Weekly Texas Border Recap: CBP Seize Nearly $80 Million In Drugs, Arrest Two Child Sex Offenders
Staff Report
NOTE: Corridor News has reached out to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for additional information and were informed that protecting the border and the U.S. Citizens is their first priority. Therefore, we expect what information we receive will be minimal.
Below you will find the latest information available for reported drug smuggling, human trafficking and illegal crossings that have occurred on the Texas border and ports.
It has been published by many news outlets around the country that the criminal activity on our Texas-Mexico border has been consistently dropping over the last couple of years, and Americans and Texans have been given inconsistent information on what is occurring on our border.
Our U.S. border issues are complex, and they affect all Texans.
This is our home, and to most Texans, the border isn’t a political issue or a tool to use against another political party; this is a safety and security issue for us, our children, families, friends and our local and national law enforcement.
As you read below, we hope the information provided will help all Texans to better understand the problems happening on our southern border and what we need to do to repair our current immigration laws and policies that stem from our lawmakers in D.C.
However, to better understand if these are real problems or just political bloviation concerning our southern border with drug smuggling, human trafficking of children and adults, unaccompanied children and illegal immigrant crossings that include gang members and many from terrorist countries, we need the real numbers, facts and statistics.
Texas isn’t the only state that shares a border with Mexico. Therefore, as you read our weekly report below, remember this information is only what is occurring on the Texas-Mexico border and Texas ports.
This information has been gathered and compiled directly from information given to us by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which is under the purview of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
As for the accuracy of the information we are providing to you, we can only decipher the information that is released to us. Therefore, the number of incidents, arrests, types of narcotics, weight or the street value of said narcotics is considered the minimum amount.
We give the totals of illegal crossing arrests, including their nationality, drug seizures including weight and “street value” totals, current charges or convictions of those apprehended and other items to help all of us make educated decisions. Additionally, we include links to our other weekly border stories.
All people apprehended by the Border Patrol undergo criminal history checks using biometrics to ensure their criminal histories are positively identified.
To report suspicious activity such as alien and/or drug smuggling, contact their website at http://www.cbp.gov. Or follow them on Twitter at @CBPRGV.
The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and to help save lives by reporting suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.
Read related border coverage:
NOTE: The totals below for arrests, apprehensions, seizures, drugs, etc. are ONLY what is reported by Customs & Border Protection to us. There are multiple incidents that happen everyday on all U.S. borders that aren’t reported. Corridor News is not responsible for the information that is NOT reported or incorrectly reported.
• Mar. 14 – 27, 2019 •
Texas Border Reported Arrests/Apprehensions
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Reported Arrests/Apprehensions from the following counties;
• El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua, Ecuador and USC (U.S. Citizen)
• Arrests/Apprehensions: 523+ (“+”: see note below)
Of those above there were…
• Rescue(s): 12
• US Citizen(s): 2
• Minor(s): Total unknown – Age(s) 4 months – 17 years
• Child Sex Offender: 2
• Seizures
° Passenger Vehicle(s) Seized: 3
° Water Vessel(s): 2
• Arrests with Prior Criminal Conviction(s) or Active Criminal Warrant(s)
NOTE: There are multiple incidents involving criminals from Central America, the United States and most all other countries that happen daily on all U.S. borders. However, the totals below include ONLY what is has reported by U.S. Customs & Border Protection and ONLY along the Texas border. Corridor News is not responsible for what is NOT reported or incorrectly reported.
• Outstanding Warrant(s): 3
• Prior Criminal Conviction(s): 1
*Note: “+”; U.S. Customs and Border Patrol did not list specific totals and/or countries on some reported incidents.
Texas Border Weekly Narcotic Seizures & Estimated Street Price
*NOTE: The totals below are an estimate of what was reported to us. U.S. dollar and pounds used.
•Total Weight of Narcotics: 5,956 (*+) lbs.
• Estimated Street Value of Narcotics: $79.6 Million(*+)
Border Patrol Begins Releasing Migrants
DEL RIO, Texas– U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Del Rio Sector have begun releasing detainees on their own recognizance.
Del Rio Sector has experienced a significant rise in the number of family units arrested throughout the sector. This demographic is challenging in that they cannot be immediately returned to their country of origin.
U.S. Border Patrol processing centers are not designed to house the current numbers of families and small children that we are encountering.
Due to capacity issues at our stations and the ongoing humanitarian crisis nationwide, Border Patrol has begun identifying detainees for potential release in Eagle Pass with a notice to appear for their immigration hearings.
Del Rio Sector will continue to coordinate with stakeholders in the local community, including other law enforcement agencies and elected officials.
For more formation: https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-commissioner-addresses-current-border-crisis.
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.
CBP Commissioner Addresses Current Border Crisis
Dramatic Increase in Illegal Crossings Straining CBP Resources
EL PASO, TX — On Wednesday morning, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin K. McAleenan hosted a press conference in El Paso, Texas to discuss the impact of the dramatic increase in illegal crossings that continue to occur along the Southwest border.
“CBP is facing an unprecedented humanitarian and border security crisis all along our Southwest Border,” said McAleenan. “And nowhere has that crisis manifested more acutely than here in El Paso Sector. Here in El Paso, we have almost 3,500 migrants in custody this morning, in facilities designed for many fewer. We had over 1,000 apprehensions on Monday. The vast majority are families from Central America.”
Nationwide, CBP had more than 12,000 migrants in custody this week. The agency considers 4,000 to be a high number of migrants in custody and 6,000 to be at a crisis level. More than 12,000 migrants in custody is unprecedented.
CBP is on pace to record more than 100,000 apprehensions for the month of March. It would be the highest monthly total in a decade.
The increase is having a detrimental impact on CBP’s primary border security mission. With up to 40 percent or more of CBP personnel working to care for, transport, and process vulnerable families and children, CBP’s security posture on the border is negatively impacted.
The same transnational criminal organizations and smugglers that exploit and profit from migrants benefit from that reduced border enforcement presence. Smugglers and criminal organizations are using large groups of families as diversions.
CBP is taking more than 60 migrants to the hospital each day and has dedicated almost 100,000 hours of officer and agent time to medical transport and hospital watch.
The agency continues to see unprecedented numbers of migrants with severe medical conditions. The expanded medical checks and CBP personnel’s concerted efforts are saving lives, but at a high cost to the enforcement mission.
CBP is taking a number of steps to address this crisis.
According to the commissioner, CBP will use additional funding provided in fiscal year 2019 to extend medical contracting to key sectors; augment law enforcement assets with contract support for migrant care and food services; enhance transportation; and establish new processing facilities, including a planned center in the El Paso area.
Up to 750 CBP Officers (CBPO) from ports of entry along the Southwest border will soon be supporting Border Patrol with care and custody of migrants.
CBPOs will assist with processing, transportation, and hospital watch. This shifting of resources and personnel will have a detrimental impact at all Southwest border ports of entry. CBP will have to close lanes, resulting in increased wait times for commercial shipments and travelers.
CBP will continue to do everything possible to manage this crisis and protect the most vulnerable in this process. The men and women of CBP are serving with honor and vigilance, despite stark challenges.
Border Patrol Agent Assaulted in Eagle Pass
EAGLE PASS, Texas – A U.S. Border Patrol agent assigned to the Eagle Pass South Station was assaulted during enforcement operations late Monday night.
“Our agents were viciously assaulted while they were diligently carrying out their sworn law enforcement duties,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Felix Chavez. “This incident is an example of the threats faced by Border Patrol agents as they work to secure our borders.”
The incident occurred after agents were tracking a group of suspected illegal aliens near Eagle Pass. After agents apprehended one member of the group, the others ran from the arresting agents and jumped into the Rio Grande River.
While in the river, these individuals began to throw rocks, striking one agent in the face.
The agent suffered minor bruising and did not require medical treatment beyond first aid on the scene. The assailants crossed the river and absconded to Mexico.
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 Locate a Child in Distress
Two-Year-Old Honduran Taken to San Antonio Hospital
EAGLE PASS, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass Station located a child in distress after the group she was traveling with crossed the Rio Grande River near Quemado.
“Del Rio Sector has seen a dramatic increase of groups with children illegally entering the country,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Felix Chavez. “The challenges faced by our agents when dealing with family units and unaccompanied children are often compounded by serious preexisting conditions that require immediate medical care.”
On March 25, agents received a call from Mexican authorities that reported a child, who had crossed illegally into the United States, was in distress on the riverbank near Quemado. The child, who was traveling with her mother, was part of a group who had just crossed the Rio Grande River.
A CBP helicopter and Border Patrol agents deployed to the area and located the two-year-old child who appeared to be suffering from seizures and convulsions.
Agents contacted emergency medical services who took the child into their care and transported her to Fort Duncan Regional Medical Center in Eagle Pass.
The child, later determined to be a Honduran national, was later taken by ambulance to San Antonio Children’s Hospital for more advanced care.
“The level of cooperation we’ve received from both the Eagle Pass Fire Department and the medical staff at Fort Duncan Regional Medical Center has been nothing short of exemplary, especially during this recent rise in activity in our area,” said Chief Chavez. “I am extremely proud of our agents and the Air and Marine pilots for their quick action and response locating this child and getting her the care she needed.”
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.
El Paso Sector Border Patrol Agents Arrest Two Wanted Sex Offenders
EL PASO, Texas – On Sunday morning, U.S. Border Patrol Agents arrested a wanted sex offender attempting to blend in with a group of subjects making an illegal entry near downtown El Paso.
This occurred just two days after Border Patrol agents arrested another sex offender with an active warrant in Sunland Park, New Mexico.
On March 24, U.S. Border Patrol Agents arrested group of illegal crossers just west of the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry.
The group was transported to the station for processing where it was discovered that one of the subjects in the group had an active warrant. The subject was identified as 52-year-old Jose-Jose Marcos from Guatemala.
A criminal background check utilizing Marcos’ fingerprints found that he had an outstanding warrant from Gainesville, Georgia for violation of a 2016 court order stemming from Marcos’ previous arrest for sex offense against a child/child fondling, child molestation and trafficking of a person.
Jose-Jose Marcos was turned over to the El Paso Police Department awaiting extradition to Georgia. Marcos was accompanied by his 10-year-old U.S. citizen son who was turned over to Texas Child Protective Services (CPS) due to the nature of the arrest warrant.
U.S. Border Patrol Agents working in Sunland Park arrested a male subject from Ecuador as he attempted to enter the United States illegally Friday morning.
During processing Border Patrol agents identified the man as 22-year-old John Sebastian Yunga-Chuqui. Border Patrol agents also found that Yunga-Chuqui had an outstanding arrest warrant out of Worcester, Massachusetts.
Yunga-Chuqui admitted to having posted bail and then fleeing the country before his trial where he was facing rape, indecent assault, and battery charges.
Yunga-Chuqui is currently being held at the Dona Ana County Detention Center pending extradition.
Del Rio Sector Border Patrol Apprehends Group of 56
EAGLE PASS, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass Station apprehended a large group of undocumented immigrants early Saturday morning near the Port of Entry in Eagle Pass.
At approximately 6:55 a.m., agents conducting routine patrol operations encountered a group of 56 people who had recently crossed the Rio Grande River.
All of the people in the group were Honduran nationals, many of whom were women and children ranging from 4 months to 16 years of age. Agents transported the group to the Eagle Pass South Station for processing.
“Our agents are encountering larger groups of immigrants including women and children,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Felix Chavez. “Until recently, groups of this size have been uncommon in the Del Rio area. Our highest priority will always be the safety of all people involved no matter the situation. However, it is a criminal offense to enter the United States at a place other than a designated port of entry. Those who choose to enter illegally will be arrested and handled accordingly.”
This group ranks among the largest that have recently crossed in Del Rio Sector. Agents have arrested several groups ranging in size from 25 to 35 people, with total sector arrests this weekend alone totaling more than 500.
In February, a group of 90 including women and children, surrendered to Border Patrol agents in Quemado.
The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is part of the South Texas Corridor, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations.
Border Patrol Agents Apprehend Subjects With Special Needs
Agents rescued a double amputee from an island in the middle of the Rio Grande. | Photo by U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionEAGLE PASS, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents, assigned to the Eagle Pass Station encountered three subjects this week in separate incidents, each with unique special needs due to mental or physical limitations.
“The current humanitarian crisis on the border is stressing our immigration system,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Felix Chavez. “Our stations and processing centers were never designed to handle the current demographics of families and medical cases that we are experiencing. Our agents treat each person with humanity and compassion while enforcing the immigration laws and protecting the country.”
On March 20, agents from the Eagle Pass Station marine unit, observed a single male in a wheelchair stranded on an island in the center of the Rio Grande River.
Agents responded and determined the subject was a 37-year-old male Guatemalan national. The man is a double amputee who claimed he crossed to the island on his own, but was unable to continue the crossing.
He was determined to be illegally present in the United States and was assisted to the U.S. shore.
On March 19, a 41-year-old Honduran male was apprehended crossing the Rio Grande. Agents quickly realized that he could neither hear nor speak, making communication a challenge.
On March 18, a 36-year-old Honduran female was arrested entering the United States illegally with her step-brother.
She was found to have a mental impairment that causes her or to become agitated and inconsolable. The female was calmed by her step-brother, so processing could be completed.
All subjects were offered and received medical attention as appropriate and were processed in accordance with CBP Guidelines which includes suitable placement.
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.
CBP Officers Seize Over $3 Million in Methamphetamine at the Donna International Crossing
DONNA, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers intercepted a substantial amount of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of more than $3,000,000 in two enforcement actions over a four-day span.
“I applaud the CBP officers for these two exceptional narcotic interceptions as they illustrate the multilayered enforcement effected by CBP,” said Port Director Walter Weaver, Progreso Port of Entry. “Intercepting illegal drugs from entering the United States and keeping them from finding their way to the streets of our communities remains one of CBP’s top priorities.”
The first seizure occurred on Saturday, Mar. 16, when CBP officers assigned to the Donna International Crossing referred a 1999 Ford F-150 driven by a 40-year-old female Mexican citizen from Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, for a secondary examination.
In secondary, a physical inspection by CBP officers led to the discovery of 38 packages containing over 77 pounds of alleged methamphetamine concealed within the vehicle.
The second seizure occurred on Tuesday, Mar. 19, when a CBP officer referred a 1997 Ford F-150 driven by a 22-year-old male U.S. citizen from McAllen, Texas, and his 18-year-old brother, also of McAllen, Texas for a secondary inspection.
Upon a non-intrusive imaging examination and physical inspection, CBP officers discovered 39 packages containing 78.66 pounds of alleged methamphetamine concealed within the vehicle.
The combined narcotics have an estimated street value of $3,123,477. CBP OFO seized the narcotics and vehicles.
The drivers and occupant from both interceptions were arrested and the cases were turned over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for further investigation.
Border Patrol Agents Rescue Two Families of Migrants from Rio Grande
DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the marine unit in Del Rio rescued seven Salvadoran nationals from the Rio Grande River Tuesday afternoon.
“The higher number of families attempting to illegally enter the United States exposes more vulnerable adults and children to the hazards and risks of crossing the Rio Grande River,” said Del Rio Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Matthew J. Hudak. “If not for the quick response by our Border Patrol agents, this incident could have ended tragically with the loss of life of three small children and their parents.”
On March 19, while conducting maritime operations, the Del Rio Station Marine Unit rescued two families from El Salvador after they attempted to cross the Rio Grande River near the Del Rio Port of Entry.
The two families, totaling seven individuals, including three children ages three, four, and 10, were struggling to stay afloat in the swift current. The agents heard them call out for help because they could no longer hold their children while trying to stay above water.
The agents immediately recognized their distress and navigated their service vessel toward the individuals, deployed a rescue rope, and safely pulled the individuals aboard the vessel.
All seven individuals were determined to be nationals of El Salvador. All were in good health and were transported to the Del Rio Border Patrol Station for processing in accordance with CBP 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.
CBP Officers at Laredo Port of Entry Apprehend Man Wanted for Aggravated Sexual Assault
LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations officers at the Laredo Port of Entry this weekend apprehended a subject wanted on an outstanding felony warrant for aggravated sexual assault with a child.
“Our frontline officers continue to steadfastly uphold our border security mission. The processing and identity verification of a man with an outstanding felony warrant for child molestation helps keep our community safe and illustrates our dedication to our mission,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry.
The apprehension occurred on Sunday, Mar. 17 at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge.
CBP officers conducted a primary examination on a male subject arriving in a 2013 Nissan Murano from Mexico and referred him to secondary for further inspection due to a possible match to an outstanding warrant.
CBP officers conducted a fingerprint check and utilizing national law enforcement databases confirmed his identity as 56-year-old Marcelo Barron, a United States citizen wanted by the Webb County Sheriff’s Office in Laredo, Texas on an outstanding felony warrant for aggravated sexual assault on a child. Marcelo Barron was transported to Webb County Jail.
Charges and allegations contained in criminal complaints are merely accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Border Patrol Agents in El Paso Apprehend Over 400 in Five Minutes
EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents working in El Paso apprehended two large groups of illegal immigrants consisting of over 400 people within five minutes.
These groups, like many others before, are comprised primarily of Central American families and unaccompanied juveniles.
In the early morning hours of March 19, agents encountered the first group of 194 illegal crossers at approximately 2:45 a.m.
The group was encountered by agents at the border wall just west of Bowie High School.
Just five minutes later at 2:50 a.m., agents working farther west encountered a second group of 252 people who crossed illegally near Downtown El Paso.
In all, agents had already taken over 430 people into custody within the first three hours in what appears to be only the beginning of another busy day for the El Paso Sector Border Patrol.
In the last 30 days, the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector is averaging 570 apprehensions a day, with 90 percent of those being in the El Paso Metropolitan Area.
These numbers continue to stretch the resources available to the U.S. Border Patrol to deal with this influx and the challenges that come with it.
AMO Crew Makes $76M Drug Interdictions
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Over a two-day period, agents from Air and Marine Operations (AMO) foiled an international attempt to smuggle nearly three-tons of cocaine across open waters between Feb. 28 and Mar. 2.
These efforts resulted in the capture of three suspects, the interception of the illicit narcotics valued at $76,456,839 and the seizure of two vessels.
Flying aboard a P-3 aircraft, the AMO crew was patrolling the Eastern Pacific ocean as part of the Joint Interagency Task Force-South when they detected and tracked two go-fast vessels in a two-day period.
The crew detected the first vessel Feb. 28 as it sat in open water.
The AMO crew, based at the National Air Security Operations Center – Corpus Christi, Texas, monitored the vessel as it began moving at a high-rate of speed.
The crew alerted Costa Rican law enforcement agencies who pursued the vessel as its crew began dumping bales of cocaine overboard.
The vessel was later found abandoned. Costa Rican authorities were able to recover the go-fast vessel and more than 2600 pounds of cocaine valued at $34,474,930.
The P-3 crew was again patrolling the open waters on Mar. 2 when they spotted another go-fast vessel traveling at a high-rate of speed.
After coordinating with Costa Rican law enforcement agencies, they dispatched two vessels to intercept the suspects, the cocaine-laden vessel and packages that had been thrown overboard.
This interception resulted in the arrest of three suspects, the seizure of the vessel and more than 3200 pounds of cocaine valued at nearly $42,000,000.
“Our personnel execute complex aviation operations in some of the most challenging foreign environments to interdict the transnational criminal organization’s smuggling efforts,” said NASOC-CC Acting Deputy Director Scott Peterson. “This interception illustrates why the P-3 program is the single most successful counter narcotics program in history.”
The National Air Security Operations Center—Corpus Christi is a division of Air and Marine Operations and operates the Lockheed P-3 Orion conducting counter-drug patrol missions over the Eastern Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
Together with the National Air Security Operations Center in Jacksonville, Florida, Customs and Border Protection P-3 crews seized or disrupted 261,939 pounds of cocaine in various operations conducted in 2018.
AMO is a federal law enforcement organization dedicated to serving and protecting the American people through advanced aeronautical and maritime capabilities.
AMO interdicts unlawful people and cargo approaching U.S. borders, investigates criminal networks and provides domain awareness in the air and maritime environments, and responds to contingencies and national taskings.
With approximately 1,800 federal agents and mission support personnel, 240 aircraft and 300 marine vessels operating throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands, AMO serves as the nation’s experts in airborne and maritime law enforcement.
Del Rio Sector Border Patrol Agents Arrest Sex Offender-Mexican National Previously Deported
DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Rocksprings Station arrested a convicted sex offender in Rocksprings, Thursday, March 14.
On Mar. 14, Rocksprings agents arrested a 26-year-old Mexican national after he illegally entered the United States.
Records checks revealed he has an extensive criminal history, including a conviction in Seattle in 2011 for rape of a child. The man was sentenced to one year in prison and is registered as a sex offender. He was most recently removed from the United States in 2018.
“Violent criminals continue to illegally cross the border to make their way further into the United States,” said Del Rio Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Matthew J. Hudak. “Our agents are committed to preventing these types of criminals from entering and harming our communities.”
The man faces a charge of 8 USC § 1326 – re-entry after deportation, which carries a maximum sentence up to 20 years in prison.
All individuals arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol undergo record checks using biometrics to ensure those with criminal history or gang affiliation are positively identified.
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