and other Texas ports of entry for staffing. However, on Feb. 5, U.S. Army personnel—including medical personnel, engineers and Military Police—arrived in Del Rio.

Texas Department of Public Safety, Eagle Pass Police Department and Maverick County Sheriff’s Office are also supporting the effort.

The Central Americans arriving in Piedras Negras traversed Mexico fairly quickly by using buses and trucks, to make their way to the border region.

Border Patrol Agents Rescue Family from River

DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents working with the Border Patrol Marine unit and the Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue unit in Eagle Pass, rescued five Honduran nationals from the Rio Grande River.

“Crossing the Rio Grande River is both dangerous and illegal. The dedication and quick response of our agents prevented a tragedy this morning,” said Del Rio Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Matthew J. Hudak. “We encourage all migrants to utilize the Ports of Entry to make a proper entry into the United States.”

At approximately 8 a.m., agents conducting maritime operations along the Rio Grande River, rescued five Honduran nationals from drowning.

The subjects were observed attempting to cross the river near Camino Real International Bridge, in Eagle Pass.

The group consisted of thee adults and two children. | U.S. Customs and Border Protection

The group consisted of three adults and two children, ages one and three. The adults were struggling against the current while attempting to carry the children.

One adult woman was nearly swept away by the current while carrying a child. Agents assigned to the boat units, and Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue (BORSTAR) responded and rescued the group.

The group was evaluated by U.S. Border Patrol EMTs, and offered medical treatment. The group was transported to the Eagle Pass South Station for processing, per 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 Field Operations Seizes Methamphetamine Worth Over $26 Million at Pharr International Bridge

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

PHARR, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Pharr International Bridge discovered half a ton of methamphetamine worth $14,075,000 and nearly 10 pounds of cocaine concealed within a commercial shipment of fresh produce.

“This was truly an outstanding interception of hard narcotics that our CBP officers effected yesterday at the cargo facility,” said Port Director David Gonzalez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. “A seizure of this magnitude is a positive enforcement action against drug smuggling organizations, one that will certainly make a difference in our fight against drugs.”

CBP Field Operations officers working at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility on Feb. 6 encountered a commercial shipment of fresh bell peppers arriving from Mexico and the shipment was referred for further inspection.

With the use of a non-intrusive imaging (NII) inspection along with the assistance of a canine team, officers discovered 364 packages of alleged methamphetamine weighing 1,005 pounds (456 kg) and four packages of alleged cocaine weighing 9.92 pounds (4.5 kg) concealed within the commercial trailer. The total estimated street value for the narcotics is $14,152,000.

The narcotics and tractor/trailer were seized and the case remains under investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents.

Three Criminal Illegal Aliens Arrested in the Rio Grande Valley

EDINBURG, Texas –Border Patrol Agents arrest two sex offenders and a violent gang member.

Monday, McAllen agents working near Hidalgo, Texas, arrested eight illegal aliens shortly after they entered the United States. While being processed, a Mexican man’s record checks revealed an arrest by the Cobb County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Office for Child Molestation. The man received four years confinement and 16 years’ probation.

Later that night, agents from Rio Grande City working near Roma, Texas, arrested a Honduran male. Record checks indicated an arrest and conviction in North Carolina for Indecent Liberties with Child. The presiding judge sentenced him to 16-20 months along with 6 months’ probation.

Tuesday morning, Harlingen agents working near Progreso, Texas, arrested 16 illegal aliens after making their illegal entry into the United States.

Record checks for a Honduran male revealed he is a member of the MS-13 gang with criminal history that includes Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon and Kidnapping-False Imprisonment in the state of Florida. The man received a sentence of 19 months confinement.

The Border Patrol is processing the subjects accordingly.