Texas Border Activity: Rio Grande Valley CBP Sector Has One Of The Highest Weeks Of Apprehensions Ever, At Over 10,000
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:
- April 25, 2019: Recent Texas Border Activity: CBP Apprehend Over 1,880 And Seize Over $10.5 Million In Drugs
- April 12, 2019: Recent Texas Border Activity: Over 2,216 Illegals Apprehended, Including Child Sex Offenders, MS-13 Gang Members, Seized Nearly $26M In Drugs
NOTE: The totals below for arrests, apprehensions, seizures, drugs, etc. are ONLY what is reported by Customs & Border Protection to us. There are multiple incidents that happen everyday on all U.S. borders that aren’t reported. Corridor News is not responsible for the information that is NOT reported or incorrectly reported.
• April 26 – May 8, 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, Ecuador and USC (U.S. Citizen)
• Arrests/Apprehensions: 11,632+ (“+”: see note below)
Of those above there were…
• Rescue(s): 123
• US Citizen(s): 3
• Fatality(ies): 3 (one was a 10-month old male)
• Missing Person(s): 3
• Seizures
° Passenger Vehicle(s) Seized: 3
° Commercial Vehicle(s): 4
° Shipment of Bentonite
° Handgun(s): 2 (One of the two weapons were used in a murder)
° Two handgun magazines
° Flatbed Trailer
• 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): 1
- Active Arrest Warrant: Mexican National – Wanted in Mexico for removal of an ankle bracelet after his release from prison on kidnapping and extortion charges.
*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.
° 414.5 lbs.
° $5,786,440
° 1,988. lbs.
° $1,610,280
• Total Weight of Narcotics: 2,402.51 lbs. (+)
• Estimated Street Value of Narcotics: $7,396,720 Million(+)
Unprecedented Volumes of Aliens Continue to Arrive as Thousands Enter Deep South Texas
Rio Grande Valley Sector Holding 7,000 in Custody – The Rio Grande Sector is one of five sectors along the Texas border
EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents continue to process and receive unprecedented numbers of illegal aliens entering the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Sector.
On Saturday, agents from Brownsville to Roma apprehended over 2,400 illegal aliens, the majority of which consist of family units and unaccompanied children who readily turn themselves in to agents.
Over the past week, more than 10,000 illegal aliens were apprehended, making it one of the highest weekly total ever experienced in this sector.
Currently, stations and processing centers are holding more than 7,000 illegal aliens in custody.
At the current rate, the RGV Sector is expected to surpass the mass migration influx experienced in 2014.
Border Patrol is processing all subjects accordingly. On Saturday, the 40,000-square foot Donna Temporary Facility went operational to assist in holding family units pending transfer to ICE-ERO or HHS-ORR custody.
“We’ve exceeded our capacity and we’re doing all we can to house migrants in a humane place and transfer them in and out in a timely fashion as none of the Border Patrol facilities, including the one in Donna, are meant to be a long term detention centers,” said Chief Rodolfo Karisch.
“Recycling” of Children in El Paso
EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents from El Paso Sector working in conjunction with agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and officers from CBP’s Office of Field Operations (OFO) identify at least one local case in which children are possibly being recycled and forced to undertake the treacherous journey from Central America to the United States.
On Wednesday, Border Patrol Agents and OFO Officers processed family groups in Border Patrol custody. Within those being processed was what appeared to be a family group that caught the attention of one vigilant OFO officer.
While in the interview process, the officer noticed several inconsistencies that led him to suspect that the child and the alleged parent were not related.
With continued questioning Border Patrol agents, OFO officers, and HSI agents were able to gain enough evidence to determine that the child had been “recycled” in at least two prior instances.
Transnational criminal organizations continue to profit from individuals utilizing loopholes in our immigration system to commit fraud.
These groups have no concern for the welfare or safety of the children and family groups being smuggled to the Southwest Border.
The U.S. Border Patrol has continuously warned about the existence of this type of illicit activity and exploitation of minors.
The diligence, dedication and collaborative efforts between all of the Department of Homeland Security law enforcement agents and officers make our borders and country safer every day.
This case has been referred to HSI for continued investigation.
Laredo CBP Officers Intercept Another Large Meth Load; $3M Find Discovered at World Trade Bridge
Packages containing 220 pounds of methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at World Trade Bridge. | Photo by CBPLAREDO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers this week intercepted a second large size methamphetamine load with an estimated street value of more than $3 million in one enforcement action at the World Trade Bridge.
“These back-to-back seizures of large quantities of methamphetamine graphically illustrate the reality of the narcotics threat our officers face on a daily basis,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “By seizing large loads like these, our officers are impacting the ability of transnational criminal organizations to operate and keeping our streets safer.”
The seizure occurred on Saturday, April 27 at the World Trade Bridge when a CBP officer referred a 2002 Freightliner tractor hauling a flatbed trailer with a manifested shipment of marble stone for a secondary examination.
After conducting both a canine and non-intrusive imaging system inspection, CBP officers discovered a total of 220.5 pounds of alleged methamphetamine. The narcotics have an estimated street value of $3,086,440.
CBP officers seized the narcotics and the trailer. The case was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents for further investigation.
CBP Officers Stop Big Drug Load at El Paso Port
EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers working at the El Paso port of entry seized 232 pounds of marijuana Thursday.
“CBP officers remain focused on their mission and are stopping violators every day,” said Hector Mancha, CBP El Paso Director of Field Operations. “In addition to the marijuana load CBP officers at El Paso area ports also stopped three NCIC fugitives and a shipment of ketamine Thursday.”
CBP officers working at the Paso Del Norte crossing made the seizure apprehension shortly after 5 a.m. when a 24-year-old U.S. citizen male from Santa Fe, N.M., drove a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado from Mexico to the U.S. A CBP drug-sniffing dog alerted to the vehicle.
CBP officers continued their inspection and located hidden compartments in the walls of the bed of the pickup.
More than 200 drug-filled bundles were seized. The driver was turned over to the El Paso County Sheriff’s office for prosecution.
While anti-terrorism is the primary mission of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the inspection process at the ports of entry associated with this mission results in impressive numbers of enforcement actions in all categories.
Border Patrol Apprehends 3 Large Groups of Aliens within 24 hours
Group detained in El Paso. | Photo by CBPEL PASO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents working in Antelope Wells, and El Paso apprehended two large groups of illegal aliens after midnight on Wednesday.
These groups, like many others before, are comprised primarily of Central American families and unaccompanied juveniles.
On May 1, at approximately 1:30 a.m. Border Patrol agents took custody of a large number of illegal aliens at the Camp Bounds Forward
Operating Base adjacent to the Antelope Wells port of entry.
The majority of individuals from this group are from Central America.
The group included family groups with small children as well as unaccompanied juveniles that continue to put their trust and money in smuggling organizations while undertaking the dangerous journey. This particular group had a total of 243 individuals that made the treacherous journey.
About 40 minutes later at 2:10 a.m. U.S. Border Patrol agents in El Paso also encountered a large group of illegal aliens crossing the border and entering the U.S. illegally at the border wall near downtown. This group was made up of 219 people.
On Thursday morning another large group was apprehended in Antelope Wells with a total of 209 illegal aliens. This bringing the total to three large groups, and over 670 illegal aliens being apprehended by Border Patrol within 24 hours.
This group, like others before, is comprised primarily of Central American families and unaccompanied juveniles.
This is an ongoing situation that Border Patrol Agents face in southern New Mexico and El Paso, Texas: hundreds of parents and children are being encountered by agents after having faced a dangerous trek north in the hands of unscrupulous smugglers.
Criminal organizations continue to exploit innocent human lives in order to enhance their illicit activities without due regard to the risks of human life. In most cases these smugglers never cross the border themselves in order to avoid apprehension.
Raft Carrying Nine Migrants Capsizes on Rio Grande River
Body Of A 10 Month Old Recovered, Three Still Reported Missing
EAGLE PASS, Texas – The body of a child has been recovered and three people are missing after the raft they were using to cross the Rio Grande River capsized late Wednesday night.
“What we’re dealing with now is senseless tragedy,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz. “The men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol have been doing everything in their power to prevent incidents like this. And yet, callous smugglers continue to imperil the lives of migrants for financial gain.”
On Wednesday, at approximately 9:45 p.m., U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Eagle Pass South Station detained a man for illegally entering the United States.
Upon his apprehension, the man told agents he was part of a group that attempted to cross the Rio Grande River in a rubber raft that capsized, spilling all of its occupants into the cold and fast-flowing waters.
The man also informed agents that his wife, two sons, 10 months old and 6 years old, and a nephew, seven, were among those who were swept away.
An adult male and female child were also reportedly among the missing. This prompted an intensive search operation in the area by all available resources.
Shortly afterward, cries coming from the river alerted agents to the riverbank where two people, a woman and a child were in distress struggling to stay afloat.
Disregarding his own personal safety, an agent jumped into the river and successfully rescued both individuals later identified as the wife and child of the man who made the initial report.
The six-year-old boy was treated by Border Patrol Emergency Medical Personnel (EMTs) on site, and rushed to a local hospital for advanced treatment.
A man and his juvenile son were found a short time later on the U.S. bank of the river. They did not require medical assistance and were transported to the Eagle Pass South Station.
Del Rio Sector’s Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) team was dispatched to the area and began an intensive water-borne search effort. Sadly, the missing 10-month-old boy was found deceased several miles downriver.
The Border Patrol continues to coordinate with local officials and the government of Mexico as the search for the remaining three victims moves through its first full day.
Border Patrol Agents Arrest Mexican Fugitive
Man Previously Deported from the United States
EAGLE PASS, Texas – On Sunday evening U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass Station arrested a man, for illegal entry, who is wanted in Mexico on kidnapping and extortion charges.
On April 25, Border Patrol agents, responding to a citizen call, arrested Juan Jose Reyna-Mascorro, a 31-year-old Mexican national, for illegally entering the United States. Responding agents recognized Reyna-Mascorro from a look-out released by Mexican officials.
Reyna-Mascorro was declared a fugitive by Mexican government officials for removing an ankle monitor after he was released from prison.
At the time of his arrest, Reyna-Mascorro requested medical attention and was transported to Fort Duncan Medical Center for evaluation.
“The U.S. Border Patrol works closely with the government of Mexico to identify fugitives such as in this case,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz. “Our agents recognized this individual as a direct result of that open line of communication.”
Upon his release from the hospital, Reyna-Mascorro was processed per Customs and Border Protection guidelines and was turned over to the custody of Mexican authorities.
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’s Strategy 2020–2025
New strategy focuses on building a unified and adaptable team to effectively respond to the challenges of tomorrow
WASHINGTON – U.S. Customs and Border Protection published the agency’s Strategy 2020-2025 today, which includes three goals and 12 strategic initiatives that pave the way for CBP for the next five years. The three goals are:
- MISSION – Protect the American people and facilitate trade and travel;
- TEAM – Build a capable and resilient workforce ready for anything; and
- FUTURE – Invest in technology and partnerships to confront emerging threats.
“Every day, the men and women of CBP make critical decisions that protect the American people by securing the border and advancing the nation’s economic prosperity—often in the face of demanding, unpredictable and evolving circumstances and limited resources and capabilities,” said John P. Sanders, senior official performing the functions and duties of Commissioner. “As challenging as our mission is today, our operational environment and the threats we may face will evolve beyond our current resources and capabilities by the year 2025. Our success, and the safety of the American people, depend on what we do now to prepare for the future.”
The strategy prioritizes 12 strategic initiatives across the agency that strengthen CBP’s capacity to meet the mission.
The initiatives include: counter network; awareness and enforcement; secure and compliant trade; biometric identification; targeting and vetting; stakeholder experience; hiring and retention; resilience; OneCBP; data and analytics; IT infrastructure; and partnerships.
Notably, the strategy reflects the agency’s commitment to partnerships. “Addressing the challenges and threats of today and tomorrow will require teaming with the entirety of the federal government, civil society groups and industry stakeholders,” said Sanders.
The strategic initiatives, when taken together, will improve CBP’s ability to execute its mission, both now and in the future.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Rescue 66 from Tractor-Trailer
LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents on Monday evening rescued 66 individuals in an apparent smuggling attempt at the immigration checkpoint on Interstate Highway 35 north of Laredo, Texas.
The incident happened shortly before midnight on April 30, when agents encountered a tractor-trailer in the primary inspection area.
While at the primary lane, a Border Patrol canine alerted to the odor of concealed narcotics and/or humans in the vehicle.
The driver was instructed to move the vehicle to the secondary inspection area where further inspection revealed a total of 66 individuals including two juveniles locked in the trailer.
Record checks on the individuals determined they were nationals of Ecuador, Guatemala, and Mexico with no legal right to be in the United States.
All individuals appeared to be in good health and did not require medical attention.
The Laredo Sector Border Patrol will continue to warn against the dangers of people crossing illegally into the United States through dangerous environmental conditions.
Our Border Safety Initiative (BSI) is a humanitarian, bi-national strategy designed to reduce illegal alien deaths, educate and inform potential illegal aliens of the dangers and hazards of crossing the border illegally, and to respond to those who are in life-threatening situations.
Border Patrol seized the vehicle and took into custody all subjects including the driver who is a U.S. citizen.
Laredo Port of Entry CBP Officers Intercept Large Liquid Meth Load; Latest Find Worth Over $2.7 Million
LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers this weekend intercepted a significant amount of hard narcotics with an estimated street value of more than $2.7 million in one enforcement action at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge.
“Our frontline CBP officers maintain tight focus on our border security mission and this weekend’s significant methamphetamine seizure perfectly illustrates that commitment,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “To be able to prevent this dangerous drug from making it to the streets and inflicting further harm along
its path is a rewarding feeling and it
motivates our officers to do what they do best.”
The seizure occurred on Sunday, April 28 at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge when a CBP officer referred a 2002 Chevy 2500 pickup truck driven by a 63-year-old man, a Mexican citizen from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico for a secondary examination.
Following a canine and non-intrusive imaging system inspection, CBP officers discovered a total of 194 pounds of alleged liquid methamphetamine. The narcotics have an estimated street value of $2.7 million.
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 Dive Team Assist in Weapon Recovery
The weapon was turned over to the Del Rio Police Department. | Photo by CBPDel RIo, Texas – Members of the Del Rio Border Patrol Sector Search, Trauma, and Rescue (BORSTAR) dive team conducted an underwater search and recovery of a weapon believed to be linked to a homicide.
“Our BORSTAR agents are trained in a wide range of capabilities which allows us to better serve our communities and to assist our law enforcement partners,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz. “The recovery of the weapon is not only a crucial piece in the ongoing investigation but it also posed a safety hazard to people who visit the creek.”
On April 27, the Del Rio Police Department requested assistance from the Del Rio Sector BORSTAR dive team with the search for a weapon at the bottom of San Felipe Creek.
BORSTAR agents searched a section of the creek identified by the DRPD and recovered a handgun. The weapon was turned over to the Del Rio Police Department.
BORSTAR provides specialized law enforcement search and rescue response from conventional to high-risk operations, FEMA mission assignments, national special security events, and specialized training support directed by the Department of Homeland Security for both domestic and foreign government agencies.
The Del Rio Sector BORSTAR dive team are Public Safety Diving Certified, which allows them to search and collection evidence for law enforcement.
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 Officers Intercept Nearly a Ton of Marijuana in Seizure at World Trade Bridge
Packages containing 1,756 pounds of marijuana seized by CBP officers at World Trade Bridge. | Photo by CBPLAREDO, Texas –While facilitating lawful trade and travel this weekend, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers seized nearly a ton of marijuana in a single enforcement action at World Trade Bridge.
“Our frontline CBP officers maintained their vigilance while facilitating significant volumes of trade this weekend and intercepted a significant load of marijuana,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “The seizure illustrates CBP’s continued commitment to focus on and carry out our border security mission.”
The seizure occurred on Sunday, April 28 at the World Trade Bridge when a CBP officer referred a
2017 Freightliner tractor hauling a commercial
shipment of Bentonite for a secondary examination.
Following a canine and non-intrusive imaging system inspection, CBP officers discovered 67 packages containing a total of 1,756 pounds of alleged marijuana hidden within the conveyance. The narcotics have an estimated street value of $351,325.
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.
Del Rio Sector Border Patrol Agents Rescue Three Groups of Migrants in One Night
Del RIo, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to Del Rio Sector rescued eight migrants from the Rio Grande River in three separate incidents.
An increase in water release from Amistad Dam has created a high flow to the Rio Grande River and is expected to approach and remain near flood stage for the next 25 days.
Water is regularly transferred downstream to meet irrigation and municipal water demand in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, which creates dangerous conditions for anyone attempting to cross the Rio Grande River and to agents operating on or near the river.
“The dangers of crossing the Rio Grande River cannot be overstated, and has only intensified recently as the current and water levels have gone up,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz. “I am especially thankful, and extremely proud of our agents, who have remained ardently committed to both the preservation of human life and the integrity of our nation’s borders.”
On April 25, at approximately 6 p.m., Border Patrol agents from the Brackettville Station encountered a pregnant woman stranded on an island in the middle of the Rio Grande River.
Agents contacted Del Rio Sector’s Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) team for assistance, who are trained in swift water rescue.
BORSTAR agents arrived and were able to rescued the woman and safely bring her to shore. She was transported to Val Verde Regional Medical Center for evaluation and treatment, due to her late-term pregnancy.
At about 6:25 p.m., agents from the Eagle Pass Station spotted a group of three individuals that had become similarly stranded in the middle of the river.
Agents contacted marine agents, who arrived and safely brought them to the U.S. shore aboard their patrol boat.
The third rescue occurred at around 6:30 p.m. when agents from the Eagle Pass Station spotted another small group of people attempting to cross the river.
The swift current proved too much for them however, and they were forced to take refuge on a small island. Marine agents responded in their patrol boat and safely transported the group to shore.
All of the migrants in the three groups were from Honduras including children ranging in age from 2 to 15 years. They were processed per U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidelines.
Eagle Pass Border Patrol Agents Recover Body from Rio Grand
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.
“Del Rio Sector has rescued over 200 people this fiscal year, an increase of over 800 percent from the same time last year. Even with our agents on patrol and making these rescues, the Rio Grande is unforgiving and will take its toll,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz. “Any loss of life is tragic and this unfortunate event serves as a reminder of the dangers present when crossing the Rio Grande.”
On April 25, Border Patrol agents, conducting marine operations, encountered a deceased person approximately a mile upriver of the Eagle Pass Port of Entry 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 five 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 Rescue 3-Year-old Child
Del RIo, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Del Rio Station reunited a 3-year-old child after she was separated from her mother while crossing the Rio Grande River in a raft.
“Our Border Patrol agents are doing a remarkable job every day saving lives and averting potential tragedy,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz. “Thanks to the great cooperation between the Border Patrol and the Government of Mexico, this young girl was safely and quickly reunited with her mother.”
On April 25, Border Patrol agents from the Del Rio Station noticed 10 people on a raft making their way across the river to the United States.
However, the raft was filling with water and one subject had fallen out into the river and was being swept away by the strong current. The Del Rio Station Riverine Unit quickly responded in their patrol boat and rescued all 10 people.
During processing, agents discovered that a 3-year-old child in the group had become separated from her mother, when the mother stayed behind on the Mexican side of the river.
The Del Rio Sector Foreign Operations Branch coordinated with Mexican immigration officials who reunited the child with her mother in Mexico.
The remainder of the group was processing per U.S. Customs and Border Protection 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.
Large Groups of Illegal Aliens Continue to Flow into the Rio Grande Valley
EDINBURG, Texas – This week, U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley Sector encountered multiple groups of illegal aliens.
On Monday afternoon, Rio Grande City agents patrolling near Fronton, Texas, encountered a group of 150 illegal aliens, primarily comprised of family units and unaccompanied children who readily turned themselves in.
Agents determined the individuals in the group to be from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.
On Tuesday morning, during a span of five hours, McAllen agents apprehended 271 illegal aliens mainly comprised of family units and unaccompanied children from the countries of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua near the small community of Los Ebanos, Texas.
Agents encountered the first group of 98 illegal aliens around midnight, followed by a small group of ten a half hour later.
Just after 1:00 A.M., agents encountered another group consisting of 46 illegal aliens. An hour later, a group of 87 turned themselves in, shadowed by another group of 26 illegal aliens. Agents took custody of the last four shortly after 4:30 A.M.
On Wednesday afternoon, Rio Grande City agents responded to the report of a large group of illegal aliens near Roma, Texas.
Upon arrival, agents took custody of 180 illegal aliens primarily comprised of family units and unaccompanied children from the countries of Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua.
Border Patrol is processing the subjects accordingly.
Border Patrol Agents Rescue 63 Migrants from Rio Grande River
Increased Water Releases from Amistad Dam Creating Dangerous River Conditions
Del Rio, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to Del Rio Sector rescued 63 migrants from the swift current of the Rio Grande River in three separate incidents.
An increase in water release from Amistad Dam has created a high flow to the Rio Grande River and is expected to approach and remain near flood stage for the next 25 days.
Water is regularly transferred downstream to meet irrigation and municipal water demand in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, which creates dangerous conditions to anyone attempting to cross the Rio Grande River and to agents operating on or near the river.
“Crossing the Rio Grande River is extremely dangerous under the best of conditions,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz. “With the increased water levels, the river is running faster and higher than normal making any attempt to cross the river even more treacherous. Thanks to our agents’ vigilance, these attempted crossings did not result in the loss of life.”
On April 12, Border Patrol agents from the Brackettville Station encountered 14 people stranded on an island in the middle of the Rio Grande River.
An increase in water release from Amistad Dam has created dangerous conditions on the Rio Grande. | Photo by CBPAgents along with members of the Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue team deployed a rescue boat with swift-water equipment and safely transported all the people to the U.S. side of the river.
On April 14, a CBP Air and Marine Operations helicopter pilot patrolling in the area spotted a group of 21 people stranded on the same island.
The group was observed attempting to cross the swift-flowing river, only to be nearly swept away and forced to return to the island.
The Del Rio Station marine unit and agents from the Brackettville Station were able to safely rescue all 21 people and transport them in a patrol boat to the U.S. side of the river.
On April 18, agents from the Brackettville Station encountered another large group of people stranded on the island unable to return to Mexico or continue crossing the river to the United States.
Border Patrol marine agents responded to the area with a patrol boat and successfully rescued 28 people from the island.
All of the migrants were from Central America including unaccompanied children and family units. They were processed per U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidelines.
Border Patrol Agents Arrest Five in Failed Smuggling Attempt
DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Carrizo Springs Station arrested a 20-year-old United States citizen for attempting to smuggle four undocumented immigrants in a pickup truck.
“Human smugglers have no regard for the people they attempt to smuggle or for the citizens of our communities,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz. “I commend the Border Patrol agents and our law enforcement partners for foiling this human smuggling attempt and quickly bringing it to an end.”
On April 23, agents conducting roving patrol near Carrizo Springs observed the driver of a pickup truck pull over to the side of the road on FM 2691 and load up four suspected undocumented immigrants that ran out of the brush.
The agents attempted to conduct a vehicle stop by activating their emergency lights and sirens but the driver failed to yield and accelerated his speed.
Responding Texas Department of Public Safety troopers disabled one of the vehicle’s tires with a controlled tire deflation device. The vehicle came to a stop and the driver and four passengers ran out and attempted to abscond into the brush.
After a brief search, all five individuals were located and arrested.
The four passengers were positively identified as undocumented Mexican nationals, all previously deported from the United States. They will be processed per U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidelines.
The driver faces federal prosecution for 8 USC § 1324 – alien smuggling, which carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
All individuals apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol undergo criminal history checks utilizing multiple databases including the use of biometrics to ensure those with criminal history are positively identified regardless of their immigration status.
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 Apprehends Armed Subject
VALENTINE, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Van Horn Border Patrol Station apprehended an 18-year-old man who was armed with a stolen 9 millimeter handgun.
On Monday April 15, Van Horn agents assisted with a home burglary investigation in Valentine. The home owner informed the agents that his 9 millimeter handgun and two handgun magazines, along with an all-terrain vehicle ignition key had been stolen.
On Wednesday April 17, at approximately 11 a.m., a Border Patrol agent encountered a man walking alone along a desolate road approximately 16 miles west of Valentine.
When the agent approached the man, he noticed the man was in possession of a handgun. The agent was able to make the arrest without incident.
The man arrested was in possession of the items which were reported stolen by the home owner in Valentine on April 15. After further investigation, it was determined that the man had broken into the Valentine residence agents previously responded to.
The man is a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States. He will be charged for illegal entry without inspection by the U.S. Border Patrol, in addition to possession of the stolen handgun and ammunition.
Patrol Agent in Charge of the Van Horn Station Jose Aleman said, “Our agent’s service to protecting this community is reflected by their relentless efforts in apprehending this man. Fortunately, he was apprehended without incident.”
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 4965 square miles of terrain.
The U.S. Border Patrol is made up of over 19,000 brave men and women who courageously secure our nation’s borders. Help us secure our homeland, find out more at cbp.gov/careers.
Eagle Pass Border Patrol Agents Recover 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.
“Del Rio Sector has rescued over 200 people this fiscal year, an increase of over 800 percent from the same time last year. Even with our agents on patrol and making these rescues, the Rio Grande is unforgiving and will take its toll,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz. “Any loss of life is tragic and this unfortunate event serves as a reminder of the dangers present when crossing the Rio Grande.”
On April 25, Border Patrol agents, conducting marine operations, encountered a deceased person approximately a mile upriver of the Eagle Pass Port of Entry 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 five 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.
