Texas Weekly Border Report Includes The Rescue Of Three Year Old Child Abandoned By Human Smuggler
For anyone to understand whether there are actual drugs, 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 July 5 – July 10, 2018.
As you read below, you may come to understand the issues on the U.S. and Mexico border are not a simple problem to be fixed by the current border security 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 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 state that shares a border with Mexico. So as you read the weekly report below, remember this information is only what is occurring on the Texas-Mexico border and Texas ports.
We gathered the information below 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.
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:
- July 5, 2018: CBP Seize $2.3 Million In Narcotics, Apprehend Nine Gang Members, Four Child Molesters
- June 27, 2018: Customs & Border Protection Intercept $14.6 Million In Drugs, Child Smuggler, Gang Member On Texas Border
- June 20, 2018: Weekly Texas Border Activity: Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico & El Salvador Apprehensions For Illegal Crossings, Drugs
• Week of July 5 – July 10, 2018 •
Texas Border Reported Arrests/Apprehensions with Nationality Totals
• Honduras, El Salvador Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Ecuador, India and Mexico Weekly Total: 114
° Nationality Not Reported: 6 separate incidents
° Number of Incidents of Arrest/ Apprehensions Not Reported: 7
° US Citizen: 4 (1 drug & human smuggler & 1 juvenile)
° 18th Street Gang Members: 2
° MS-13 Gang Members: 5
° Sureno Gang Member: 1
° Zeta Cartel Gang Member: 1
° Deceased: 0
° Rescued: 1 (three year old child; smugglers abandoned)
° Child Molesters: 2
° Human Smugglers: 8
Texas Weekly Drug Total Seizures & Estimated Street Price
NOTE: The totals are an estimate. U.S. dollar and weight in pounds used.
WIKILEAF• Marijuana
° 224.5 lbs.
° $877,166
• Cocaine:
° 23.85 lbs.
° $183,940
• Methamphetamine
° 161.91 lbs.
° $2,553,351
• Mushrooms
° 2 Grams
° $50.00
• Additional Confiscated Goods:
° Brass Knuckles
° two guns
° Numerous rounds of ammunition
Weekly Drug Weight Total:
410.76 lbs.
Estimated Street Value:
$3,614,507 Million
Del Rio Sector Border Patrol Agents Arrest 32 Illegal Aliens, 2 Smugglers
*Nationalities: None Reported
Release Date: July 10, 2018
DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to Eagle Pass South and Brackettville Stations disrupted two separate smuggling attempts, leading to the apprehension of 32 illegal aliens and two smugglers.
“Partnering with our local, state and federal partners is a vital component of our strategy,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Felix Chavez. “Human smuggling organizations will stop at nothing to exploit desperate people.”
On July 9, Border Patrol agents from the Eagle Pass along with other law enforcement partners arrested 26 illegal aliens and one suspected smuggler.
In a separate event that same day, agents performing their duties near Brackettville found several sets of footprints in the brush. After following the prints for a few miles, agents apprehended seven illegal aliens hiding in a brushy area. One of the subjects was identified as a suspected smuggler.
The smuggled subjects, were processed per CBP guidelines for being illegally present in the United States. The suspected smugglers face charges of 8 USC § 1324 – Alien Smuggling.
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. To report suspicious activity call the Del Rio Sector’s toll free number at 866-511-8727.
Border Patrol: Agents rescue a three-year-old abandoned in the Rio Grande
*Number of Arrests/Apprehensions: None Reported
*Nationalities: None Reported
Release Date: July 10, 2018
Photo by CBPEDINBURG, Texas – Yesterday, McAllen agents rescued a three year old separated from her mother by smugglers and abandoned in the river.
In the early afternoon hours, the McAllen Station received information from Hidalgo Port of Entry regarding possible illegal aliens underneath the bridge. As agents responded, they encountered a female claiming that her three-year-old daughter was missing.
She stated that the guide/smuggler crossed her into the US alone. Then, as the smuggler attempted to cross her daughter, she observed them both drifting down river as she lost sight of them. She could not see if they had returned to Mexico or if her child drifted away by herself.
Harlingen Border Patrol Station riverine units and a National Guard helicopter deployed to the area in search of the child. Agents located the child walking on the river road and immediately checked the child for injuries before reuniting her with the mother.
The child was unharmed and not in need of medical assistance.
From October 1, 2107, to June 30, 2018, the Rio Grande Valley Sector has rescued 1157 people, an increase of 53% when compared to last year.
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: alien gang members and child predators arrested
Release Date: July 10, 2018
Border Patrol arrests several gang members and predators. Photo by CBP.EDINBURG, Texas – Border Patrol agents across the Rio Grande Valley arrested two Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang members, an 18thStreet gang member, and two men previously charged with sex offenses against children.
On Thursday, July 5, Weslaco Border Patrol agents arrested a Honduran national near Edinburg, Texas. It was later discovered the man had a previous conviction for sexual assault of a child and had been ordered removed from the United States.
Simultaneously near Hidalgo, Texas, Weslaco agents apprehended a Salvadoran national who made a claim of fear to being deported back to his native country. During processing, it was confirmed the man is an member of the MS-13 gang.
On Friday, agents arrested a Mexican man near Rio Grande City, Texas as he attempted to enter the United States illegally. The man’s criminal history revealed a previous conviction for having sex with a minor and was sentenced to 100 days confinement and 36 months’ probation. Furthermore, the man was previously removed from the United States.
Saturday, Kingsville agents arrested a Salvadoran national near Sarita, Texas. Record checks confirmed that he is an MS-13 gang member.
On Sunday, Weslaco agents arrested a Mexican man near Progreso, Texas, whose record checks revealed he was linked to the Zetas cartel and spent three years in prison for his involvement in the murder of a Mexican national.
Later that day, agents encountered a group of 15 illegal aliens attempting to circumvent the checkpoint south of Sarita, Texas. During processing, it was discovered that one of the subjects, a Mexican national, is a member of the 18th street gang.
All subjects will be processed accordingly.
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.
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.
Smugglers desperate attempt sends six to the hospital in the Rio Grande Valley
* Nationalities: None Reported
Release Date: July 10, 2018
PENITAS, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assisted local law enforcement with a vehicle pursuit that ended with all subjects sent to the hospital.
Callous smuggler injures innocent civilians. Photo by CBP.On Sunday, the McAllen Border Patrol Station was notified by the Penitas Police Department of a pursuit heading toward McAllen and requested assistance.
Border Patrol units and a National Guard helicopter responded to the call and learned the vehicle being pursued, a black Ford Mustang, crashed into a Chevrolet Malibu carrying two passengers.
Border Patrol Emergency Medical Technicians arrived to the scene and provided immediate medical attention to the occupants of the Mustang and the Malibu.
The driver of the Malibu sustained critical injuries and was air lifted to a hospital. The remaining occupants, including the driver of the Mustang, were transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation.
The investigation revealed that the driver of the Mustang, a 20 year-old United States citizen, evaded authorities because he was smuggling three illegal aliens.
Sullivan City Police Department took custody of the smuggler. All subjects involved with the smuggling event will be processed accordingly.
The case remains under investigation.
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!”
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.
CBP Officers at Laredo Port of Entry Seize Nearly $1M in Methamphetamine in Back-to-Back Enforcement Actions This Weekend
*Number of Arrests/Apprehensions: None Reported
*Nationalities: None Reported
Release Date: July 9, 2018
LAREDO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) CBP officers at Laredo Port of Entry this weekend seized nearly $1 million in methamphetamine in separate enforcement actions.
Packages containing 58 pounds of methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at Laredo Port of Entry. Photo by CBP.“Our frontline officers remain dedicated to CBP’s border security mission and that commitment to keeping America safe showed in two separate seizures of hard narcotics; one in a passenger vehicle and the other in the commercial environment,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry.
The larger of the two seizures occurred on Saturday, July 6 when CBP officers at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge referred a 2007 Toyota Camry for a secondary inspection.
During the secondary inspection, CBP officers utilizing a non-intrusive imaging system along with the help of a canine team discovered narcotics hidden within the vehicle.
CBP officers discovered 33 packages containing a total of 58 pounds of alleged methamphetamine. The narcotics have an estimated street value of $814,820.
The other seizure also occurred on July 6, but at the World Trade Bridge. CBP officers referred a commercial truck hauling express consignment packages for a secondary examination.
Utilizing a non-intrusive imaging system and CBP canines, CBP officers discovered six candles containing a total of 10.14 pounds of alleged methamphetamine. The meth has an estimated street value of $141,976.
CBP OFO seized the narcotics and the Camry. Both cases remain under investigation by Homeland Security Investigations special agents.
For more information about CBP, please click on the attached link.
Border Patrol Agents Seize $200K of Meth near Rio Grande River
*Nationalities: None Reported
Release Date: July 9, 2018
Agents identified the substance as methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $210,892. Photo by CBP.DEL RIO, Texas – Border Patrol agents assigned to the Del Rio Station found two backpacks containing approximately 44 pounds of methamphetamine and arrested one smuggler.
“Our agents prevented this dangerous contraband from reaching our communities,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Felix Chavez. “This type of drug is highly profitable for the drug trafficking organizations and they constantly seek to bring it in our country. Thanks to the vigilance and the rapid response of our agents, this drug shipment will not jeopardize American families.”
On July 8, agents patrolling the Rio Grande River encountered two subjects with backpacks hiding near the mouth of San Felipe Creek. The two subjects fled toward Mexico, one subject was arrested.
Agents recovered the backpacks, containing several packages of suspected narcotics, wrapped in cellophane and black tape.
At the Del Rio Station, agents identified the substance as methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $210,892. The drugs and the subject were turned over to the custody of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
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.
Eagle Pass Agents Arrest MS-13 Gang Member
Release Date: July 9, 2018
DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass Station recently arrested a member of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) criminal gang.
Agents discovered that the subject is a member of the MS-13 gang. Photo by CBP.“This arrest serves to remind us of the unknown factors our agents face on a daily basis. Some illegal aliens are dangerous criminals,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Felix Chavez. “I am proud of our agents as they face these hazards every day, keeping our communities safe and our borders secure.”
On July 6, Border Patrol agents arrested a 35-year-old Honduran national shortly after he made illegal entry by crossing the Rio Grande River.
During processing at the Eagle Pass South Station, agents discovered that the subject is a member of the MS-13 gang, a violent, trans-national criminal organization operating in many parts of the United States.
The subject was charged with unlawful entry, and faces deportation.
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.
To report suspicious activity call the Del Rio Sector’s toll free number at 866-511-8727.
Smuggling attempts continue to plague the Rio Grande Valley
Release Date: July 6, 2018
Photo by CBP.EDINBURG, Texas – This week, U.S. Border Patrol agents apprehended a brush guide smuggling a group of illegal aliens near Mission, disrupted a stash house operation in Edinburg, and stopped a smuggling attempt through the Sarita Checkpoint.
On Tuesday, agents arrested a guide attempting to smuggle eight illegal aliens through the brush near Mission. Record checks revealed that the smuggler has an extensive criminal and immigration history.
Additionally, agents discovered a “Santisima Muerte” necklace and two aerosol spray cans that the smuggler was carrying. Many alien and narcotic smugglers have been found to utilize these products for protection against law enforcement while carrying out criminal activity.
Yesterday, agents working in collaboration with the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) identified a stash house with 54 illegal aliens from various countries. The individuals were from Guatemala, Honduras, India, Mexico, El Salvador, and Ecuador.
Later that day, Kingsville agents working checkpoint operations referred a vehicle to the secondary inspection area after receiving a Border Patrol K-9 alert. Agents discovered two illegal aliens concealed in the trunk.
Agents offered medical attention to the illegal aliens in the cases but all declined.
All subjects will be processed accordingly. The three cases are being referred for prosecution.
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!”
CBP Officers at the Hidalgo International Bridge Seize Cocaine Valued at Over $183K
Release Date: July 6, 2018
Packages containing 23.85 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Hidalgo International Bridge. Photo by CBP.HIDALGO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo International Bridge seized alleged cocaine valued at $183,940.
“This was a great interception of hard narcotics; our CBP officers continue doing a remarkable job preventing narcotics from entering our country, upholding the CBP mission on daily basis,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.
The seizure occurred on July 5 at the Hidalgo International Bridge after CBP officers referred a grey 2012 Nissan Rogue to secondary for an enforcement inspection.
A 25-year-old female United States citizen from San Juan, TX drove the vehicle. After a physical inspection and the use a non-intrusive imaging (NII) system along with the help of a canine team, CBP officers discovered 10 packages containing 23.85 pounds of alleged cocaine.
CBP OFO seized the narcotics along with the vehicle, arrested the driver and turned her over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for further investigation.
CBP Officers Seize More Than $295K in Methamphetamine at the Laredo Port of Entry
Release Date: July 6, 2018
Packages containing 21 pounds of methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at Laredo Port of Entry. Photo by CBP.LAREDO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) CBP officers at Gateway to the Americas Bridge seized a significant amount of alleged methamphetamine with an estimated street value of more than $295,000 in one enforcement action.
“Our CBP officers’ experience and vigilance was a key component in this significant narcotic interception,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “I thank our CBP officers for their hard work and commitment in keeping our borders secure.”
The seizure occurred on Thursday, July 5 at the Gateway to the Americas Bridge when a CBP officer referred a 39-year-old female Mexican citizen from Guanajuato, Mexico for a secondary examination. A non-intrusive imaging system and canine inspection by CBP officers resulted in the discovery of 14 packages allegedly containing 21.07 pounds of methamphetamine hidden within the subject’s belongings.
The narcotics have an estimated street value of $295,063.
CBP seized the narcotics. The woman 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.
Marijuana Seized at the Presidio Port of Entry
Release Date: July 5, 2018
PRESIDIO, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations officers working at the Presidio Port of Entry seized 224 pounds of marijuana on 7/4/18. The seizure was located underneath the rear floorboard of a SUV.
“CBP officers remain focused and vigilant as they perform their homeland security mission,” said Michael Neipert, Presidio Port Director. “Illegal drugs are stopped at the border because of the layers of enforcement we employ every day.”
The marijuana seizure was made when a 2005 Dodge Caravan entered the port from Mexico. The vehicle was driven by a 42-year-old Mexican female who was accompanied by a 17-year-old female United States citizen.
A CBP officer working the primary inspection station selected the vehicle for a secondary exam. In secondary, a narcotics detector-dog alerted to the presence of drugs in the floor area.
When officers dismantled the rear floorboard, they discovered a total of 224 taped bundles. The bundled material was field tested and turned out positive for properties of marijuana.
CBP officers took custody of the driver and passenger. The driver was turned over to ICE/HSI agents to face federal narcotics smuggling charges, and the minor passenger was turned over to Presidio Police Officers.
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.
Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol stops criminals
Release Date: July 5, 2018
RGV Border Patrol arrest MS-13 gang member. Photo by CBP.EDINBURG, Texas – Over the Fourth of July holiday, U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested two gang members and encountered a criminal with narcotics and a stolen firearm. In the early morning today, agents arrested another gang member.
Rio Grande City Border Patrol agents arrested an adult male Salvadoran national near Rio Grande City, Texas. It was confirmed that the man is an 18th Street gang member and has three active warrants in El Salvador for “aggravated homicide and terrorist organization.”
Agents assigned to the Kingsville Station arrested an adult male Salvadoran national near Sarita, Texas. His record revealed he is a confirmed MS-13 gang member.
Agents conducting immigration inspections at the Sarita Checkpoint referred a vehicle to the secondary inspection area after a K-9 alerted.
Upon further inspection, agents discovered nine grams of marijuana, two grams of mushrooms, brass knuckles, and two firearms with numerous rounds of ammunition concealed in the vehicle.
It was revealed that one of the firearms was confirmed stolen and the United States citizen driver had an extensive criminal history. He was arrested and turned over to the Kenedy County Sheriff’s Department.
McAllen station agents arrested an adult male Salvadoran national near McAllen, Texas. Record checks and tattoos revealed the man is an MS-13 gang member.
All subjects will be processed accordingly.
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.
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.
Del Rio Sector Border Patrol Agents Apprehend Sureño 13 Gang Member
Release Date: July 5, 2018
Fourth Gang Member Arrested in Past Week
DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass Station arrested a member of the Sureño 13 criminal gang who had been previously removed from the United States. This is the fourth confirmed gang member arrested by Del Rio Sector Border Patrol agents in the last week.
“Gang members continue to cross the border, and attempt to head farther into the United States among groups of illegal aliens,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Felix Chavez. “Due to the vigilance of our agents, four gang members were stopped from making their way to American cities through the southwest Texas border this week.”
On July 3, Border Patrol agents arrested a Mexican national near Eagle Pass shortly after he made illegal entry by crossing the Rio Grande River. Agents later discovered he is a member of the Sureño 13 criminal street gang.
His prior order of removal will be reinstated, and he faces prosecution under 8 USC § 1326 – Reentry After Deportation, which carries a maximum sentence of two years in prison.
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. To report suspicious activity call the Del Rio Sector’s toll free number at 1-866-511-8727.
Stash house in Rio Grande Valley disrupted
*Number of Arrests/Apprehensions: None Reported
Release Date: July 5, 2018
Law enforcement continues to disrupt stash houses in RGV. Photo by CBP.DONNA, Texas – Yesterday, U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Rio Grande Valley Sector dismantle a stash house operation resulting in the apprehension of multiple illegal aliens.
On Monday, Border Patrol agents, working in collaboration with the Hidalgo County Constables Office, Precinct 4, identified a suspected stash house operating out of a residence in Donna, Texas. The individuals located inside were from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador.
All subjects will be processed accordingly. The case is being referred for prosecution.
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!”
Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Seize Liquid Methamphetamine Valued at $1 Million Dollars
*Number of Arrest/Apprehensions: None Reported
*Nationalities: None Reported
Release Date: July 3, 2018
Packages containing 28.7 pounds of methamphetamine seized by Border Patrol agents at Hwy. 59 Border Patrol checkpoint. Photo by CBP.LAREDO, Texas – On July 2, 2018, Freer Border Patrol Agents seized 28.7 pounds of liquid methamphetamine at the checkpoint located on Highway 59 near Freer, Texas.
The narcotics were found concealed inside the panels of a Toyota Sienna van after the vehicle was referred to secondary. The narcotics tested positive for liquid methamphetamine, worth an estimated $1,090,600.00.
The case was referred to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
“The vigilance of the men and women of the United States Border Patrol in disrupting the flow of narcotics attests to our commitment in keeping America and its communities safe,” said Laredo Sector Acting Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Anthony S. Good.
