TX Border Patrol Arrests Ten Gang Members, Including MS 13, Five Child Sex Offenders, One Convicted Murderer
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 May 29 – June 5, 2018.
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.
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.
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.
• Week of May 29 – June 5, 2018 •
Texas Border Arrests/Apprehensions with Nationality
U.S. Citizens (USC) Arrests/Apprehensions (drugs or human smuggling): 6
Illegal Arrests/Apprehensions from Honduras, Bangladesh, Guatemala, Mexico, El Salvador & Ecuador: 114
Number of Events Where arrests/apprehensions were not listed: 4
Gang Affiliation Totals (arrests included above)
• 18th Street: 4
• MS 13: 4
• Mexican Mafia: 1
• Affiliation Not Given: 1
Prior Charged/Convictions Totals (arrests included above)
• Child Sex Offenders: 5
• Murder: 1
Total Rescues: 37
Total Deceased: 2
Total Kidnapping: 1
Total Weekly Arrests Reported/Apprehensions: 120
Texas Drug Total Seizures & Estimated Street Price
The map above is from an article published on May 3, 2018 in WIKILEAF. We used the pricing from above to calculate the estimated street value of Marijuana.NOTE: U.S. dollar and weight used
Marijuana: 925 lbs.
EstimatedStreet Value: $3,663,000 Million
(Estimated Street Value Source:Wikileaf.com)
Methamphetamine (Liquid): 201 lbs.
Estimated Street Value: $2,856,191
(Street Value Source: Customs & Border Protection)
Methamphetamine: 24 lbs.
Estimated Street Value: $471,785
(Street Value Source: Customs & Border Protection)
Weekly Drug Total (pounds/lbs.): 1,150 lbs.
Estimated Street Value: $6,990,976 Million
NOTE: The map from WIKILEAF shows the estimated price for 1 ounce of marijuana is $247.50 for street value. Therefore the estimated price for 1 lb. would be $3,960.
Border Patrol Arrests Known Gang Member
El Paso, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Santa Teresa Station arrested an illegal alien with ties to a violent gang after he entered the United States illegally.
On the morning of May 31, Agents from the Santa Teresa, NM Border Patrol Station were patrolling the City of Sunland Park, NM, when they encountered a subject walking near an elementary school. The subject was questioned as to his immigration status and it was revealed that he had just entered the U.S. illegally. The subject was placed under arrest and transported to the station for processing.
During queries through several immigration and criminal databases, it was discovered that the subject, 39-year-old Angel Rogelio Borunda Parra, a citizen of Mexico, has affiliations to a violent prison gang and has prior convictions for aggravated assault, possession of cocaine, driving under the influence and has been previously removed from the United States.
Subject Borunda has been processed for violating his previous order of removal and has been booked into the Otero County Detention Facility pending criminal proceedings.
In fiscal year 2018 up to late April, the El Paso Sector apprehended more than 15,000 subjects who entered into the United States illegally in El Paso Sector; many of these subjects have criminal records and are a danger to our communities.
These incidents display how vigilance by U.S. Border Patrol Agents and the rapid response by the agency prevents the furtherance of convicted criminals into our communities, while keeping our nations’ borders safe.
Del Rio Sector Marine Unit Saves Man from Lake Amistad
DEL RIO, Texas — U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to Marine Unit operations on Lake Amistad helped rescue a United States citizen in distress who had jumped from the Devil’s River Bridge on US Highway 90.
“Border Patrol agents and our local, state and federal partners frequently find themselves in first responder situations,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Felix Chavez. “Border Patrol Marine agents, National Park Service EMTs, and the Val Verde County EMS acted quickly to rescue and provide treatment to an individual in a critical situation.”
On June 4, Del Rio Sector marine agents conducting training at the Lake Amistad Diablo East boat ramp, received a report from NPS of a distressed swimmer near the east end of the Devil’s River Bridge. Agents discovered two people in the water, one who was trying to assist the distressed swimmer but swam back to shore. The agents safely recovered the distressed individual from the water and transported him to the shoreline where NPS EMTs began providing medical attention. He was transported to the Diablo East boat ramp where Val Verde EMS took over medical assistance until he was taken to the Val Verde Regional Medical Center. He is expected to fully recover.
Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol agent attacked by marijuana smugglers
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – On Friday, June 1, 2018, an agent assigned to the Brownsville Border Patrol Station was assaulted with rocks during an attempted smuggling event.
The agent responded to a report of four men scaling the border fence with what appeared to be bundles of narcotics. As the agent approached the men, they abandoned the bundles and began running toward the Rio Grande. While gathering the bundles, the four subjects began throwing rocks at the agent from the south side of the border fence.
The agent avoided being struck by the rocks and safely recovered four bundles of marijuana weighing approximately 87 pounds with a value of nearly $70K. The four men absconded back into Mexico.
The narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol agents stop gang members and sex offenders
EDINBURG, Texas – From Rio Grande City to Corpus Christi, U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Rio Grande Valley Sector arrested four child molesters and three gang members.
On Thursday, May 31, 2018, Weslaco Border Patrol agents arrested an adult male Salvadoran national near McAllen, Texas. Record checks identified the man as an 18th Street gang member.
That same day, agents assigned to the Corpus Christi Station arrested an adult male Salvadoran national near Goliad, Texas. His record revealed he was also an 18th Street gang member.
On Friday June 1, 2018, Corpus Christi agents encountered an adult male Salvadoran national near Goliad, Texas. His record checks disclosed he is an active member of the Mara Salvatrucha gang (MS13).
Also on Friday, agents assigned to the Fort Brown Station apprehended an adult male Mexican national near Brownsville, Texas. His record checks showed that in July 2014, he was arrested by the Edinburg, Texas Police Department and charged with Indecency with a Child Sexual Contact.
On Saturday, McAllen agents apprehended an adult male Honduran national near Hidalgo, Texas. During processing, his record revealed he was arrested by the Marion County Sheriff’s Department in May 2005 and charged with child molestation. On March 2006, the man was convicted and sentenced to four years confinement.
Later that day, agents assigned to the Weslaco Station apprehended an adult male Honduran national near Alamo, Texas. The man’s record showed that in July 2014, he was arrested by the Dunwoody, Georgia Police Department and charged with child molestation. The Honduran man has a pending felony charge with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, in DeKalb County, Georgia for the aforementioned charge.
Yesterday, agents assigned to the Rio Grande City Station arrested an adult male Salvadoran national near Roma, Texas. His record revealed he was arrested in November 2014, by the Angleton Sheriff’s Office in Angleton, Texas, for Sexual Assault of a Child. The subject was convicted in February 2015 and sentenced to five years confinement.
All subjects will be processed accordingly.
Treacherous journey takes its toll in the Rio Grande Valley
EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents continue to encounter abandoned illegal immigrants throughout the Rio Grande Valley sector.
On Friday, June 1, agents assigned to the McAllen Border Patrol Station discovered a deceased subject in the Rio Grande near Los Ebanos, Texas. Local authorities extracted the body from the river and a local forensic office took possession of the decedent.
On Saturday, the Brooks County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) contacted the Falfurrias Border Patrol Station regarding a 911 caller who claimed to be lost in the brush near Encino, Texas. Agents responded to the last known GPS coordinates and were able to locate two illegal aliens, including the caller.
Early this morning, BCSO informed Border Patrol they received a 911 call from a couple who were lost in the vast ranchlands near Falfurrias, Texas. Agents responded to the last known GPS coordinates and located the pair.
Agents provided all of the subjects basic medical attention. They will be processed accordingly.
RGV Sector urges immigrants not to jeopardize their lives by illegally entering the United States or by attempting to circumvent a checkpoint. The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in our communities and to help save lives by reporting suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.
Shipment of marijuana seized at Presidio Port of Entry
PRESIDIO, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers working at the Presidio port of entry seized 149 pounds of marijuana Friday afternoon. The drug was concealed within the fuel tank, rear quarter panels, spare tire and dashboard of a SUV.
“This seizure reminds us a smuggler will use all available places in a vehicle to smuggle narcotics,” said Michael Neipert, CBP Presidio Port Director, “Our officers are trained to do complete inspections in order to discover any and all narcotics possibly concealed within a conveyance.”
The seizure was made just before 2 p.m. Friday when a lone, male driver applied for entry driving a 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The CBP officer noted several issues and sent the vehicle to secondary for an inspection.
In secondary a narcotics detector dog alerted to the presence of narcotics. The vehicle was sent for an x-ray exam where anomalies were seen in the rear quarter panels, fuel tank, spare tire and dashboard.
All total 222 bundles were extracted from the vehicle with each bundle containing a green leafy substance. A field test of the substance tested positive for the properties of marijuana.
CBP officers took custody of the driver, a 58-year-old United States citizen. He was arrested and turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement HSI agents in connection with the failed smuggling attempt.
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.
Eagle Pass Border Patrol Resolves Amber Alert
EAGLE PASS, Texas – A National Guardsman, assigned to the Eagle Pass Border Patrol Station, was instrumental in the safe return of a 3-year-old child, who was reportedly taken from his mother in Mexico.
“This incident clearly illustrates the effectiveness of having our National Guard partners assisting agents in a variety of essential roles,” said Chief Patrol Agent Felix Chavez, Del Rio Sector. “We are fortunate to have skilled National Guard personnel deployed here to augment the Border Patrol mission.”
Shortly before 8 a.m., May 31, agents at Border Patrol’s Eagle Pass Station received an Amber Alert, issued by state of Coahuila, Mexico. The Amber Alert noted that the boy’s mother reported he had been taken from Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico by his non-custodial father, and was possibly in danger.
At approximately 10 a.m., Sgt. Javier Olmos, Texas National Guard, was monitoring transmissions from camera towers near the Eagle Pass Port of Entry when he spotted a man and child, who had crossed the Rio Grande River. Agents were dispatched to the area and took both into custody.
“I started to scan the area with the camera system and saw them walking across the golf course,” Olmos said. “At the time, I didn’t know they were the subjects in the Amber Alert. We got the news that this was the child in the alert after they were processed.”
The 28-year-old Honduran man was processed according to CBP guidelines. The 3-year-old boy was turned over to the Mexican Consulate and reunited with his mother in Mexico.
Sgt. Olmos is among approximately 100 National Guard Personnel deployed to the Del Rio Border Patrol Sector as part of Operation Guardian Support, which began April 12. A 10-year veteran of the Texas National Guard, Olmos is a police officer in civilian life. He has been a member of the El Paso Police Department for four months.
Earlier that morning, Sgt. Olmos had alerted Border Patrol agents to another significant subject who had entered the country illegally. In that incident, a Honduran man, previously deported following a 2011 conviction, in Utah, for aggravated sexual abuse of a child, was apprehended after Olmos spotted him while observing camera system transmission.
Since the deployment of Operation Guardian Support, National Guard personnel assisting Del Rio Sector Border Patrol have been instrumental in approximately 400 apprehensions. While National Guard personnel do not perform law enforcement activities, come into contact with immigrants, or carry weapons, they perform a variety of tasks, allowing agents to focus their efforts on border enforcement.
Marijuana Seized by CBP at Presidio Port
PRESIDIO, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers working at the Presidio port of entry seized 89 pounds of marijuana Wednesday morning. The drugs were hidden in the rear quarter panel of a sport utility vehicle.
“CBP officers working at the Presidio port of entry utilize multiple resources in intercepting narcotics,” said Presidio Port Director Michael Neipert. “But it all begins with the officer and his interview skills to determine if a more thorough inspection is necessary.”
The drug seizure was made at 5:30 a.m. Wednesday when a 2011 Chevy HHR driven by a female U.S. citizen made entry. The primary officer referred the vehicle for an intensive inspection due to evidence of tampering in the interior walls of the vehicle. In secondary CBP officers initiated an examination of the vehicle by first utilizing the Z-Portal x-ray system.
Anomalies were observed in the rear quarter panel of the vehicle and upon further inspection CBP officers discovered black taped bundles. Field-testing of the contents tested positive for the properties of marijuana. A total of 53 bundles were removed from the compartment
The 35-year-old driver was arrested and turned over to Homeland Security Investigations special agents to face federal prosecution for the failed smuggling attempt.
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.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Arrest Nine More Bangladeshi Nationals
LAREDO, Texas – On May 31, 2018, Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents arrested nine illegal aliens from the country of Bangladesh. 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 274 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.
All persons apprehended by the United States Border Patrol undergo criminal history checks utilizing multiple databases including the use of biometrics to ensure those with criminal history are positively identified regardless of their immigration status.
Smuggler splashes down in the Rio Grande Valley – Border Patrol seizes drugs
LA ROSITA, Texas – On Wednesday, Rio Grande City Border Patrol agents stopped a narcotics smuggling attempt and seized nearly 600 pounds of marijuana after a smuggler drove their load vehicle into the Rio Grande.
The “splashdown” incident occurred when Border Patrol agents witnessed several subjects loading large bundles inside a Cadillac Escalade near the Rio Grande.
Minutes later, agents observed the vehicle departing at a high rate of speed. The driver made an abrupt U-turn as responding agents approached and ultimately drove the Escalade into the river. Agents saw the subject swim back to Mexico.
Agents seized 47 bundles of marijuana with an estimated value of $460K.
The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force took custody of the marijuana and SUV.
CBP Officers Assigned to the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge Intercept $2.8 Million In Hard Narcotics
LAREDO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) CBP officers at Laredo Port of Entry recently seized a significant amount of liquid methamphetamine with a total street value exceeding $2.8 million in one enforcement action.
“Smugglers are constantly attempting to bring in these dangerous and illegal narcotics,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “It makes me proud that our CBP officers continue to utilize their extensive training and expertise to identify these smuggling methods.”
The seizure occurred on Tuesday, May 29, when a CBP officer assigned to the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge referred a 2003 Toyota Tacoma for a secondary inspection. Upon a canine and physical inspection by CBP officers, a total of 204 pounds of liquid methamphetamine was discovered within the vehicle.
The narcotics have an estimated street value of $2,856,191.
CBP seized the narcotics and the vehicle. The occupants of the vehicle were turned over to Homeland Security Investigations special agents for further investigation.
CBP conducts operations at ports of entry throughout the United States, and regularly screens arriving international passengers and cargo for narcotics, weapons, and other restricted or prohibited products. CBP strives to serve as the premier law enforcement agency enhancing the Nation’s safety, security, and prosperity through collaboration, innovation, and integration.
Tractor-trailer smuggling attempts continue in the Rio Grande Valley
FALFURRIAS, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol Agents apprehended a total 26 illegal aliens in two separate tractor trailer smuggling attempts at the Falfurrias Checkpoint.
On Tuesday, agents at the Falfurrias Checkpoint referred a tractor hauling a grain hopper to the secondary inspection area after a Border Patrol K-9 alerted to the cargo. Upon inspection, agents discovered 16 illegal aliens hidden inside. The driver and passenger, both United States citizens, were arrested.
Later that evening, agents arrested another commercial truck driver after discovering 10 illegal aliens concealed inside the trailer he was hauling.
“It is deeply concerning that we continue to encounter this reckless tactic being utilized to smuggle immigrants,” said Chief Patrol Agent Manuel Padilla, Jr. “The callous smugglers view the immigrants as a means to generate profits for the cartels.”
All subjects will be processed accordingly.
Operation Big Rig encourages the public to get involved and help save lives by calling 911 if they see or are aware of these dangerous smuggling tactics, “They’re humans, not cargo!”
Collaborative efforts bring down another stash house in the Rio Grande Valley
MISSION, Texas – Yesterday, U.S. Border Patrol agents, working in collaboration with the Hidalgo County Constable’s Office, identified a suspected stash house operating out of a residence in Mission, Texas. Seventeen illegal aliens were apprehended.
The illegal aliens were from Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, and El Salvador.
All subjects were offered medical attention and will be processed accordingly.
A convicted murderer and two confirmed gang members detained in the Rio Grande Valley
EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol agents continue to encounter criminals and gang members attempting to enter the United States illegally.
On Tuesday, agents assigned to the Fort Brown Border Patrol Station apprehended an adult male Honduran national near Brownsville, Texas. In addition to a prior order of removal, his record revealed that in December 2002, he was arrested by the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Police Department and charged with murder. The man was convicted in April 2004 and sentenced to a minimum of 10 years and maximum of 30 years’ confinement.
That same day, Rio Grande City agents arrested a Salvadoran national near Roma, Texas. His record checks disclosed that the subject is a confirmed 18th Street Gang member.
Yesterday, agents assigned to the McAllen, Texas Border Patrol Station apprehended a man from El Salvador near Hidalgo, Texas. Record checks confirmed him as a member of the Mara-Salvatrucha Gang (MS-13).
All subjects will be processed accordingly.
Coordination Between Multiple Border Patrol Sectors Result in the Rescue of an Illegal Alien
LAREDO, Texas – On May 23, 2018, Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Laredo Sector and Del Rio Sector coordinated their efforts to rescue an illegal alien lost in a ranch near Laredo, 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.
“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.
The Laredo Sector Border Patrol will continue to warn against the dangers of people crossing illegally into the United States through dangerous environmental conditions.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol Missing Migrant Program Identifies Deceased Bangladeshi National
LAREDO, Texas – On May 12, 2018, Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Laredo Sector Marine Unit located the body of a deceased subject in the Rio Grande River near Laredo, Texas. The deceased subject was later recovered by the Webb County Medical Examiner.
Collaboration between Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo Sector Missing Migrant Program, the Customs and Border Protection Laboratories and Scientific Services, and the Webb County Medical Examiner resulted in the subject being identified as a Bangladeshi National.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Rescue an Illegal Alien in Distress
LAREDO, Texas – On May 23, 2018, Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents in conjunction with Air and Marine Operations, rescued an illegal alien lost in a ranch near Rio Bravo, 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.
“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 Arrest Mexican Mafia Gang Member
LAREDO, Texas –Border Patrol agents arrested three illegal aliens and one Mexican Mafia gang member on May 29, 2018.
Border Patrol Agents responded to a request for assistance from the Laredo Police Department. As agents arrived, they discovered three illegal aliens and one subject, a United States Citizen (USC).
A Records check of the USC revealed that the subject was a member of the Mexican Mafia Gang and had a previous alien smuggling charge. The three illegal aliens will be processed accordingly and the Mexican Mafia Gang member will be charged with alien smuggling.
Homeland Security Investigations has the lead on this case.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol Rescues Rise as the Temperatures Surge
LAREDO, Texas – During May 24 through May 29, 2018, Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents rescued a total of 23 illegal aliens in 11 separate events.
The rescues were conducted by the Freer, Hebbronville, Laredo North, Laredo West, and Zapata Border Patrol Stations with assistance from the Laredo Sector Border Patrol Special Operations Detachment and National Guard air support.
Of all the individuals rescued, two were found in serious condition and required hospitalization.
“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.
The Laredo Sector Border Patrol will continue to warn against the dangers of people crossing illegally into the United States through dangerous environmental conditions.
Laredo Sector Border Patrols Agents and FBI Rescue Five Illegal Aliens from Stash House
LAREDO, Texas – On May 29, 2018, Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents coordinated with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in an operation which resulted in the rescue of five illegal aliens from a stash house in Laredo, Texas.
The incident transpired after FBI received information from the Iowa State Police Department regarding a report which alleged a family member was being held against their will in the Laredo area. The illegal aliens were determined to be from the countries of Mexico and Ecuador. All subjects were processed accordingly.
“United States Border Patrol continues to work in coordination with our law enforcement partners at the Federal Bureau of Investigation and these collaborative efforts, as this enforcement action illustrates, continue to help disrupt illicit activity and deny criminal organizations the ability to operate. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prosecute those responsible and prevent individuals from being subjected to deplorable conditions,” said Laredo Sector Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Gabriel Acosta.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol Rescues Illegal Alien in Distress
LAREDO, Texas – On May 30, 2018, the Laredo West Border Patrol Station rescued an illegal alien lost in a ranch near Laredo, Texas.
The subject claimed to be lost and without food or water for two days, and resorted to calling 911 for assistance. The subject was found in need of medical attention and required hospitalization.
The rescue was a result of the coordination between the Laredo West Border Patrol Station, the Laredo Response Unit, Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue (BORSTAR), and air support from National Guard.
“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.
Expected record heat presents perilous situations in the Rio Grande Valley
EDINBURG, Texas – The U.S. Border Patrol Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Sector has seen an increase in illicit border activity.
As the RGV continues to experience an increase in apprehensions for fiscal year 2018, the dangers associated with being smuggled into the United States is also elevated due to record heat. 100 degree temperatures are predicted by The National Weather Service for the upcoming weeks.
The RGV has experienced a 67% increase in the disruption of stash houses and a 33% increase in the number of tractor trailer smuggling cases when comparing fiscal year to date (FYTD) 2017 to FYTD 2018.
These upticks, combined with the rising temperatures, create a potentially deadly situation as smugglers continue to utilize desperate tactics that endanger immigrants’ lives.
This past Saturday, the Falfurrias Border Patrol Station was contacted by the Brooks County Sheriff’s Office regarding a 911 caller who was lost in the brush. Agents responded to the call and located a Guatemalan national who was abandoned by smugglers. The man was immediately transported to a local hospital to be treated for heat related injuries.
“The Rio Grande Valley Sector has recorded 57 deaths for fiscal year 2018, and the summer months are looming,” said Chief Patrol Agent Manuel Padilla, Jr. “The victims in human smuggling will always be the immigrants; smugglers see them as a commodity.”
CBP Field Operations Seizes Methamphetamine Worth Nearly $500K at Anzalduas International Bridge
ANZALDUAS, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Anzalduas International Bridge arrested a 23-year-old woman from Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico in connection with a failed drug smuggling attempt of nearly 24 pounds of methamphetamine.
“Our frontline officers have once again proven that teamwork is paramount in accomplishing the CBP mission of detecting illicit narcotics at our international bridges,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.
This interception occurred on May 27, at the Anzalduas-Reynosa International Bridge after a silver 2012 Nissan Sentra that arrived from Mexico, was referred for further inspection. With the assistance of a CBP officer and his assigned (canine), officers discovered 14 packages of alleged methamphetamine concealed within the vehicle.
CBP OFO seized the narcotics valued at $471,785 along with the Sentra.
CBP OFO arrested the woman who was then transferred to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents for further investigation.
Five criminal aliens arrested over Memorial Day Holiday in the Rio Grande Valley
EDINBURG, Texas – On Friday, McAllen agents arrested a Guatemalan national near La Joya, Texas as he attempted to illegally enter the United States. Record checks later confirmed the man is an active member of the 18th Street Gang.
That same day, agents stopped a Honduran man near Brownsville, Texas whose records confirmed he is an active member of the Mara-Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang.
On Saturday, McAllen agents apprehended a Honduran man near Los Ebanos, Texas who had been previously arrested by the Fairfax County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office for sexual assault of a child between 13 to 14 years of age. The man was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison.
On Sunday, McAllen agents encountered a Salvadoran man near Cuevitas, Texas whose records indicated he is an active member of the MS-13 gang.
Early Monday morning, agents arrested a Salvadoran man near Hidalgo, Texas whose criminal history indicated he was charged and convicted of a second degree sex offense in Charles County, Maryland where he was sentenced to 20 years confinement but released after six years.
All subjects will be processed accordingly.
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.
