Texas Border Sector CBP Officers Apprehend 390, Gang Members, Child Sex Offenders And Seize $1.7 Million In Drugs

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, friends, families and our local law enforcement…

by Melissa Jewett, Publisher

Below you will find the latest information available for reported drug smuggling, human trafficking and illegal crossings that have occurred on the Texas border and ports over the week of October 11 – October 17, 2018.

It has been published by many news outlets around the country that the criminal activity on our Texas-Mexico border has been consistently dropping over the last couple of years, and Americans and Texans have been given inconsistent information on what is occurring on our border.

Our U.S. border issues are complex, and they affect all Texans. This is our home, and to most Texans, the border isn’t a political issue or a tool to use against another political party; this is a safety and security issue for us, our children, friends, families and our local law enforcement.

As you read below, we hope the information provided will help all Texans to better understand the problems happening on our southern border and what we need to do to repair our current immigration laws and policies that stem from our lawmakers in D.C.

However, to better understand if these are real problems or just political bloviation concerning our southern border with drug smuggling, human trafficking of children and adults, unaccompanied children and illegal immigrant crossings that include gang members and many from terrorist countries, we need the real numbers, facts and statistics.

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

This information has been gathered and compiled directly from information given to us by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which is under the purview of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

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

We give the totals of illegal crossing arrests, including their nationality, drug seizures including weight and “street value” totals, current charges or convictions of those apprehended and other items to help all of us make educated decisions. Additionally, we include links to our other weekly border stories.

All people apprehended by the Border Patrol undergo criminal history checks using biometrics to ensure their criminal histories are positively identified. To report suspicious activity such as alien and/or drug smuggling, contact their website at http://www.cbp.gov. Or follow them on Twitter at @CBPRGV.

The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and to help save lives by reporting suspicious activity at 1-800-863-9382.

Read related border coverage:

 

 


NOTE: The totals below for arrests, apprehensions, seizures, drugs, etc. are ONLY what is reported by Customs & Border Protection. Corridor News is not responsible for what is NOT reported or incorrectly reported.

Week of Oct. 11 – Oct. 17, 2018

Texas Border Reported Arrests/Apprehensions

Texas Border Reported Arrests/Apprehensions from the following counties;

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

Arrests/Apprehensions Weekly Total: 390+ (“+”: see note below)

Of those above there were…

6 USC (U.S. Citizen)
1 MS-13 Gang Member(s)
• 1 18th Street Gang Member(s)
43 Rescue(s)
3+ UAC
(Unaccompanied Alien Children)
11 Individuals apprehended with active criminal charges, warrants  or convictions;
Seizures: Weapons, Drugs, Currency, Vehicles – totals not given

Specific Prior Criminal Convictions

Criminal Warrant(s): 1-Homicide
• Pending Criminal Charges: 1 (Charged with 8 USC 1325 (a) (3) – False or Misleading Representation)
• Prior Criminal Convictions: 10

  • 1- Indecency with a Child
  • 1- Sexual Conduct with a Minor
  • 1- Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child
  • 2- Sexual Assault
  • 1- Aggravated Sexual Battery – Victim Under 13
  • 1- Solicitation
  • 2- Attempted Sexual Battery
  • 1- Rape
  • 1- Lewd and Lascivious Molestation

*Note: “+”; U.S. Customs and Border Patrol did not list exact or specific totals or countries on some reported incidents.


Texas Border Weekly Narcotic Seizures & Estimated Street Price

NOTE: The totals below are an estimate. U.S. dollar and pounds used.

Marijuana
1,340 lbs
$1,093,000 Million
Heroin
17 lbs
$682,544
Methamphetamine/Liquid/Crystal
38. lbs
$1,421,200


Weight Total of Narcotics: 1,357 lbs.
Estimated Street Value of Narcotics: $1,775,544 Million

 

Family Units and Unaccompanied Children Continue to Flow into the Rio Grande Valley

October 17, 2018

Agents continue to encounter large groups of family units in the RGV.
Photo by CBP

HIDALGO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley continue to apprehend large groups of family units and unaccompanied children.

Monday evening, agents assigned to the Weslaco station encountered a group of 30 illegal aliens comprised of family units and unaccompanied children from the countries of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.

Early this morning, a group of 68 illegal aliens turned themselves in to McAllen agents. The group was comprised of family units and unaccompanied children from the countries of Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.  

“As the Rio Grande Valley Sector continues to experience an unprecedented flow of family units and unaccompanied children, the increase in identified fraud cases is extremely concerning,” said Chief Patrol Agent Manuel Padilla, Jr. “The trend in these fraud cases is an effort by smugglers to exploit ongoing U.S. immigration policies and procedures. Agents have already discovered over 60 fraudulent cases in the first two weeks of the new fiscal year.” 

Border Patrol is processing the 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 Agents Apprehend 37 in Checkpoint Smuggling Attempt

October 17, 2018

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

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

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

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



CBP Officers Determine Unaccompanied Alien Child is Actually Adult Attempting Fraudulent Entry

October 16, 2018

EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the El Paso port of entry arrested a 21-year-old man who was using another person’s birth certificate in an attempt to enter the country as an unaccompanied alien child.

The man, a pregnant female seeking asylum, and others seeking entry were being escorted from Mexico to the U.S. by members of a non-governmental organization at the Paso Del Norte crossing October 14.

The pregnant female and UAC (Unaccompanied Alien Children) were escorted for processing. Further queries revealed the UAC was actually a 21-year old male fraudulently utilizing his minor cousin’s Guatemalan birth certificate. The subject will be prosecuted under 8 USC 1325 (a) (3) – False or Misleading Representation.

“CBP will maintain its vital homeland security mission at all times. CBP officers are vigilant and thorough in their document exams,” said Ray Provencio, CBP El Paso acting Port Director. “History has proven that people will attempt to utilize any method they can to enter our nation in a fraudulent manner. We strongly encourage those who want to support those seeking entry to be vigilant that those they support aren’t attempting to circumvent U.S. laws.”

The violator seeking fraudulent entry is identified as 21-year-old Baltazar Almicar Nolasco Pascual of Guatemala. He was in possession of his younger cousins’ birth certificate at the time of attempted entry. He was booked into the El Paso County Jail. The pregnant female was processed as a credible fear applicant.

CBP processes undocumented persons as expeditiously as possible without negating the agency’s overall mission, or compromising the safety of individuals within our custody.

The number of inadmissible individuals CBP is able to process varies based upon case complexity; available resources; medical needs; translation requirements; holding/detention space; overall port volume; and ongoing enforcement actions.

Depending upon port circumstances at the time of arrival, individuals presenting without documents may need to wait in Mexico as CBP officers work to process those already within our facilities. 

CBP officers allow more people into their facilities for processing once space becomes available or other factors allow for additional parties to arrive.

Total U.S. Unaccompanied Alien Children Apprehensions

  • UAC Apprehensions For Texas Border Total for Fiscal Year 2017: 33,358 (Latest totals available; U.S. Government Fiscal Years Oct – Sept)
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Patrol

Operation Stonegarden Enhances Border Security in South Texas Rio Grande Valley

October 16, 2018

Collaberative effort between law enforcement rescues over 120 from stash houses
Photo by CBP

EDINBURG, Texas – State and local law enforcement agencies continue to coordinate with U.S. Border Patrol’s Rio Grande Valley Sector to enhance border security efforts in South Texas. 

During the month of September, efforts led to the seizure of weapons, drugs and currency throughout the Rio Grande Valley by state and local law enforcement agencies participating in Operation Stonegarden.

Multiple law enforcement agencies participating in Operation Stonegarden rescued over 120 illegal aliens from stash houses.

Operation Stonegarden is a federal funded grant that facilitates support to state and local law enforcement agencies in support of border security.

The U.S. Border Patrol’s 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!” 



CBP Officers Seize More Than $682K in Heroin at the Laredo Port of Entry

October 16, 2018

Packages containing 17 pounds of heroin seized by CBP officers at Laredo Port of Entry. Photo by CBP

LAREDO, Texas –U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seize a noteworthy amount of alleged heroin with an estimated street value of more than $682,000 in one enforcement action.

“Our CBP officers demonstrate exemplary vigilance in their inspections and this vigilance helps prevent these dangerous drugs from entering our streets,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “This seizure demonstrates how the officers’ determination, utilization of technology and canines led to the discovery of this hard narcotic.”

The seizure occurred on Thursday, October 11 at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge when a CBP officer referred a 2011 Renault Flence, driven by a 42-year-old-male Mexican citizen resident of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon for a secondary examination.

A canine and non-intrusive inspection of the vehicle by CBP officers resulted in the discovery of six packages containing 17 pounds of alleged heroin with an estimated street value of $682,544.

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.

For more information about CBP, please click on the attached link.



Rio Grande Valley Narcotic Smuggling Attempt Foiled

October 16, 2018

Agents seize $163K worth of marijuana
Photo by CBP

ROMA, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents foiled a marijuana smuggling attempt.

Monday night, Rio Grande City agents observed four subjects carrying bundles of marijuana near Roma, Texas.

As agents approached the area, the smugglers abandoned the narcotics and absconded into Mexico. As agents secured the narcotics, they observed a Nissan Frontier leaving the area at a high rate of speed.

The driver abruptly stopped and bailed out of the vehicle as agents closed in. Agents seized four bundles of marijuana weighing over 200 pounds worth an estimated $162K. 

Border Patrol seized the vehicle and the Drug Enforcement Administration took custody of the narcotics.



Laredo Sector Border Patrol Rescues 24 Subjects Smuggled in Truck

October 15, 2018

LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents recently rescued 24 individuals being smuggled in a truck near Freer, Texas.

The incident happened at approximately 5:30 p.m., on October 12, when a box truck approached the primary inspection area of the Border Patrol checkpoint on State Highway 59. An immigration inspection of the truck’s driver determined he was a U.S. citizen.

While at the primary inspection area, a Border Patrol K-9 alerted to the presence of possible concealed contraband in the vehicle. Agents referred the driver to secondary inspection, at which point the driver accelerated and drove away from the checkpoint.

Agents pursued the vehicle for approximately two miles before the driver pulled over.

The driver was arrested, and a search of the vehicle revealed 24 individuals in the cargo area. Despite the temperature inside the cargo area being over 100 degrees, none of the subjects required medical attention.

The driver and subjects were taken into custody for processing, and the vehicle was seized by Laredo Sector Border Patrol.

The case has been referred to Homeland Security Investigations.



Four Stash Houses Dismantled in the Rio Grande Valley

October 15, 2018

Agents dismantle four stash houses in the Rio Grande Valley
Photo by CBP

EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents and local law enforcement agencies identified four active stash houses operating in the Rio Grande Valley in the past week, resulting in the apprehension of 54 illegal aliens.

On Tuesday, Rio Grande Valley Sector agents identified a stash house operating out of a hotel in Pharr, Texas.

Inside, agents arrested nine illegal aliens from the countries of Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala and Columbia.

On Wednesday, Rio Grande Valley Sector agents, in collaboration with the Hidalgo County Constable’s Office, identified an active stash house operating out of a residence in Edinburg, Texas. Inside, agents and deputies discovered 24 illegal aliens from the countries of Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua.

That same morning, agents, working alongside Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Cameron County Sheriff’s Office, identified a residence utilized as a stash house in Brownsville, Texas.

As a result, agents and deputies arrested 13 illegal aliens from the countries of Honduras and Mexico and seized six small bundles of marijuana weighing over 25 pounds worth an estimated $21K.

On Saturday, agents identified a stash house operating out of a residence in Roma, Texas. Inside, agents identified eight illegal aliens from the countries of Guatemala, Mexico and Honduras.

The 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!” 



Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Encounters Juvenile Injured During Trek to United States

October 15, 2018

FRONTON, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents apprehended an accompanied juvenile requiring advanced medical treatment due to an injury sustained while traveling.

On Saturday, Rio Grande City agents encountered a Honduran mother and her two daughters after they illegally entered the United States.

The mother immediately requested medical attention for her six-year-old daughter who sustained injuries in a vehicular accident while traveling in Mexico. Agents transported the girl to a local hospital and it was determined that she had a neck and femur fracture.

The 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!”



Failure to Yield Results in Seven Apprehensions in the Rio Grande Valley

October 15, 2018

DONNA, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents continue to encounter smugglers utilizing desperate tactics to evade apprehension.

On Friday afternoon, Weslaco agents responded to the report of a suspicious vehicle traveling in private farmland south of Donna, Texas. Mobile units arrived to the area and located the vehicle traveling along Military Highway.

The agents activated their emergency lights and attempted to conduct a traffic stop but the driver failed to yield and a pursuit ensued. During the pursuit, the driver returned to the riverbank of the Rio Grande and abandoned the F-150.

The driver, and several additional occupants, bailed out of the vehicle and attempted to flee the area. A search of the area resulted in the arrest of seven illegal aliens.

Border Patrol is processing the 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!”   



Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Arrests Criminal Aliens

October 15, 2018

Agents arrest two sex offenders and two gang memebers
Photo by CBP

EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley arrested two sex offenders and two gang members.

On Thursday, agents at the Sarita Checkpoint arrested two United States citizens after they attempted to smuggle two illegal aliens.

Record checks on one of the smuggled aliens revealed a previous arrest by the Montgomery County, Maryland, Police Department for rape. Furthermore, records confirmed the man is an 18th Street gang member.

The following day, agents working near Hidalgo, Texas, arrested a Salvadoran man after he illegally entered the United States. Record checks revealed a previous arrest and conviction by the Broward County, Florida, Sheriff’s Office for lewd and lascivious molestation.

On Saturday evening, McAllen agents arrested a group of five illegal aliens near Madero, Texas. During processing, record checks confirmed one of the Salvadoran men as an MS-13 gang member.

The following evening, agents in Falfurrias apprehended a group of six illegal aliens as they attempted to circumvent the immigration checkpoint. During processing, record checks revealed one of the men had a previous arrest in Columbus, Nebraska, for sexual assault and sentenced to five years in prison.

The Border Patrol is processing the subjects accordingly.



Border Patrol Agents Foil Human Smuggling Near Mirando City, Texas

October 13, 2018

LAREDO, Texas – Border Patrol agents assigned to the Hebbronville Station foiled a human smuggling attempt and arrested 10 illegal aliens near Mirando City, Texas. 

The incident transpired on October 10, at approximately 10:00 p.m., after agents responded to a report of suspicious activity on a ranch south of Mirando City, Texas. 

When agents arrived to the location they discovered the occupants of a 1993 Chevrolet pickup had abandoned the vehicle.  Subsequently, agents performed a search of the area, and with the assistance of an Air and Marine Operations (AMO) air asset, 10 individuals were arrested. 

During questioning, all were determined to be illegally present in the United States and processed accordingly. The vehicle was seized by the United States Border Patrol.



Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Arrests Violent Criminal and Sex Offender

October 12, 2018

EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley arrested a homicide suspect and a sex offender.

Wednesday, agents from the McAllen station arrested a Mexican national near Havana, Texas, who entered the United States illegally. Record checks revealed an active felony warrant for homicide in Mexico.

Wednesday night, McAllen agents arrested a Mexican national after he illegally entered the United States near Abram, Texas.

During processing, record checks revealed he had been arrested by the Knoxville, Tennessee Police Department for solicitation and attempted sexual battery. The man was convicted on both charges and sentenced to 11 months and 29 days confinement.

The Border Patrol is processing the subjects accordingly.



Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol arrests criminal aliens

October 11, 2018

EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley continue to encounter criminal aliens.

Thursday evening, McAllen agents arrested a Mexican national near Hidalgo, Texas. During processing, record checks revealed a previous conviction for sexual assault and a two-year prison sentence.

On Friday, agents from the McAllen station apprehended a Mexican national near Los Ebanos, Texas.

Record checks revealed an arrest by the Nashville Metropolitan Police Department for aggravated sexual battery – victim under 13. However, the man received a conviction on the lesser charge of assault, offensive or provocative contact and received six months in jail.

The Border Patrol is processing the subjects accordingly.



Family units and unaccompanied children continue to flow into the Rio Grande Valley

October 11, 2018

EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley continue to encounter family units and unaccompanied children in large numbers.

Early Friday morning, agents assigned to the Weslaco station encountered a group of 40 illegal aliens comprised of family units and unaccompanied children from the country of Guatemala near Hidalgo, Texas.

Hours later, McAllen agents encountered a group of 20 illegal aliens comprised of family units and unaccompanied children south of Granjeno, Texas.

During the encounter, agents observed additional subjects staging on the Mexican riverbank and contacted the Mexican authorities. The Government of Mexico responded and took the group into custody.

Early this morning, Weslaco agents encountered a group of 31 illegal aliens near Hidalgo, Texas. The group of family units and unaccompanied children are from the countries of Guatemala and El Salvador.

Border Patrol is processing the 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 seizes more than 800 pounds of marijuana in 24 hour period in the Rio Grande Valley

October 11, 2018

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

On Sunday morning, Kingsville agents assigned to train check duties near Sarita, Texas, boarded a rail car after a Border Patrol K-9 alerted to the cargo. Upon inspection, agents discovered eight duffle bags containing 70 bundles of marijuana weighing over 390 pounds worth an estimated $315K.

Later that afternoon, agents observed a Chevrolet Impala traveling away from the Rio Grande at a high rate of speed in a desolate area near Donna, Texas.

As mobile units approached the vehicle, the driver attempted to evade agents and eventually abandoned the vehicle. Agents arrested the driver after a Border Patrol K-9 successfully located him hiding in the brush nearby. Inside the vehicle, agents discovered 11 bundles of marijuana weighing over 320 pounds worth an estimated $261K.

The following morning, Fort Brown agents observed several subjects carrying bundles of narcotics near Brownsville, Texas. As agents responded, the smugglers abandoned the bundles and fled to Mexico.

A search of the immediate area resulted in the arrest of Mexican juvenile and three bundles of marijuana weighing over 100 pounds. The narcotics are worth an estimated $81K.



Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol intercepts alien smuggling attempts

October 11, 2018

EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents disrupted several smuggling attempts throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

Early Saturday morning, agents working at the Falfurrias Checkpoint conducted an immigration inspection on the occupants of a Dodge Neon. The driver identified herself to agents as a United States citizen and provided birth certificates for the three children in the back seat of her vehicle.

During the inspection, a Border Patrol K-9 alerted to the trunk of the car and agents subsequently referred the driver to the secondary inspection area. Inside the trunk of the vehicle, agents discovered two illegal aliens attempting to conceal themselves under a blanket and luggage. Further questioning revealed that two of the children in the back seat belonged to the couple in the front.

Sunday afternoon, McAllen agents responded to a report of a vehicle picking up illegal aliens near Sullivan City, Texas. Responding units encountered the vehicle on Expressway 83 and conducted a vehicle stop. After a brief interview, agents arrested the driver for smuggling six illegal aliens.

That evening, the La Joya Police Department contacted the McAllen Border Patrol Station to request assistance in identifying occupants in a vehicle. Upon arrival, agents confirmed three of the occupants to be illegal aliens. 

Monday evening, Falfurrias agents referred a passenger car to secondary inspection after a Border Patrol K-9 alert. During the inspection, agents discovered three illegal aliens in the trunk.

Immediately after, agents referred a separate passenger car to the secondary area after another K-9 alert. Agents searched the vehicle and discovered two illegal aliens in the trunk.

This morning, Falfurrias checkpoint agents arrested a United States citizen after a foiled smuggling attempt of two illegal aliens concealed in the trunk of his vehicle.

Border Patrol referred the alien smuggling cases to prosecutions.

Operation Big Rig is a call to action for the community to get involved and call 911 if they see or are aware of smuggling or suspicious activity, “They’re humans, not cargo.”



Human smuggler flees Rio Grande Valley checkpoint

October 11, 2018

FALFURRIAS, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents foiled a human smuggling attempt at an immigration checkpoint.

Friday evening, agents working at the Falfurrias checkpoint referred a four-door sedan to secondary after a Border Patrol K-9 alert. The driver of the sedan disregarded the agent’s referral and proceeded northbound at a high rate of speed.

Agents immediately began to follow the vehicle, which eventually stopped. Inside the trunk, agents discovered two illegal aliens and subsequently arrested the driver.

Agents referred the case for prosecution.



Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol seizes over 300 pounds of marijuana within hours

October 11, 2018

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

Tuesday night, Rio Grande City agents working near Garceño, Texas, observed a pickup traveling away from the Rio Grande at a high rate of speed. As mobile units arrived to the area, the driver turned around and returned to the river.

The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled to Mexico. Inside the bed of the pickup, agents discovered three bundles of marijuana weighing more than 210 pounds, worth an estimated $171K.

Early this morning, agents observed four subjects attempting to scale the border wall near Brownsville, Texas. Responding apprehended all four illegal aliens. A search of the immediate area resulted in the discovery of an abandoned bundle of marijuana, weighing over 30 pounds and worth an estimated $26K.

A few hours later, the Fort Brown Station received information regarding a narcotic smuggling attempt in Brownsville, Texas. Agents responded to the area and observed several subjects carrying bundles of marijuana.

As the agents approached the group, the smugglers abandoned the narcotics and returned to Mexico. Agents searched the area and seized two bundles of marijuana, weighing over 65 pounds and worth an estimated $52K.



Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Arrests Sex Offenders

October 11, 2018

EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley arrested three sex offenders in separate incidents.

On Tuesday, McAllen agents arrested a Mexican national after he illegally entered the United States near Mission, Texas.

During processing, record checks revealed a previous arrest by the McAllen, Texas, Police Department for indecency with a child, which resulted in a three-year prison sentence.

That afternoon, Fort Brown agents arrested a Mexican national near Brownsville, Texas. Record checks revealed a previous conviction in Greer, South Carolina, for criminal sexual conduct with a minor, resulting in a sentence of 12 years in prison.

On Wednesday, agents arrested a Salvadoran national after he attempted to circumvent the checkpoint through the dense brush. Record checks revealed a previous arrest by the Dallas Police Department for aggravated sexual assault of a child.

The Border Patrol is processing the subjects accordingly.



Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Rescues Four Abandonded, Discovers Two Deceased Subjects

October 11, 2018

EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents working in the Rio Grande Valley located decedents and rescued four.

On Thursday, Fort Brown agents apprehended a group of illegal aliens near Brownsville, Texas. During processing, one of the illegal aliens informed agents that a severely injured illegal alien was abandoned by a smuggler several days prior.

Agents, along with a Border Patrol Search-Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) K-9, responded to the area and located the deceased subject. Cameron County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene and took custody of the decedent. The incident remains under investigation.

Tuesday evening, agents assigned to the McAllen riverine unit discovered the body of a deceased subject along the banks of the Rio Grande near La Joya, Texas. Agents contacted the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and local Justice of the Peace who responded and transported the decedent to the county morgue.

That same day, the HCSO contacted the McAllen Border Patrol Station regarding a 911 caller claiming to be lost in the brush with three additional subjects.

Agents, HCSO deputies, and a helicopter from Air and Marine Operations, responded to the origin of the call to search for the distressed group. After a few hours, agents located the lost subjects and provided them with medical attention.

Today, the Hidalgo Police Department contacted the McAllen station regarding a 911 call in reference to lost subjects. The subject on the phone advised dispatch that they could see a blimp from a distance.

Agents instructed them to walk toward the blimp as they conducted a search of the area. Shortly thereafter, agents discovered the group of 19 illegal aliens, which the smugglers abandoned.

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!”    



 

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