TX Border: CBP Seize Over $19M In Drugs, Apprehend 13 Gang Members, Rescues Three Unaccompanied Children
For all of us to understand if there is a real problem or just political bloviation concerning our southern border with drug smuggling, human trafficking of adults and children, illegal immigrant crossings and gang activity, 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 25 – July 31, 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 all of us to understand if there is a real problem or just political bloviation concerning our southern border with drug smuggling, human trafficking of adults and children, illegal immigrant crossings and gang activity, we need the numbers and facts…
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.
We gathered the information below directly from 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 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, below you will find links for the last three weeks of border stats.
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 25, 2018: TX Border: CBP, ICE Rescue Unaccompanied Eight Year Old, Seize $10M In Drugs And Almost $1M In Cash
- July 18, 2018: Texas Border Operations: CBP Seize $12.7 Million In Drugs, Arrest 322, Including Gang Members, Child Molesters
- July 11, 2018: Texas Weekly Border Report Includes The Rescue Of Three Year Old Child Abandoned By Human Smuggler
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.
• Week of July 25 – July 31, 2018 •
Texas Border Reported Arrests/Apprehensions
Texas Border Reported Arrests/Apprehensions from the following counties;
• Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and United States Weekly Total: 162
Of those above there were…
• 6 U.S. Citizen(s)
• 7 MS-13 Gang Member(s)
• 6 18th Street Gang Member(s)
• 1 Sex Offender(s)
• 4 Deceased/Fatalities
• 15 Rescue(s)
• 3 Children/Unaccompanied Children
• 2 Juvenile(s)
Texas Weekly Drug Total Seizures & Estimated Street Price
NOTE: The totals are an estimate. U.S. dollar and pounds used.
WIKILEAF- Marijuana
• 2,851 lbs.
• $11,289,960
- Methamphetamine
• 214 lbs.
• $7,765,446.40
- Drug Weight Total:
2,851 lbs.
- Estimated Drug Street Value:
$19,055,406.40 Million
CBP Officers at the Laredo Port of Entry Seize 104 pounds in Liquid Methamphetamine
Release Date: July 31, 2018
These barrels contain liquid 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 the Laredo Port of Entry seized a significant amount of alleged liquid methamphetamine with an estimated street value of more than $1.4 million in one enforcement action.
“Our CBP officers’ knowledge of concealment methods and the technology they utilize on a daily basis played a key role in the discovery of these hard narcotics,” said Acting Port Director Eugene Crawford, Laredo Port of Entry. “I commend our CBP officers for their hard work and attention to detail.”
The seizure occurred on Sunday, July 29, at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge when a CBP officer referred 2001 Chevrolet 1500 pickup truck for a secondary inspection.
A non-intrusive imaging system and canine inspection by CBP officers resulted in the discovery of 104 pounds of alleged liquid methamphetamine hidden within the vehicle.
CBP OFO seized the narcotics and vehicle. The case remains under investigation by Homeland Security Investigations special agents.
For more information about CBP, please click on the attached link.
Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol agents encounter another fraud case
Release Date: July 31, 2018
McALLEN, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Centralized Processing Center on Monday, July 30 discovered an adult man and woman using a fraudulent birth certificate in an attempt to pass as father and child.
The man, a Honduran national, claimed he was the father of a 17-year-old female accompanying him. During an interview, the woman admitted to agents that the man was not her father and that the document in question was fraudulent. Subsequently, she provided her real name and date of birth. She is 18 years old and claims to be a friend of the male subject.
Both subjects will be processed 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!”
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.
Border Patrol seizes nearly 600 pounds of marijuana
Release Date: July 31, 2018
Packages containing 591 pounds of marijuana seized by Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol agents near Garceño, Texas. Photo by CBP.GARCENO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Rio Grande City station disrupted a narcotic smuggling attempt.
On Monday, July 30, close to midnight, agents observed five subjects loading a vehicle with narcotics near the Rio Grande. Shortly after, the vehicle departed the area at a high rate of speed.
As agents responded, the driver returned to the river and abandoned the vehicle. Agents saw the driver swim to Mexico along with five other subjects.
Inside the vehicle, agents found 591 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated value of $473,552.
Agents seized the vehicle and turned the narcotics over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and report 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.
U.S. Border Patrol Agent jumps into canal to save one, second person is lost
Release Date: July 31, 2018
CLINT, TX–U.S. Border Patrol Agents from El Paso rescued two people from the city’s irrigation canal who were trying to cross the border illegally.
On July 29, border surveillance cameras spotted a group of suspected illegal aliens attempting to cross into the United States illegally near Clint. Two people then jumped into deep, fast-moving currents of the irrigation canal.
A Border Patrol Agent raced to the scene to find the two people struggling to stay afloat in the canal, just north of the pedestrian fence. The agent went into the water and was able to save one person, but the second subject went underwater and was not seen again.
Agents took three subjects from the group into custody. They told agents the missing person was from El Salvador, and did not know how to swim. Agents say the turbulent waters can make survival nearly impossible since currents can travel at a speed of up to 40-miles per-hour, and can be up to 15-feet deep.
Members of the Clint and San Elizario Fire and Rescues Units, along with other area law-enforcement personnel, continued the search for the lost subject.
The victim was eventually found in the water and declared deceased. The body of the unidentified person was extracted by El Paso County authorities Monday afternoon.
This latest incident serves as a grim reminder of the many dangers faced by those who attempt to illegally cross the U.S./Mexico border in deserts and through area waterways.
It also reflects the type of courage carried out by the men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol on a daily basis as they continue to protect the lives of those they encounter along the southwest border.
Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol disrupts two stash houses and four alien smuggling attempts
Release Date: July 30, 2018
Agents disrupt stash houses and smuggling attempts. Photo by CBP.EDINBURG, Texas – This weekend, U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) dismantled two stash houses and foiled four alien smuggling attempts.
On Friday, Weslaco agents, alongside the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, disrupted a stash house operation in Edinburg, Texas that resulted in the apprehension of 16 illegal aliens from Mexico, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.
On Saturday, McAllen station agents spotted a group of illegal aliens loading into a vehicle at the intersection of Vela Jackson and Military Highway near La Joya, Texas. Responding agents initiated a vehicle stop, however the driver failed to yield.
After a brief chase, the driver stopped the vehicle and all the occupants exited the vehicle in an attempt to evade apprehension. Agents were able to apprehend five illegal aliens and the United States citizen driver.
Later that day, McAllen agents responded to assist the Texas Department of Public Safety on a vehicle stop. At the scene, it was determined that the four passengers were in the country illegally and the United States Citizen driver was attempting to smuggle them further into the United States.
Yesterday, Weslaco agents responded to assist the Hidalgo Sheriff’s Office on a vehicle stop near Border Road and FM 495 in Alamo, Texas. Agents arrested the United States citizen driver and passenger who were smuggling three illegal aliens.
Today, Falfurrias agents referred a van to the secondary inspection area after a Border Patrol K-9 alerted. Inside the van, agents discovered ten illegal aliens hiding in the back. Agents arrested the United States citizen driver.
Shortly after, agents, working in collaboration with the Hidalgo County Constables Office Precinct 4, disrupted a stash house operation in Mission, Texas. It resulted in the apprehension of eight illegal aliens from Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras.
Agents offered medical attention and will process them accordingly.
The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and report suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.
Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol arrests five gang members and two criminal aliens
Release Date: July 30, 2018
Agents arrest five gang members in the Rio Grande Valley. Photo by CBP.EDINBURG, Texas – Over the weekend, U.S. Border Patrol Agents across the Rio Grande Valley arrested one 18th street gang member, four MS-13 gang members, and two criminal aliens.
On Friday, Weslaco agents apprehended an adult male Salvadoran national whose record checks revealed he is an 18th Street gang member.
Later that day, McAllen agents encountered a Salvadoran national near Hidalgo, Texas. During processing, record checks revealed that the subject is affiliated to the Mara
Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang.
Also on Friday, agents, working in collaboration with the Hidalgo County Constables Office Precinct 4 and the San Juan Police Department, disrupted a stash house in San Juan, Texas resulting in the apprehension of 13 illegal aliens. Records checks of one of the aliens revealed that he is a member of the MS-13 gang.
Saturday, Falfurrias agents apprehended a Guatemalan national near Encino, Texas. His record checks showed that he was arrested in 2003 by the Boston, Massachusetts Police Department for indecent assault and battery of a child under 14 years of age.
A few hours later, McAllen agents arrested a Salvadoran national near Mission, Texas. His record checks revealed that he is a member of the MS-13 gang.
In the evening, Rio Grande City agents arrested a Salvadoran national near Roma, Texas whose record checks confirmed that he is a member of the MS-13 gang.
Yesterday, Weslaco agents apprehended a Mexican national near Alamo, Texas. His records revealed a previous arrest by the St. Peter Police Department in Missouri for statutory rape second degree. He was convicted and sentenced to one year confinement.
The men will be processed accordingly.
The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and report suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.
911 calls lead to four rescues over the scorching weekend in the Rio Grande Valley
Release Date: July 30, 2018
EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol Agents in the Rio Grande Valley rescued four illegal aliens lost in the desolate ranch lands over the weekend.
On Thursday, Kingsville agents received a report from the Kenedy County Sheriff’s Office of a subject who was left behind by smugglers and requested assistance.
Agents responded to the GPS coordinates provided by Kenedy County but were unable to locate the subject. On Saturday, Kingsville agents were alerted by a concerned motorist who observed a man walking along Highway 77, south of the checkpoint.
Agents responded and determined the man was the same person who had called 911 two days prior. He was provided medical attention and transported to the Kingsville station.
Yesterday, Falfurrias agents responded to two separate 911 calls from the Brooks County Sheriff’s Office regarding illegal aliens who were left behind by smugglers and lost in the vast ranch lands.
The Falfurrias Border Patrol Station coordinated rescue efforts and located three subjects from both calls. All of the subjects were provided basic medical attention and transported to the Falfurrias station. All subjects will be processed 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!”
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.
Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol continues to encounter dangerous smuggling attempts
Release Date: July 30, 2018
Agents discover seventeen aliens hidden in box trucks. Photo by CBP.FALFURRIAS, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Falfurrias Checkpoint intercepted two smuggling attempts utilizing box trucks.
Agents discover seventeen aliens hidden in box trucks
On Friday, Falfurrias agents referred a 63 year-old man driving a box truck to the secondary inspection area after a Border Patrol K-9 alerted to the vehicle. Inside the trailer, agents discovered 14 illegal aliens from the countries of Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
Furthermore, agents identified one of smuggled aliens as an unaccompanied child.
“As we progress through the summer months in South Texas, the extreme temperatures continue to pose an increased risk to smuggled aliens,” said Chief Patrol Agent Manuel Padilla, Jr. “It is evident that the smugglers are persistent in their illicit operations with no regard for human life.”
On Sunday evening, agents sent a U-Haul box truck to the secondary inspection area and discovered three illegal aliens concealed within the cargo. The illegal aliens are from the countries of Venezuela and El Salvador.
All subjects will be processed accordingly. Both 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!”
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.
Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol discovers golf bags filled with marijuana
Release Date: July 30, 2018
Agents seize 50 pounds of marijuana at local golf course. Photo by CBP.BROWNSVILLE, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Brownsville station disrupted a marijuana smuggling attempt at a golf course.
On Friday, Border Patrol riverine units patrolling the Rio Grande encountered several subjects swimming from the U.S. riverbank to the Mexican riverbank.
Agents searched the area and discovered several abandoned golf bags filled with bundles of marijuana. The marijuana weighed approximately 50 pounds and has an estimated value of $40K.
The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and report suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.
CBP Officers at Laredo Port of Entry Seize Over 110 pounds in Hard Narcotics
Release Date: July 30, 2018
Packages containing 110 pounds of methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge. Photo by CBP.LAREDO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) CBP officers at Laredo Port of Entry seized methamphetamine valued at more than $1.5 million in an enforcement action over the weekend.
“Our CBP officers continue to demonstrate a strong enforcement posture,” said Acting Port Director Eugene Crawford, Laredo Port of Entry. “By making a significant seizure with a street value exceeding $1.5 million this weekend, the Port of Laredo continues to demonstrate its commitment to securing our nation.”
Packages containing 110 pounds of methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge.
The seizure occurred on Sunday, July 29 when CBP officers at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge referred a 2017 Dodge Journey driven by a 47-year-old male Mexican citizen from Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico 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 18 packages containing a total of 110 pounds of alleged methamphetamine. The methamphetamine has an estimated street value of $1.5 million.
CBP OFO seized the narcotics and 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 Border Patrol seizes over $500K worth of marijuana in three separate smuggling attempts
Release Date: July 27, 2018
Photo by CBP.EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Rio Grande Valley Sector seized over 600 pounds of marijuana in multiple smuggling attempts.
Yesterday afternoon, Weslaco agents observed a Volkswagen sedan driving south of the levee toward the Rio Grande near Donna, Texas.
Minutes later, agents observed the same vehicle leaving at a high rate of speed. Mobile units attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver failed to yield and a pursuit ensued.
Agents stopped the vehicle by successfully deploying a controlled tire deflation device, commonly referred to as “spikes.” As the vehicle came to a stop, the occupants attempted to flee the scene, however, agents apprehended two juvenile subjects.
Inside the vehicle, agents discovered several bundles of marijuana weighing nearly 300 pounds worth an estimated $237K.
Shortly after, agents working near La Paloma, Texas, observed an Oldsmobile sedan departing the levee at a high rate of speed.
Responding units encountered the vehicle as it was traveling along Military Highway and conducted a vehicle stop. Agents discovered over 260 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $208K and arrested the 41-year-old United States citizen driver.
A few hours later, Fort Brown agents responded to a report of subjects carrying bundles of narcotics near Brownsville, Texas.
While searching the area, agents arrested three Mexican national juveniles attempting to smuggle two bundles of marijuana weighing over 90 pounds worth an estimated $73K.
All cases are being referred for prosecution.
The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and report 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.
Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol identifies 18th Street gang member inside stash house
Release Date: July 26, 2018
Agents encounter gang member in stash house. Photo by CBP.DONNA, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Rio Grande Valley Sector dismantled a stash house operation resulting in the apprehension of multiple illegal aliens.
Agents encounter gang member in stash house
Today, 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.
Inside, agents discovered 10 illegal aliens from the countries of Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.
One of the ten subjects is a confirmed 18th Street gang member.
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!”
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.
Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol agents discover human remains
Release Date: July 26, 2018
FALFURRIAS, Texas – Earlier today, U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Falfurrias station discovered the body of a deceased person.
The Brooks County Sheriff’s Office was notified and assisted agents with an unsuccessful search for any form of identification.
A Justice of the Peace arrived on scene and pronounced the subject deceased. The decedent was turned over to the Brooks County Coroner’s Office.
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 U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.
Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol stop smuggling attempt, rescue unaccompanied child and arrest MS-13 gang member
Release Date: July 26, 2018
Agents encounter 25 illegal aliens in tractor trailer. Photo by CBP.FALFURRIAS, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Falfurrias Checkpoint discover 25 illegal aliens concealed inside a trailer.
Yesterday evening, Falfurrias agents referred a 55-year-old man driving a tractor trailer to the secondary inspection area after a Border Patrol K-9 alerted to the cargo.
Inside the trailer, agents discovered a total of 25 illegal aliens from the countries of Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.
Within the group, agents located an unaccompanied child from Mexico and identified an MS-13 gang member from 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!”
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.
Stash house disrupted by Border Patrol in the Rio Grande Valley
Release Date: July 25, 2018
Agents apprehend 15 illegal aliens at stash house. Photo by CBP.SAN JUAN, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Rio Grande Valley Sector dismantled a stash house operation resulting in the apprehension of 15 illegal aliens.
Earlier today, Border Patrol agents, working in collaboration with the Hidalgo County Constables Office Precinct 4 and the San Juan Police Department, identified a suspected stash house operating out of a residence in San Juan, Texas.
Inside, they discovered 15 illegal aliens from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Mexico.
All subjects were offered medical attention and 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 U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.
Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol arrests 18th Street gang member posing as a family unit
Release Date: July 25, 2018
Rio Grande Valley agents arrest 18th Street gang member. Photo by CBP.EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol Agents across the Rio Grande Valley arrested two members of the 18th street gang and a United States citizen sexual predator.
On Monday, agents assigned to the Falfurrias station arrested a United States citizen attempting to smuggle two illegal aliens through the checkpoint.
The man’s record revealed that he was arrested by the Austin Police Department in 2002 for indecency with a child sexual contact. The man was convicted and sentenced to two years probation.
Also on Monday, McAllen agents apprehended a Salvadoran national near Granjeno, Texas.
The man entered the country illegally with his minor son. His record later revealed that he is a member of the 18th Street gang.
Yesterday, Falfurrias agents arrested a Salvadoran national whose records showed that he is a member of the 18th Street gang.
The men will be processed accordingly. The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and report suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.
Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol rescues seven from life-threatening heat, one succumbs
Release Date: July 25, 2018
EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol Agents in the Rio Grande Valley located eight illegal aliens in distress, rescued seven and one died at a hospital.
Yesterday, Falfurrias agents responded to two separate 911 calls from the Brooks County Sheriff’s Office regarding reports of illegal aliens lost in the vast ranch lands. Agents rescued five men.
Later in the evening hours, McAllen agents responded to a 911 call from the Sullivan City Police Department regarding a lost father and son that were in distress. Both agents and police officers responded, located the pair, and provided immediate medical care.
Emergency Medical Services was requested and upon arrival advised that the father was in full cardiac arrest. The two Mexican nationals were transported to a local hospital. The father was pronounced dead at the hospital and the son was treated and discharged.
Today, Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) agents responded to another 911 call from the Brooks County Sheriff’s Office regarding a man lost in the brush.
Agents located and rescued the man. All subjects will be processed 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!”
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.
Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol seizes over $1M worth of marijuana in foiled smuggling attempt
Release Date: July 25, 2018
Agents seize over $1 Million in marijuana. Photo by CBP.ABRAM, Texas – Yesterday, U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the McAllen station seized nearly 1,300 pounds of marijuana worth over one million dollars.
Agents conducting operations near Abram, Texas observed multiple subjects loading bundles of marijuana into a pick-up truck near the Rio Grande.
Shortly after, agents reported that the vehicle was departing the area at a high rate of speed.
Responding agents attempted to conduct a vehicle stop, but the driver failed to yield to their emergency equipment.
The driver then abruptly returned toward the river area and abandoned the vehicle. Agents saw the driver swim to Mexico.
Agents seized a total of 1,272 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated value of $1,017,600.00.
The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and report suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.
