Weekly Texas Border Activity: Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico & El Salvador Apprehensions For Illegal Crossings, Drugs

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 June 13 – June 19, 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. 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.

• Week of June 13 – June 19, 2018 •

Texas Border Arrests/Apprehensions with Nationality

• Drug Arrests: 1

• Criminal/Convicted: 2 Rapists
     ° Victims of the above crimes: U.S. Children

     ° Deceased: 0

Total Weekly Arrests Reported/Apprehensions: 72

     ° Arrests/Apprehensions Countries
          • Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico & El Salvado: 72
          • Juveniles: Minimum 2

Texas Drug Total Seizures & Estimated Street Price

NOTE: U.S. dollar and weight used

    • Methamphetamine (pounds/lbs.):
        ° 6.9 lbs.
        ° Estimated Street Value: $222,240

    • Methamphetamine (pounds/lbs.):
        ° 44 lbs.
        ° Estimated Street Value: $1,411,200

Weekly Drug Total (pounds/lbs.): 50.9 lbs.
Estimated Street Value: $1,633,440 Million

Border Patrol Agents Find Over $200K of Methamphetamine in the Rio Grande River

Release Date: June 19, 2018

EAGLE PASS, Texas– Border Patrol agents recently found a backpack containing 6.9 pounds of methamphetamine on the banks of the Rio Grande River near here.

“Drug smuggling organizations will use numerous tactics to try and bring dangerous contraband into the United States,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Felix Chavez. “In this instance, it appears they attempted to swim drugs across the river, in a populated area, and potentially blend in with local citizens. Thanks to the diligence of our agents and the varied types of patrols the Del Rio Sector employs, this harmful narcotic never found its way to American streets.”

On June 16, agents assigned to the Eagle Pass Station Boat Unit were patrolling on the Rio Grande River when they spotted a discarded, gray backpack near the mouth of a creek on the United States side of the border.

The location is near the downtown area of Eagle Pass and is an area known for narcotics and alien smuggling. Inside the backpack, agents discovered several packages of suspected narcotics, wrapped in cellophane tape.

Customs and Protection officers from the Eagle Pass Port of Entry assisted agents and identified the substance as methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $222,240. The drugs were turned over to 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.

Border Patrol Agents Apprehend a Convicted Rapist in Eagle Pass

Release Date: June 18, 2018

DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass Station arrested a Honduran man, convicted of aggravated sexual assault of a child, who attempted to re-enter the country after having been previously removed.

“Thanks to the attentiveness and hard work of our agents, another dangerous sex offender has been kept from potentially doing harm to American citizens,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Felix Chavez. “Our agents remain committed to the safety and well-being of our communities.”

On June 14, agents arrested Jose Santos Cruz-Ciru, 42, for entering the United States illegally. Once at the station, records checks revealed he is a registered sex offender in Houston, stemming from a conviction of aggravated sexual assault of a child. 

The man was sentenced to nearly five years imprisonment for this crime and was subsequently deported. He has used other aliases to evade law enforcement during multiple attempts to enter into the United States.

Cruz-Ciru faces prosecution for illegal re-entry into the United States – 8 USC § 1326 – which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment.

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 Border Patrol Agents Rescue 7 From Rio Grande River

Release Date: June 13, 2018

EAGLE PASS, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents rescued seven subjects who became stranded due to high water levels and strong currents in the Rio Grande River here.

“Thanks to the vigilance of our agents, seven lives were saved on Tuesday in Eagle Pass,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Felix Chavez. “The Rio Grande River can be unforgiving for those who try to walk or swim across it. Fortunately, our agents were there to help. I am very proud of everyone involved in this latest rescue.”

On June 12, agents assigned to the Eagle Pass Station Boat Unit were patrolling the Rio Grande River near the Port of Entry #2 when they saw a group of people stranded on a small island in the middle of the river.

The individuals were trying to cross and make their way into the United States. However, unusually swift and strong currents proved too much for the group.

Using life jackets and on-board rescue equipment, agents successfully assisted the group to dry land. The seven Honduran nationals, including five juveniles, did not need any medical assistance. Because they had no legal status in the United States, all seven were transported to the Eagle Pass South Station for processing, pursuant to current guidelines.

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.

Border Patrol Agents Apprehend Convicted Rapist in Eagle Pass

Release Date: June 13, 2018

DEL RIO, Texas– U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass Station arrested a Honduran man, previously convicted of rape and indecent exposure to a minor, who attempted to re-enter the country after having been previously removed.

“Through diligent and tireless commitment to their duty, our agents have arrested another dangerous criminal attempting to enter the country illegally,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Felix Chavez. “The potential hazards agents face when encountering such individuals cannot be understated.  I applaud the professionalism of our employees and their willingness to stand in harm’s way for the safety of the nation.”

On June 10, agents arrested David Milton Ulloa-Erazo, 34, for illegally entering the United States near Eagle Pass. Once at the station, records checks revealed prior convictions in Massachusetts in 2008, for rape and indecent exposure to a minor.

Ulloa-Erazo was sentenced to eight years imprisonment for those crimes and was subsequently deported to Honduras.

Ulloa-Erazo faces prosecution for illegal re-entry into the United States – 8 USC § 1326 – which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment.

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.

Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Seize Methamphetamine Valued at 1.4 Million Dollars

Release Date: June 13, 2018

LAREDO, Texas – On June 9, 2018, Freer Border Patrol Agents seized 44.1 pounds of methamphetamine at the checkpoint located on Highway 59 near Freer, Texas.  

The narcotics were found concealed inside the rocker panels of a sedan after the vehicle was referred to secondary. At total of 35 bundles were discovered worth an estimated $1,411,200 United States Dollars. 

Border Patrol Agents arrested one subject, a Mexican National.  The case was referred to the Drug Enforcement Agency.

“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 Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Jose Martinez.

Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Arrest 62 Illegal Aliens at Stash House

Release Date: June 13, 2018

LAREDO, Texas – On June 12, 2018, Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents coordinated with the Webb County Sheriff’s Office in an enforcement action which resulted in the arrest of 62 illegal aliens from a stash house in Laredo, Texas. 

The incident transpired after agents received information that a large number of illegal aliens were being held at a residence waiting to be transported into the interior of the United States. The illegal aliens were determined to be from the countries of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. All subjects were processed accordingly.

This enforcement action demonstrates the United States Border Patrol’s commitment to work with the Webb County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement partners to disrupt illicit activity, deny criminal organizations the ability to operate, and protect human life,” said Laredo Sector Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Jose Martinez.