Texas Border: CBP Seize Weapons, Currency, $2.1 Million in Drugs And Arrest Two Child Molesters

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

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 17 – October 24, 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 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. 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 Oct. 18 – Oct. 24, 2018

Texas Border Reported Arrests/Apprehensions

Texas Border Reported Arrests/Apprehensions from the following counties;

El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico and USC (U.S. Citizens)

Arrests/Apprehensions Weekly Total: 89+ (“+”: see note below)

Of those above there were…

9 USC (U.S. Citizen);
4+ UAC (Unaccompanied Alien Children);
2 Child Molester(s)
2 Individuals apprehended with active criminal charges, warrants or convictions;
8 Vehicle(s) Seized
Additional Seizures: Weapons, Drugs, Currency — totals not given

Specific Prior Criminal Convictions

Prior Criminal Conviction(s): 2
New charge(s) pending: 1
Warrant(s): 1

  • 1- Outstanding felony warrant for 1st degree child molestation
  • 1- Conviction of manslaughter in Georgia
  • 1- New Charges Filed: Illegal Reentry to U.S. After Removal
  • 1- Conviction of Sexual Assault of a Child, in Dallas County

*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.

Marijuana
1,931 lbs
$386,358
Cocaine
73.5 lbs
$573,470
Methamphetamine/Liquid/Crystal
42.61. lbs
$1,206,940


Weight Total of Narcotics: 2,047.11 lbs.
Estimated Street Value of Narcotics: $2,166,768 Million

 

Del Rio Sector Border Patrol Agents Arrest Sex Offender

October 24, 2018

Efren Arellano-Arreola, Mexican National Previously Deported | Photo by  U.S. Customs & Border Protection.

DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass Station arrested a convicted sex offender in Eagle Pass, Monday.

“Our agents are tasked with preserving our way of life and ensuring the integrity of our borders and the security of our communities,” said Del Rio Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Matthew J. Hudak. “Thanks to their hard work, another convicted felon, was prevented from entering the U.S. and is unable to do more harm.”

On Oct. 22, Eagle Pass agents arrested Mexican national Efren Arellano-Arreola, 35, after he illegally entered the United States.

Records checks revealed he has a criminal history, including a conviction in February 2016 for Sexual Assault of a Child, in Dallas County.

Arellano-Arreola was sentenced to serve five years in prison for that offense, and is registered as a sex-offender. Further checks also show that he was removed from the United States in January 2018.

As a convicted felon who has been previously removed from the United States, Arellano-Arreola faces a charge of 8 USC § 1326 – re-entry after deportation, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

All individuals arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol undergo criminal history checks using biometrics to ensure those with criminal history or gang affiliation are positively identified.

The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is part of the Joint Task Force-West South Texas Corridor, which leverages federal, state, and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations.



Border Patrol Agents Find 16 Illegal Aliens inside Box Truck

October 23, 2018

Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents discovered 16 aliens within a box truck at the Interstate 35 checkpoint. | Photo by U.S.  Customs & Border Protection.

LAREDO, Texas – Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo North Station found 16 illegal aliens inside a box truck after inspection at the Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate Highway 35 (IH-35).

On today’s date, Oct. 23 at approximately 12:45 a.m., agents observed a white box truck circumventing the checkpoint on IH-35. 

Agents responded and requested the vehicle to drive to the checkpoint for further investigation. 

Upon arrival at the primary inspection lane, a service canine alerted to the presence of concealed humans or narcotics and the vehicle was referred to secondary for further
inspection.

Agents found 16 illegal aliens inside the box truck, all found in good health. The driver, a United States citizen, was arrested and the illegal aliens were processed accordingly. The illegal aliens were determined to be from the countries of Mexico and Guatemala.

The case was referred to Homeland Security Investigations.



CBP Officers Seize Marijuana Worth Over $362K at the World Trade Bridge

October 23, 2018

Packages containing 1,811 pounds of marijuana seized by CBP officers at World Trade Bridge. | Photo by U.S. Customs & Border Protection.

LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers intercepted a noteworthy narcotics seizure with an estimated street value of more than $362,000 in one enforcement action over the weekend.

“This was an excellent interception by our CBP officers and a great example of the layered enforcement implemented by CBP,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry.

The seizure occurred on Friday, Oct. 19, when a CBP officer at World Trade Bridge referred a 2004 Volvo tractor trailer hauling a shipment of polyester flakes for a secondary examination.

Upon a canine and non-intrusive imaging inspection by CBP officers, a total of 142 packages containing 1,811 pounds of alleged marijuana was discovered. The narcotics have an estimated street value of $362,348.

CBP officers seized the narcotics. The case was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents for further investigation.



CBP Officers Seize Cocaine Worth Over $444K at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge

October 23, 2018

CBP officers at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge seized 57 pounds of cocaine within a vehicle. | Photo by U.S. Customs & Border Protection

LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers intercepted a significant narcotics seizure with an estimated street value of more than $444,000 in one enforcement action over the weekend.

“This seizure was definitely unique and is an example of how officer experience plays a critical role in advancing the CBP mission,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry.

The seizure occurred on Friday, Oct.19, at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge when a CBP officer referred a 2008 BMW Sport Utility Vehicle driven by a 40-year-old male Mexican citizen, traveling with a 43-year-old female
Mexican citizen, both residents of Nuevo
Leon, Monterrey for a secondary examination.

Upon a canine and non-intrusive imaging inspection by CBP officers, a total of 24 packages containing 57 pounds of alleged cocaine was discovered. The narcotics have an estimated street value of $444,720.

CBP officers seized the narcotics and arrested both subjects. The case was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents for further investigation.



CBP Officers at Laredo Port of Entry Apprehend Man Wanted in Missouri for Child Molestation

October 23, 2018

LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations officers at the Laredo Port of Entry this weekend apprehended a bus passenger wanted on an outstanding felony warrant for child molestation.

“Our frontline officers continue to steadfastly uphold our border security mission. The processing and identity verification of a man with an outstanding felony warrant for child molestation helps keep our community safe and illustrates our dedication to our mission,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry.

The apprehension occurred on Sunday, Oct. 21 at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge. CBP officers conducted a primary examination on a male passenger arriving on a commercial bus from Mexico and referred him to secondary for further inspection due to a possible match to an outstanding warrant.

CBP officers conducted a fingerprint check and utilizing national law enforcement databases confirmed his identity as 59-year-old Florentino Proa Favela, a resident alien wanted by the Stone County Sheriff’s Office in Galena, Missouri on an outstanding felony warrant for 1st degree child molestation. Proa Favela was transported to Webb County Jail pending extradition proceedings and warrant adjudication.

Charges and allegations contained in criminal complaints are merely accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.



Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Stop Human Smuggling Attempt

October 22, 2018

LAREDO, Texas – Border Patrol agents assigned to the Cotulla Station responded to a report of suspicious activity west of Encinal, Texas and encountered a truck smuggled aliens.

On October 21, agents received information from an oilfield worker indicating he had observed people loading into a white Ford F-150. As agents approached the area, they encountered a vehicle matching the description traveling eastbound on Highway 44.

Agents attempted to perform a vehicle stop on the vehicle, but the truck immediately pulled over to the side of the highway and multiple individuals were observed exiting the vehicle. With the assistance of a CBP Air and Marine Operations asset, agents were able to successfully apprehend six illegal aliens, with one being identified as the driver.

All of the subjects were processed accordingly and the vehicle was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.



CBP Officers Seize Methamphetamine Worth $233K at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge

October 19, 2018

CBP officers seize nearly 17 pounds of methamphetamine at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge. | Photo by U.S. Customs & Border Protection.

LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers this week seized a significant amount of alleged methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $233,000 in a single enforcement action.

“Our officers continue to maintain their vigilance amid the inclement weather and utilized their inspections experience, canines and technology to intercept a significant load of methamphetamine,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry.   

The seizure occurred on Monday, Oct. 15 at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge when a CBP officer referred a 2016 Dodge Attitude driven by a 37-year-old male Mexican citizen arriving from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas for a secondary examination.

Following a canine and non-intrusive imaging system inspection, CBP officers discovered a total of 13 packages containing nearly 17 pounds
of alleged methamphetamine was
discovered within the vehicle.

The narcotics have an estimated street value of $233,000. CBP officers seized the narcotics and 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 Agents Interrupt Methamphetamine Smuggling Attempt at Checkpoint

October 19, 2018

Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents seized 25 pounds of methamphetamine at the Freer Border Patrol checkpoint. | Photo by U.S. Customs & Border Protection.

LAREDO, Texas – Border Patrol agents assigned to the Border Patrol Checkpoint on U.S. Highway 59 seized over 25 pounds of methamphetamine with an estimated value of more than $973,940.

The case evolved on October 18 after Border Patrol agents assigned to the checkpoint near Freer, Texas encountered a white Chevrolet Aveo sedan 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. 

The vehicle was subsequently referred to the secondary inspection area for further
examination.

While at secondary, agents conducted a closer and thorough inspection of the car and discovered a false compartment in the front bumper. 

The agents were successful in finding 45 bundles which tested positive for methamphetamine and weighed 25.61 pounds.

The narcotics and driver, a Mexican national, were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration while the car was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol. 



Del Rio Border Patrol Agents Arrest Convicted Felon

October 19, 2018

Jose Marcelino Martinez-Garza | Mexican National Previously Convicted of Manslaughter | Photo by U.S. Customs & Border Protection.

DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents apprehended a Mexican national with a previous conviction for manslaughter.

“This arrest serves to remind us of the many inherent dangers our agents face along our nation’s borders,” said Del Rio Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Matthew J. Hudak. “Another convicted criminal has been denied the opportunity to endanger our communities.”

On Oct. 16, Border Patrol agents from the Eagle Pass Station arrested Jose Marcelino Martinez-Garza, 59, for illegal entry into the United States.

Records checks revealed an extensive criminal history, including a conviction for manslaughter in Gwinnett County, Georgia, on Oct. 18, 2005, an offense for which he was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Records also show he subsequently was deported from the United States in October 2011. Martinez-Garza faces prosecution for 8 USC § 1326 – Illegal Reentry After Removal, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

All individuals arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol undergo criminal history checks using biometrics to ensure those with criminal history or gang affiliation are positively identified.

The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is part of the Joint Task Force-West South Texas Corridor, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations.



Border Patrol Agents Find Four Illegal Aliens Concealed in Toolbox

October 18, 2018

Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents discovered these two aliens in a locked toolbox in a heavy truck at the U.S. 83 checkpoint. Photo by U.S. Customs & Border Protection.

LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents conducting checkpoint operations on U.S. Highway 83 apprehended four subjects hidden in toolboxes northwest of Laredo, Texas.

Early on October 18, agents at the primary inspection area encountered a 2015 Chevrolet truck with three passengers. 

A Border Patrol canine alerted to the possible presence of illegal contraband in the vehicle, and agents referred the vehicle to secondary inspection.

Further inspection of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of four subjects concealed in locked toolboxes in the rear of the truck.

Immigration inspections on the subjects determined they were all illegal aliens from the countries of Guatemala, Mexico, and El Salvador.

The driver and passengers, all U.S. citizens, along with the illegal aliens were taken into custody for processing, and the truck was seized by the Laredo Sector Border Patrol.



CBP Officers Stop Drug Loads at El Paso Port of Entry

October 18, 2018

Drug bundles in fuel tank. | Photo by U.S. Customs & Border Protection.

EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the El Paso port of entry made several drug busts Tuesday.

Their enforcement efforts netted 120 pounds of marijuana in two busts and 16.5 pounds of cocaine in a third incident.

“CBP officers are hard at work maintaining the free flow of legitimate trade and travel while upholding all our enforcement missions,” said Ray Provencio, acting CBP El Paso port director.

The largest seizure of the day was made just after 6 a.m. at the Ysleta international crossing when a 2005 Dodge Dakota entered the facility from Mexico.

CBP officers selected the vehicle for a secondary exam during which a CBP drug sniffing dog alerted to the car. CBP officers scanned the vehicle with the Z-Portal x-ray system and spotted several anomalies.

They removed multiple marijuana filled bundles from the doors and fuel tank of the vehicle. The drugs weighed 68 pounds.

CBP officers arrested the driver, a 20-year-old male U.S. citizen. He was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations special agents to face charges associated with the failed drug smuggling attempt.

In addition to the three drug seizures CBP officers working at the El Paso port of entry also apprehended one NCIC fugitive and made one agricultural seizure Tuesday.



Border Patrol Agents Arrest 12 in Smuggling Attempt Following Traffic Stop

October 17, 2018

LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents apprehended 12 subjects following a request for assistance from a local law enforcement agency on Tuesday.

The incident occurred just after midnight on October 17, when Freer Border Patrol agents received a request for assistance from a Webb County Sheriff’s deputy who had made a traffic stop near State Highway 59 and Farm-to-Market Road 2895. 

Agents responded to the location and performed immigration inspections on multiple subjects who had been found in the vehicle. All 10 subjects were found to be illegally present in the United States.

A search of the immediate area near the traffic stop resulted in the discovery of two additional individuals, who were also determined to be illegal aliens. 

All 12 subjects, including four unaccompanied juveniles, were taken into custody for processing. The driver of the vehicle absconded in the brush. The vehicle was seized by the Webb County Sheriff’s Office.



Border Patrol Agents Apprehend 37 in Checkpoint Smuggling Attempt

October 17, 2018

Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents discovered 37 illegal aliens hidden in a tractor trailer at the Interstate 35 checkpoint. Photo by U.S. Customs & Border Protection.

LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol conducting checkpoint operations on Interstate Highway 35 apprehended 37 subjects Tuesday evening.

The incident occurred on October 16, at approximately 8:30 p.m., when agents encountered a tractor-trailer at the primary inspection area. An immigration inspection of the driver determined he was U.S. citizen.

Agents referred the vehicle for further inspection, and discovered 37 subjects concealed in the trailer. Immigration inspections determined that all the subjects in the trailer were illegal aliens. All were found to be in good health.

All subjects were taken into custody for appropriate processing, and the tractor-trailer was seized by Laredo Sector Border Patrol.



 

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