Texas Border And Port Narcotic Seizures, Arrests And Apprehensions For The Week Of April 25 -May 1

For anyone to understand whether there are actual drug, smuggling, human trafficking, illegal immigrant crossings or gang activity is a problem or political bloviation, we need the numbers and facts…

By, Corridor Staff

Below you will find new information reported drug, smuggling, human trafficking and illegal crossings that have occurred either on the Texas border and ports over the week of April 25 – May 1.

As you read below, you may come to understand the issues on the U.S. and Mexico border aren’t a simple problem to be fixed by the current border security or policies out of D.C.

It has been recently published by many media outlets that the drug, smuggling, human trafficking and illegal crossings have been consistently dropping over the last couple of years.

U.S. citizens are given inconsistent information on illegal crossings and criminal activity that is happening on the Mexico and U.S. border. For anyone to understand whether there are actual drug, smuggling, human trafficking, illegal immigrant crossings or gang activity is a problem or political bloviation, we need the numbers and facts.

Texas isn’t the only border state. So as you read the weekly report below, remember this information is only what is occurring on the Texas-Mexico border and Texas ports.

The information below is gathered directly from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which is under the purview of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

As for the accuracy of the information we have provided to you, we can only decipher the information that is released to us. Therefore the number of incidents, arrests, types of narcotics, weight and street value is considered the minimum amount…

Below you can find the totals of illegal crossing arrests, including their nationality & drug seizures including pounds, type of drug and “street value” total. Additionally, you will find a link to view last week’s totals.

To report suspicious activity such as alien and/or drug smuggling, contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll-free telephone number at 1-800-343-1994.

All people apprehended by the Border Patrol undergo criminal history checks using biometrics to ensure their criminal histories are positively identified.

For more information about CBP, please visit their website at http://www.cbp.gov.


Week of April 25 – May 1, 2018

 

Texas Illegal Border Crossing Arrests/Apprehensions and Nationality

Mexican Arrests/Apprehensions: 3

U.S. Citizen Arrests/Apprehensions: 1

Bangladeshi Nationals Arrests/Apprehensions: 9

Illegal Arrests/Apprehensions (Ecuador, Mexico, El Salvador, Colombia, Guatemala, Brazil, Honduras, Peru or not stated ): 151

Event with no arrests: 3

Exotic Animal Encounters: 2
(4 month old male tiger cub & alligator)

Total Weekly Arrests/Apprehensions: 168 (not including the exotic animals)


Texas Drug Total Seizures (pounds & U.S. dollar street value)

Marijuana: 1,243.4 lbs.
Street Value: $1,018,615.27

Methamphetamine/Heroine: 0 lbs.
(Includes Crystal Meth)
Street Value: $0

Methamphetamine: 0 lbs.
(Liquid Meth)
Street Value: $0

Cocaine: 0 lbs.
Street Value: $0

Weekly Drug Total (pounds/lbs.): 1,243.4 lbs.
Weekly Street Value Total: $1,018,615.27


Exotic animal encounters in the Rio Grande Valley

Release Date: May 1, 2018

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – On Monday, April 30, 2018, U.S. Border Patrol Agents experienced two unusual encounters in separate incidents.

Brownsville agents working near the Rio Grande observed an alligator on a boat ramp as they were conducting line watch operations. Riverine agents regularly utilize the boat ramp.

Later in the day, agents observed three subjects attempting to enter the United States illegally. Responding agents noticed the aliens were carrying a black duffel bag. Inside, agents discovered a male tiger which was left abandoned as the aliens returned to Mexico.

The three month old tiger cub was turned over to the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas.


Smuggling operations continue to be disrupted in the Rio Grande Valley

Release Date: April 30, 2018

EDINBURG, Texas – On Saturday, April 28, U.S. Border Patrol agents working in collaboration with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Hidalgo County Constable’s Office (HCCO) received information on a possible stash house located in Penitas, Texas. A total of 37 illegal aliens were discovered inside the residence.

Earlier today, Border Patrol Agents, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, and HCCO efforts disrupted another stash house operation in McAllen, Texas. A total of 70 illegal aliens were apprehended. The case remains under investigation.

The subjects in the stash houses were comprised of men, women, and juveniles. All subjects were offered medical assistance and will be processed accordingly.


Rio Grande Valley continues to witness careless tactics of human smugglers

Release Date: April 30, 2018

EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol Rio Grande Valley Sector continues to see life-threatening smuggling attempts.

On Thursday, April 26, agents assigned to the Weslaco Station responded to the report of several illegal aliens loading into a Kia Soul and a Chevrolet Tahoe near Alamo, Texas. Mobile units located and attempted to stop both vehicles. The driver of the Kia Soul stopped immediately while the driver of the Tahoe failed to yield and a pursuit ensued. After a short chase, the driver abandoned the Tahoe and fled the scene. A total of seven illegal aliens were found in the Kia and an additional 10 illegal aliens were found in the abandoned Tahoe.

Later that day, as a result of a Border Patrol K9 alert, Falfurrias agents referred a pickup truck to the secondary inspection area. A search of the vehicle revealed a single illegal alien concealed underneath a toolbox with no means of escape. The driver was subsequently arrested.

In the early morning hours of Friday, April 27, agents working at the Falfurrias Checkpoint discovered a total of 17 illegal aliens concealed amongst the commodity of a tractor trailer. The illegal aliens were comprised of men and juveniles from the countries of Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Colombia. The driver was subsequently arrested.

All subjects will be processed accordingly.


Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Continue Arrest of Bangladeshi Nationals

Release Date: April 29, 2018

LAREDO, Texas – On April 24, 2018 and April 27, 2018, Border Patrol Agents in Laredo, Texas arrested nine illegal aliens from the country of Bangladesh during two events. The subjects were encountered after illegally crossing the Rio Grande River in south Laredo. The Laredo Sector Border Patrol continues to have the highest apprehension of Bangladeshi Nationals compared to other Border Patrol Sectors. Currently, the Laredo Sector Border Patrol has apprehended 209 Bangladeshi Nationals since the start of fiscal year 2018.

“It goes to show that our agents are arresting people from all over the world on a daily basis. Their intentions for entering the country illegally can only be determined after they have been arrested,” said Laredo Sector Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Gabriel Acosta.


Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Rescue Illegal Aliens in Distress

Release Date: April 29, 2018

LAREDO, Texas – Border Patrol Agents throughout the Laredo Sector rescued six illegal aliens who fell into distress or became lost during four different events.

On April 23, 2018, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo Sector Marine Unit rescued two subjects in distress found struggling to stay afloat in the Rio Grande River near Zacate Creek.  The two subjects were pulled on board the marine vessel and treated by an Emergency Medical Technician.  The two subjects were determined to be from the country of Mexico

On April 25, 2018, Border Patrol agents from the Freer Station rescued an illegal alien lost in a ranch near Freer, Texas.  The subject claimed to be lost and resorted to calling 911 for assistance. Agents arrived on scene and located the lost subject in good health. The subject was determined to be from the country of Mexico and illegally in the United States

On April 27, 2018, Border Patrol Agents from the Freer Station rescued an illegal alien lost in a ranch near Freer, Texas. The subject claimed to be lost and resorted to calling 911 for assistance. Agents arrived on scene and located the lost subject in good health. The subject was determined to be from the country of Ecuador and illegally in the United States. 

On April 28, 2018, Border Patrol Agents from the Laredo South Station rescued two illegal aliens lost in a ranch near Laredo, Texas.  The subjects had resorted to calling 911 after they became lost while walking in the brush.  Border Patrol Agents arrived on the scene and were able to locate the two lost subjects in good health.  The subjects were determined to be from the country of Mexico and illegally in the United States

“These events illustrate how the men and women of the United States Border Patrol not only serve to protect our borders, but are also committed to the preservation of life and assist anyone in need,” said Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Gabriel H. Acosta.


Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Seize Over $1 Million Dollars in Marijuana

Release Date: April 26, 2018 (No apprehensions/arrests made)

LAREDO, Texas – Border Patrol Agents from the Zapata Station seized over $1 million dollars of marijuana during two events in Zapata, Texas.

On April 23, 2018, Border Patrol Agents seized 143.4 pounds of marijuana after conducting a vehicle stop on a white Ford F-150 on Highway 83 near Zapata, Texas. A search of the vehicle revealed seven bundles of marijuana inside the toolbox. The marijuana had an estimated value of $114,720.00. The driver, a United States Citizen, was arrested. The driver and marijuana were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration and the vehicle was seized by Border Patrol.

On April 25, 2018, Border Patrol Agents seized over 1,100 pounds of marijuana after responding to suspicious activity near the Falcon Lake area in Zapata, Texas. Agents discovered 50 bundles of marijuana abandoned in the brush and observed several subjects absconding into Mexico. The marijuana had an estimated value of $903,895.27.00. No arrests were made in this case. The marijuana was turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.


Collaboration with Multiple Border Patrol Sectors and International Partners Leads to Rescue of Two Ecuadorian Nationals

Release Date: April 26, 2018 (No apprehensions/arrests made)

LAREDO, Texas – Two Ecuadorian Nationals were rescued as a result of international collaboration and information sharing between the United States Border Patrol Laredo Sector, El Paso Sector, Big Bend Sector and the Ecuadorian Consulate Office in Houston, Texas. 

On April 23, 2018, Border Patrol Agents from the Sierra Blanca Station received information of two subjects in distress.  The two subjects had resorted to calling the Mexican Emergency Services (equivalent of 911) for assistance after being left behind in a desolate area by callous smugglers.  Agents immediately deployed to the Quitman Mountains in West Texas to begin the search for the missing subjects.

Later that day, Agents from the Laredo Sector Missing Migrant Program received information from the Ecuadorian Consulate Office in Houston identifying the approximate location of the two lost subjects.  The Laredo Sector Missing Migrant Program relayed this critical lifesaving information to the Sierra Blanca Agents.

The next day, Agents along with the help of BORSTAR Agents were able to locate and rescue the two subjects near Sierra Blanca, Texas. Both subjects were evaluated by a Border Patrol Agent certified as an Emergency Medical Technician and were taken to a hospital for further evaluation.  

“While this event illustrates the callous nature with which smugglers disregard human life, it also exemplifies the humanitarian efforts and collaboration between the United States Border Patrol and the international community to help those in need,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jason D. Owens.

The Laredo Sector Border Patrol will continue to warn against the dangers of people crossing illegally into the United States through dangerous environmental conditions.

The 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.  

The Missing Migrant Program was created in response to a record number of migrant deaths along the U.S. / Mexico border as a proactive approach in the realm of humanitarian efforts.

 

View the last two week’s of Border Arrests/Apprehensions & Drug Totals

° Week of April 18-25 Drug Total (pounds/lbs.): 976.27
° Week of April 18-25 Street Value Total: $8,066,666.52
°
Total Weekly Arrests/Apprehensions: 135

° Week of April 12-17, Drug Total: 3,247 lbs.
° Week of April 12-17, Street Value Total: $3,911,998
° Total Weekly Arrests/Apprehensions: 39


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