CBP AMO Blackhawk Crew | Photo credit CBP
Staff Report
NOTE: Corridor News has reached out to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for additional information and were informed that protecting the border and the U.S. Citizens is their first priority. Therefore, we expect what information we receive will be minimal.
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:
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 the information that is NOT reported or incorrectly reported.
• April 12 – Apr. 24, 2019 •
Texas Border Reported Arrests/Apprehensions
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Reported Arrests/Apprehensions from the following counties;
• El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras and USC (U.S. Citizen)
• Arrests/Apprehensions: 1,880+ (“+”: see note below)
Of those above there were…
• Rescue(s): 3
• US Citizen(s): 1
• Fatality(ies): 1
• Sex Trafficker(s): 1
• Child Sex Offender(s): 2
• Gang Member(s): 5
• Seizures
° Passenger Vehicle(s) Seized: 8
° Commercial Vehicle(s): 1 – Shipment of Honeydew Melons
° AK-47: 1
° 47 Rounds of Ammunition
° All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV): 2
• Arrests with Prior Criminal Conviction(s) or Active Criminal Warrant(s)
NOTE: There are multiple incidents involving criminals from Central America, the United States and most all other countries that happen daily on all U.S. borders. However, the totals below include ONLY what is has reported by U.S. Customs & Border Protection and ONLY along the Texas border. Corridor News is not responsible for what is NOT reported or incorrectly reported
• Outstanding Warrant(s): 1
• Prior Criminal Conviction(s): 8
*NOTE: Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
**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.
• Total Weight of Narcotics: 808.04 lbs. (+)
• Estimated Street Value of Narcotics: $10,679,756 Million(+)
Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Surpasses 2018 Total Apprehensions Numbers
EDINBURG, Texas – The U.S. Border Patrol Rio Grande Valley Sector continues to experience unprecedented numbers in illegal alien apprehensions.
Less than seven months into the fiscal year, the Rio Grande Valley Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol Sector has apprehended more than 164,000 people to date, surpassing the total number of apprehensions made in fiscal year 2018.
The sector continues to work with its federal, state, local and non-governmental partners in addressing the influx of Central and South American migrants crossing into South Texas.
On average, Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley arrest more than 1,100 people per day.
RGV Sector Border Patrol Agents Rescue Toddler Abandoned by Smugglers in Texas Field
BROWNSVILLE, Texas –U.S. Border Patrol agents rescued a 3-year-old male child abandoned by smugglers in Texas.
Early Tuesday morning, Fort Brown Station Border Patrol agents working near Brownsville, Texas, observed multiple suspected illegal aliens walking north towards a cornfield near the intersection of Southmost Boulevard and Southpoint Road after they entered the United States illegally.
As agents attempted to intercept the group, the suspected illegal aliens scattered in the overgrown field.
The agents requested the assistance of a Border Patrol K-9 team in an attempt to search the field and, in the process, located a child who was alone and crying.
Agents attempted to locate the child’s parents in the surrounding area of the field to no avail. The young child did not speak well enough to communicate, but had his name and a phone number written on his shoes.
The child was transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation, he was found to be in good condition and released to the Border Patrol. At the station, additional attempts to locate the child’s family were unsuccessful.
A Fort Brown Supervisory Border Patrol agent purchased clothing for the child and fellow agents and CBP officers entertained the youth, watching movies and playing games.
The child was taken to the Centralized Processing Center and remains under the care of contracted child care workers assigned to the center.
The child will be turned over to the custody of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which is the protocol when apprehending unaccompanied children.
CBP Announces Retention Incentive for United States Border Patrol Agent
WASHINGTON– U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced a new retention incentive today for all GS-12 and GS-13 Border Patrol agents. The 5% retention incentive is the product of months of collaboration between CBP and the National Border Patrol Council.
“Investing in the men and women of the United States Border Patrol continues to be my top priority,” said Carla Provost, U.S. Border Patrol Chief. “Their experience and expertise is critical to successfully accomplishing the border security mission.”
Agents who participate in a 12-month service agreement will receive a retention bonus on a quarterly basis, equal to 5% of their base salary.
Service agreements will be available in May. Incentives will begin to accrue in June and agents will begin to receive incentive payments as soon as September.
On Jan. 25, 2017, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 13767: Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvements.
Section 8 of the Executive Order states, “subject to available appropriations, the Secretary, through the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, shall take all appropriate action to hire 5,000 additional Border Patrol agents, and all appropriate action to ensure that such agents enter on duty and are assigned to duty stations as soon as is practicable.”
This retention incentive is part of a comprehensive recruitment and retention strategy for the U.S. Border Patrol.
“CBP has aggressively implemented an innovative and multifaceted recruitment and retention strategy, improving the frontline hiring process and related capabilities,” said John P. Sanders, senior official performing the duties of Commissioner. While these efforts have led to considerable progress, CBP continues to strengthen all aspects of its strategy to meet the Executive Order’s mandate.”
“We are facing a humanitarian and border security crisis on the Southwest border, and those who serve on the frontline are vital to that effort,” said Sanders. “I would like to thank the National Border Patrol Council for their support in moving this initiative forward.”
CBP Officers Intercept $728K in Fentanyl in Seizure at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge
LAREDO, TEXAS – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers maintained strict vigilance and recently seized more than $728,000 in fentanyl in a single enforcement action at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge.
“Our frontline CBP officers continued to remain vigilant amid heavy Semana Santa traffic and that dedication to the border security mission yielded a significant seizure of fentanyl,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry.
The seizure occurred on Thursday, April 18 at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge when a CBP officer referred a 2009 Ford F-150 pickup truck for a secondary examination.
Following a canine and non-intrusive imaging system inspection, CBP officers discovered 10 packages containing a total 26 pounds of alleged fentanyl hidden within the conveyance. The narcotics have an estimated street value of $728,000.
CBP officers seized the narcotics and the case was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents for further investigation.
Rio Grande Valley Sector agent Arrests Convicted Sex Trafficker
MCALLEN, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley arrested a sex trafficker and a registered sex offender.
On Sunday, agents assigned to the McAllen Border Patrol station apprehended a Mexican national near Los Ebanos, Texas.
During processing, his records showed that the man had a previous order of removal and an arrest by the United States Marshals in Augusta, Georgia, for transport interstate for commercialized sex. The man received a conviction and sentence to 25 months confinement and 36 months supervised released.
Later that evening, McAllen agents arrested another Mexican national near Chimney Park in Mission, Texas.
His record checks revealed two prior removals and a register in the State of Ohio as a sex offender for rape. Furthermore, the man’s record also displayed charges for domestic violence and assault.
The Border Patrol is processing both subjects accordingly.
Human Smuggling attempts foiled in the RIo Grande Valley
EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents help disrupt two human smuggling attempts in the Rio Grande Valley.
On Saturday, Weslaco agents working near Pharr, Texas, observed two All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) with multiple subjects traveling north of the Rio Grande.
Agents attempted to stop both ATVs, but they failed to yield to the agent’s emergency lights and fled to a nearby neighborhood.
After searching the neighborhood, agents located both ATVs, a Guatemalan national and a Mexican national who admitted to entering the United States illegally. Agents seized both ATVs and transported both subjects to the station for processing.
Monday evening, McAllen agents working near Sullivan City, Texas, assisted Sullivan City Police Department (SCPD) after the occupants of a dark colored Chevrolet Suburban bailed out at the intersection of Sam Fordyce Road and Expressway 83.
A search of the area resulted in the apprehension of the driver and four illegal aliens. SCPD took custody of the driver and vehicle. Agents took custody of the remaining subjects and transported them to the station to be processed.
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!”
Border Patrol Coordinates Rescue Efforts with the National Park Service, Rescued Two Persons in the Big Bend National Park
ALPINE, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Alpine Station coordinated efforts with Big Bend National Park Service to rescue two illegal aliens in Big Bend National Park.
Patrol Agent in Charge of the Alpine Station Roberto Dominguez said, “Our agents knowledge of the area and expertise, along with the outstanding working relationship we have with the National Park Service, allowed us to rescue these individuals and prevent two casualties.”
On Wednesday at approximately 11 p.m., U.S. Border Patrol Big Bend Sector radio dispatch notified the Alpine Border Patrol Station, that a subject was requesting emergency assistance and was currently out of food and water. The emergency call was originally received by the Brewster County Sheriff’s Office.
Based on information provided by Brewster County Sheriff’s Office, Alpine agents assigned to the Big Bend National Park along with National Park Rangers located one of the subjects in Big Bend National Park at approximately 7:45 a.m., Thursday morning.
The subject informed the agents and rangers that he had left an adult female needing emergency assistance approximately two hours behind him.
At approximately 10 a.m., Alpine Station agents located the female.
Both subjects are citizens of Mexico illegally present in the United States and did not request any medical attention. They will be charged with the applicable immigration laws.
This is Big Bend Sector’s second rescue of the week. On Tuesday, Agents assigned to the Sierra Blanca Station rescued three subjects.
Big Bend Sector Border Patrol agents, patrol 517 miles of the southwest border, an area that extends from Sierra Blanca, Texas to Sanderson, Texas. The Alpine Station’s area of responsibility includes 158 miles of international border with the Republic of Mexico as well as the vast majority of the 6,193 square miles that comprise Brewster County, Texas.
The Big Bend Substation, which was first staffed in 1987, provides an essential on-site presence in the Big Bend National Park, intelligence development and liaison with the National Park Service.
Multiple criminals arrested by Border Patrol in the Rio Grande Valley
EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested multiple criminal aliens over the Easter holiday weekend.
On Friday, McAllen agents working near Mission, Texas, arrested a Mexican national whose record checks revealed an arrest by the Gwinnett County Police Department in Lewisville, Georgia.
The police arrested the man and charged him with possession of a firearm during a commission of a felony/kidnapping. The presiding judge sentenced the man to 10 years confinement.
That same day, McAllen agents working near Abram, Texas, arrested a Salvadoran national after he entered the United States illegally. During processing, record checks revealed he is a Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang member. Additionally, record checks revealed a warrant of arrest in the state of Minnesota for burglary.
Saturday morning, Rio Grande City agents working near Roma, Texas, arrested a Salvadoran national whose record checks revealed he is an 18th Street Gang member.
Later, McAllen agents working near Mission, Texas, arrested a Salvadoran national whose record checks revealed multiple arrests in California.
His record revealed an arrest and conviction for sexual battery, annoy/molest under 18 and force/assault with a dangerous weapon not firearm. The presiding judge sentenced the man to three years probation. Additionally, record checks revealed he is a Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang member.
Sunday evening, McAllen agents working near Mission, Texas, arrested a Mexican national after he entered the United States illegally. During processing, record checks revealed multiple immigration violations along with an arrest and conviction for rape in the state of Ohio.
A few hours later, Falfurrias agents working on the vast ranch lands of Brooks County, arrested a Mexican national attempting to circumvent the checkpoint. During processing, record checks revealed multiple arrests including indecent assault and corruption/endangerment of a child in the state of Pennsylvania.
The Border Patrol is processing the subjects accordingly.
Border Patrol Big Bend Sector and Presidio Port of Entry Add 12 New Emergency Medical Technicians
MARFA, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol Big Bend Sector graduates twelve new Emergency Medical Technicians.
Big Bend Sector Chief Patrol Agent Matthew J. Hudak said, “I want to personally congratulate these new EMT’s. We work in some of the most rugged and desolate areas along the U.S. Mexico border.
These 12 additional EMT’s will be able to provide emergency medical assistance to our agents and officers, and will also be a lifesaving resource to the communities we serve
Students graduated a rigorous 7-week classroom and scenario based course on April 12. The course exposed the students to real life scenarios they could see on a day to day basis during their law enforcement duties. The EMT designation is an added duty for the participating students.
The 10 U.S. Border Patrol agents who graduated from the course came from throughout Big Bend Sector which extends from Sierra Blanca to Sanderson.
Additionally, two students were U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers from the Presidio, Texas Port of Entry. The EMT’s are required to pass their national certification prior to rendering aide as official EMT’s.
Big Bend Sector Border Patrol agents, patrol 517 miles of the southwest border, an area that extends from Sierra Blanca, Texas to Sanderson, Texas.
CBP at Hidalgo International Bridge Seizes Heroin Worth $781K
HIDALGO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo International Bridge arrested a 42-year-old woman from Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas, Mexico after discovering $781,000 worth of heroin in the vehicle she was driving.
“This was an excellent interception of hard narcotics that our frontline officers accomplished a few days ago,” said Port Director Sylvia Briones, Port of Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas. “Our officers’ ability to detect anomalies and discrepancies with travelers or vehicles is what raises suspicion and subsequently leads to discovering contraband.”
A CBP officer working at the Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge on April 18, referred a woman driving a white 2003 Ford F-150 pickup for further examination.
A thorough secondary inspection of the pickup, which included the utilization of non-intrusive imaging technology NII yielded positive results with the discovery of 16 packages of alleged heroin weighing 34.44 pounds (15.62 kg).
CBP OFO seized the heroin, the vehicle and arrested the woman who was ultimately turned over to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents’ custody for further investigation.
CBP Agriculture Enforcement Encountering Commercial Importations at Passenger Bridges
LAREDO, Texas – CBP agriculture specialists at the Laredo Port of Entry have issued seven penalties totaling over $6,500 to smugglers attempting to bring in commercial quantities of prohibited agricultural items.
Over the last month and a half, CBP agriculture specialists and officers have encountered several attempts to smuggle large quantities of prohibited agricultural items in the passenger environment.
In total over 1,600 mangos, 150 hog plums, 50 mamey fruit, and over 50 kilograms of pork meat has been intercepted during this time period.
The material has been found in quarter panels, under floorboards, under seats and mixed in boxes containing admissible or unregulated items.
Most notable was an interception of over 800 mangoes at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge. Some of these items have been found using CBP’s non-intrusive technology.
Agriculture items are restricted by CBP in order to prevent the entry of pests and diseases that pose a risk to our nation’s economy, natural resources, and agriculture industry.
Most fruits are prohibited because they are fruit fly hosts. Currently, much of south Texas is under a fruit fly quarantine including Laredo, Zapata and the Rio Grande Valley.
Since the start of 2019, CBP agriculture specialists at Laredo have issued 90 penalties totaling over $35,000, including eight $1,000 penalties for commercial quantities of prohibited agricultural items.
Attempting to bring in prohibited agricultural items could lead to traveler delays and may result in a fine ranging from $300 to $1,000.
CBP officers and agriculture specialists work diligently to fulfill CBP’s agriculture mission by excluding harmful pests and diseases from becoming established in the United States.
For more information about CBP’s agriculture mission, click on the following link, for information on prohibited and restricted items, visit USDA’s Don’t Pack a Pest website.
Discovered Tunnel Destroyed in the Rio Grande Valley
HIDALGO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) destroyed a tunnel created in an attempt to bypass technology and infrastructure.
On January 5, 2019, Rio Grande Valley Sector Riverine Units discovered an unfinished tunnel along the U.S. riverbank near Hidalgo, Texas.
Agents determined that a transnational criminal organization constructed the man-made tunnel in an attempt to avoid detection while importing people or narcotics. On Wednesday, CBP contractors filled the entire tunnel with concrete.
“Transnational criminal organizations are constantly attempting new methods of exploiting our vulnerabilities when attempting to get their illicit contraband, be it narcotics or human, into the United Sates. This dangerous tunnel has been filled with concrete and will no longer be used by the criminal element,” stated Melissa A. Lucio, Patrol Agent in Charge of the McAllen Border Patrol Station.
US Border Patrol Recovers Body from Rio Grande
EAGLE PASS, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass Station marine unit recovered the body of a deceased man from the Rio Grande River.
“The recovery of a deceased person is one of the grimmest tasks our agents carry out,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz. “This tragic and most recent death highlights the danger and unpredictability of the Rio Grande River.”
On April 11, Border Patrol marine agents on riverine patrol encountered a deceased person near the water treatment plant on the U.S. side of the Rio Grande River.
The body was recovered from the river by the Eagle Pass Fire Department and Border Patrol marine agents, and was turned over to the custody of a Maverick County Justice of the Peace.
Since the beginning of Fiscal Year 2019, there have been three water-related deaths encountered by Del Rio Sector agents.
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 Apprehend Subjects in Vehicle Pursuit
LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents apprehended several subjects following a vehicle pursuit.
The incident occurred on April 19, at around 8:00 p.m. CST, when agents encountered a suspicious vehicle traveling on Mines Road. The agents began to follow the vehicle, which eventually led the vehicle to speed up in an attempt to abscond from agents.
The vehicle eventually came to a stop and six subjects exited and fled on foot. Agents then began searching for their location.
With the assistance of CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO), the agents were able to locate and apprehend three subjects, which were transported to the station for processing.
One of the illegal aliens was treated by a Border Patrol Emergency Medical Technician and was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. Record checks revealed the subjects were from Mexico.
The Laredo Sector Border Patrol is committed in securing the border and keeping communities safe from criminal activity.
CBP to Build Temporary Facilities to Address Humanitarian Crisis on Southwest Border
WASHINGTON —U.S. Customs and Border Protection awarded a contract Thursday to Deployed Resources LLC of Rome, New York, to construct soft-sided temporary facilities in El Paso and Donna, Texas. Valued at $36.9 million, the contract is for a four-month base period with four one-month options.
“The humanitarian and border security crisis on our Southwest border has stretched our resources and processing facilities to the breaking point,” said John P. Sanders, the senior official performing the duties of Commissioner. “These temporary facilities will support our efforts to process, care for and transfer the unprecedented number of families and unaccompanied children crossing the border illegally each day.”
CBP’s Office of Facilities and Asset Management will oversee the construction of the facilities, which are expected to be operational as soon as May 1.
The temporary soft-sided facilities will each accommodate up to 500 individuals in CBP custody while they await transfer to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or to the Department of Health and Human Services.
The structures are weatherproof and provide areas for eating, sleeping, recreation and personal hygiene.
The contract provides for shower trailers, chemical toilets and sinks, laundry trailers, sleeping mats, kitchen equipment, personal property storage boxes, office space, interior and perimeter closed circuit television, lockers, security, power and HVAC services.
For more information on the facilities, visit this link to FedBizOps.
Border Patrol Coordinates Bi-National Multiagency Efforts to Rescue Three Aliens Abandoned in the Desert
SIERRA BLANCA, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Sierra Blanca Station along with CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) and Government of Mexico (GoM) agencies work in coordination to rescue three illegal aliens who were abandoned in the desert.
Special Operations Supervisor Jesus Mercado with Big Bend Sector’s International Liaison Unit said, “Thankfully, communications with Government of Mexico law enforcement agencies is real time and immediate, which allows us to rely on each other to prevent unnecessary casualties in the desert.”
On Tuesday at approximately 1 p.m., U.S. Border Patrol Big Bend Sector Headquarters was notified by the GoM of a 911 emergency call they had received.
As per GoM, three illegal aliens were requesting emergency assistance after being abandoned by their smuggling guide and becoming disoriented themselves as they attempted to further their illegal entry.
Subsequently, the Sierra Blanca Station deployed agents, Horse Patrol and an ATV Unit, along with a CBP AMO air asset to the subjects’ last known location.
At approximately 5:30 p.m., all three subjects were successfully rescued, offered medical assistance and secured without incident at their last known location.
The subjects were identified as two male and one female adult citizens of Guatemala. None of the subjects requested medical attention. They will be processed according to the applicable immigration laws.
Big Bend Sector Border Patrol agents patrol 517 miles of the southwest border, an area that extends from Sierra Blanca, Texas to Sanderson, Texas.
The Sierra Blanca Station area of responsibility consists of more than half of Hudspeth County or about 2500 square miles. The station is responsible for 73 border miles between the U.S. and Mexico.
El Paso Sector Border Patrol Encounters New Tactics as Smugglers Keep Sending in Families and Felons
EL PASO, Texas – Agents have discovered a new tactic in counter surveillance as they continue to apprehend large groups and gang members attempting to illegally enter the United States.
As one agent was monitoring the border at night utilizing an infrared camera, he observed a small airborne object traveling northbound across the U.S. International boundary.
The object traveled approximately 100 yards over U.S. soil and then return back to Mexico. The object repeated this pattern three times.
Approximately two minutes after the object returned back to Mexico for the third time, a group of 10 subjects made an illegal entry into the U.S. in the same area in which the object had been traveling.
All 10 subjects were subsequently taken into custody by Border Patrol Agents. This is the first known time in recent history that a drone has been utilized as a ‘look-out’ in order to aid in illegal entries in the El Paso Sector.
Tuesday began with two large groups shortly before 1 a.m.. The first group of over 230 people was encountered at the Antelope Wells Port of Entry in the boot heel of New Mexico at 12:45 AM.
The second was encountered just west of Mount Cristo Rey in Sunland Park, New Mexico, consisting of over 360 people around 12:50 AM.
The Antelope Wells Port of Entry would encounter a second large group of over 130 subjects right before the end of day at 11:45 PM. The El Paso Sector had over 1,800 apprehensions in total for the entire day of Tuesday, over half of those being in the El Paso Metropolitan area.
This same Tuesday, El Paso Border Patrol Agents arrested Victor Chavez-Ibarra, a 46-year-old Mexican national. During processing it was revealed that Chavez is a known gang member.
After submitting his biometric information through various law enforcement databases agents discovered a criminal history that includes: two felony convictions for illegal re-entry into the United States, conviction for burglary of a vehicle in Houston, and arrests for burglary, possession of cocaine, and felony burglary.
That same day, agents in southern New Mexico apprehended a Salvadoran national who was found to be a member of a dangerous Central American gang.
In a separate group of illegal aliens, there was another Salvadoran national who had a felony conviction from 2014 for Contact with a Minor for Sexual Offense.
Both gang members and the convicted sex offender have been booked into local jails and are pending criminal prosecution.
The El Paso Sector U.S. Border Patrol continues to maintain its mission and secure our nation’s borders.
The El Paso Sector continues to deal with an unprecedented number of apprehensions, as of March 31st of this fiscal year the sector had a little over 71,000 apprehensions.
In comparison to the same time frame last fiscal year when the sector had just under 11,000 apprehensions.
CBP Officers Seize $280K in Cocaine at Hidalgo, Anzalduas International Bridge
HIDALGO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo and Anzalduas International Bridges seized $280,420 worth of cocaine in two separate, unrelated incidents.
“These interceptions of hard narcotics are a continued reflection of the small load concept CBP officers encounter at our international bridges,” said Port Director Sylvia Briones, Hidalgo/ Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. “Our officers’ outstanding perseverance and dedication is unwavering.”
The first seizure occurred on April 16 at the Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge after a CBP officer referred a white 2002 Nissan Sentra driven by a 34-year-old woman from Mexico for a secondary examination.
Officers conducting the secondary inspection discovered 12 packages weighing 31.43 pounds (14.26 kg) of alleged cocaine hidden within the vehicle. CBP OFO seized the vehicle and the cocaine, which has a street value of $242,420.
Later that same day, at the Anzalduas International Bridge, a CBP officer referred a 40-year-old woman from Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico and the red 2007 Saturn Aura she was driving for further inspection.
The secondary examination resulted in the discovery of two packages of alleged cocaine weighing 4.9 pounds (2.24 kg). These narcotics are valued at $38,000.
CBP OFO seized all the narcotics, both vehicles and arrested the two women involved in the failed drug smuggling attempts. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents took custody of the females and the cases continue under their investigation.
Border Patrol Seizes Approximately 264.7 lbs. of Marijuana
VALENTINE, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Van Horn Station seize approximately 264.7 lbs. of marijuana.
Patrol Agent in Charge Jose Aleman said, “As agents of the Van Horn Station, we have an unwavering commitment to protect our communities and keep narcotics out of our streets.”
On April 15 at approximately 5 a.m. Van Horn Border Patrol agents discovered foot sign in a culvert near the Marfa Prada Building, just outside of Valentine.
The agents approached the culvert and encountered five individuals attempting to conceal themselves while carrying five large sugar sack backpacks.
The subjects absconded once the agents approached their location leaving the sugar sack backpacks behind.
The contents within the sugar sack backpacks tested positive for marijuana.
The narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further processing. Arrests are still pending for this seizure.
Big Bend Sector Border Patrol agents patrol 517 miles of the southwest border, an area that extends from Sierra Blanca, Texas to Sanderson, Texas.
The Van Horn Station area of responsibility consists of 31.1 miles of border with Mexico, and approximately 4,965 square miles of terrain.
Border Patrol Agents Rescue Juvenile from Drowning
Eagle Pass, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass Station marine unit rescued a 17-year-old Honduran national from drowning in the Rio Grande River.
“This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of crossing the border illegally,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz. “If not for the vigilance of our Eagle Pass Police Department partners and the quick response by our Border Patrol agents, this incident could have ended tragically with this young girl drowning.”
On April 8, a detective from the Eagle Pass Police Department supporting Operation Stonegarden saw a young girl in distress struggling to stay afloat in the river and going underwater.
The detective notified Border Patrol marine agents who quickly responded in their airboat, located the girl, and pulled her out of the water and on to the boat. The girl was distraught from the ordeal but unharmed.
The juvenile was transported to Fort Duncan Medical Center for an evaluation, released, and reunited with her mother who crossed the river earlier without incident. Both were processed 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 Stops Trafficker at Presidio Port
PRESIDIO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers working outbound operations at the Presidio port of entry seized a weapon, currency, drug paraphernalia, drugs and detained an undocumented alien Friday morning.
The contraband and money were seized from a female U.S. citizen.
“It is typical to arrest an individual violating multiple laws,” said Michael Neipert, CBP Presidio Port Director. “But this is a first for the Port in which infractions to laws and regulations governing currency, weapons, narcotics and immigration by one person is encountered.”
The seizure was made at 3:45 a.m. Friday when a 2011 Chevy Silverado approached the outbound inspection area.
A 29-year-old driver, who was accompanied by a 17-year-old Mexican citizen passenger, drove the vehicle. Outbound officers selected the vehicle for inspection.
During the initial interview it was discovered the juvenile passenger did not possess documents to be legally in the United States. Inspection of the vehicle resulted in discovery of an AK-47 pistol underneath the driver’s seat, 47 rounds of ammunition and a gram scale.
The driver had on her possession several paper packets containing a total of 10.3 grams of cocaine. The driver and passenger were also in possession of $10,414 dollars in cash.
CBP officers arrested the driver who was turned over to Presidio Police Department and the Mexican juvenile was turned over to the Mexican Consul.
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 Officers at the Laredo Port of Entry Intercept Narcotics Worth Over $1.4 Million
Packages containing 70 pounds of methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at Gateway to the Americas 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 $1.4 million in one enforcement action at the Gateway to the Americas International Bridge.
“Our CBP officers’ knowledge of concealment methods and the technology they utilize on a daily basis played a key role in the discovery,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “CBP officers display exemplary vigilance in keeping dangerous narcotics from entering our country.”
The seizure occurred on Monday, Apr. 15, at the Gateway to the Americas International Bridge when a CBP officer referred a 2001 Jeep Cherokee driven by a 35-year-old male Mexican citizen who resides in Nuevo Laredo for a secondary examination.
Upon a canine and non-intrusive imaging inspection, CBP officers discovered 63 packages containing a total of 70 pounds of alleged methamphetamine within the vehicle.
The narcotics have an estimated street value of $1,410,944.
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.
CBP Field Operations Seizes Substantial Amount of Methamphetamine Worth Over $6 Million at Pharr International Bridge
PHARR, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility seized $6,085,000 worth of methamphetamine that was concealed within a commercial shipment of fresh melons.
“This was a great interception of hard narcotics that our officers accomplished this past weekend in another commercial shipment arriving from Mexico,” said Port Director Sylvia Briones, Hidalgo/Pharr / Anzalduas Port of Entry. “This demonstrates CBP Field Operations’ continued steadfast commitment in the fight against drugs.”
On April 12, CBP officers assigned to the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge cargo facility referred a commercial shipment of honeydew melons for further inspection.
Utilizing non-intrusive imaging technology NII along with all available tools and resources, officers discovered 304 pounds (138 kg) of alleged methamphetamine concealed within the trailer.
CBP OFO stored the narcotics in 12 plastic buckets due to it being introduced in bulk form.
CBP OFO seized the narcotics, the tractor/trailer and the case remains under investigation by Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) agents.
Del Rio Sector Announces New Chief Patrol Agent
Del Rio, Texas – The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is pleased to announce the appointment of Raul Ortiz as Chief Patrol Agent of the Del Rio Sector. He assumed his duties April 14.
CPA Ortiz entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol on May 13, 1991, beginning his career at various stations throughout the San Diego Sector to include the Chula Vista, Brown Field, and Campo Stations.
From 2000 to 2005, CPA Ortiz served as the Assistant Patrol Agent in Charge and later as the Patrol Agent in Charge of the Comstock Station, as well as Patrol Agent in Charge of the Del Rio Station.
In 2005, CPA Ortiz was promoted to Assistant Chief Patrol Agent at Del Rio Sector where he led several programs to include Operation Detour, a Border Patrol program that focuses on preventing teens from becoming involved in transnational border crime.
From 2009 to 2011, CPA Ortiz managed numerous duty assignments to include Director of the Border Management Task Force in Kabul, Afghanistan; Senior Advisor to the Special Envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan for the Department of Homeland Security; and Deputy Chief for Law Enforcement Operational Programs Directorate at U.S. Border Patrol Headquarters. Most recently, he served as the Deputy Chief Patrol Agent of the Rio Grande Valley Sector.
Prior to joining the U.S. Border Patrol, CPA Ortiz served in the U.S. Army 8th Infantry Division in Baumholder, Germany. He attended the University of Texas at San Antonio and Southwest Texas Junior College, completing studies in political science and criminal justice.
He also attended the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Leadership Institute and the Harvard Kennedy School’s Executive Education for Senior Managers in Government.
“The legacy of Del Rio Sector is displayed through its agents,” said CPA Ortiz, “I look forward to honoring that legacy by preserving the mission of securing our borders and protecting our communities.”
CBP at Hidalgo International Bridge Arrests Reynosa Man with $1 Million in Methamphetamine
HIDALGO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo International Bridge arrested a 25-year-old man from Reynosa, Tamaulipas Mexico in connection with a failed drug smuggling attempt of methamphetamine worth $1,022,000.
“Our officers’ incomparable sense of awareness and outstanding ability to work as a team has enabled them to accomplish this excellent seizure of yet more hard narcotics,” said Port Director Sylvia Briones, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. “Being able to detect anomalies during an inspection, along with persistence, is the key to detecting contraband and keeping it out of our communities.”
The seizure occurred on Sunday afternoon, April 14, 2019 after CBP officers encountered a man arriving from Mexico at the Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge in a blue Ford 500 sedan.
The driver was referred to secondary for a more thorough examination and during the process of the inspection and with the assistance of a canine team, officers discovered compartments in the vehicle filled with suspected narcotics.
CBP officers removed and seized 40 packages of alleged methamphetamine, which weighed 51 pounds (23.16 kg.) and also seized the vehicle.
CBP-OFO arrested the male traveler who was released to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents for further investigation.
Border Patrol apprehends 35 near Presidio, Texas
PRESIDIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Presidio Station apprehend 35 illegal aliens this weekend.
Patrol Agent in Charge Derek Boyle said, “This apprehension is a reflection of our agents diligent commitment to overcome everyday challenges while securing our border and protecting our community.”
On Sunday at approximately 6 p.m. the group was apprehended by Presidio Border Patrol agents. The agents encountered the large group of subjects near the bank of the Rio Grande after they illegally made entry without inspection. The group was made up of mostly family units (children and parents) and were all citizens of Honduras.
The subjects will be charged and processed accordingly to the applicable immigration laws.
Big Bend Sector Border Patrol agents patrol 517 miles of the southwest border, an area that extends from Sierra Blanca, Texas to Sanderson, Texas.
The Presidio Station area consists of the southern half of Presidio County, the third largest county in the state of Texas. The station is responsible for 111 border miles between the U.S. and Mexico and 1,100 square miles of area.
CBP Officers at Hidalgo International Bridge Seize $167K in Cocaine
HIDALGO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers at the Hidalgo International Bridge arrested a 25-year-old man from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico after discovering $167,000 worth of cocaine hidden in the vehicle he was driving.
“This compact but significant interception of hard narcotics demonstrates our officers’ continued resolve and commitment towards the CBP mission of keeping drugs out of our country,” said Port Director Sylvia Briones, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.
CBP officers working at the Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge on April 11, referred a man and the black 2002 Ford Sport Trac SUV he was driving for further inspection upon arriving from Mexico.
A secondary examination which included the assistance of a canine team, resulted in the discovery of 16 packages of alleged cocaine weighing 21.70 pounds (9.84 kg) concealed within the SUV.
CBP OFO seized the cocaine, the vehicle and arrested the Monterrey native who was ultimately turned over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents. The case remains under investigation.
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