MIGRA NEWS: Busy Weekend for Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Laredo Sector

LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Laredo Sector significantly disrupted criminal organization activities over the weekend as they rescued illegal immigrants, detained subject with a criminal sexual crime, and made a significant narcotic seizure.

On June 19, at approximately 11:00PM, Laredo North Station agents assigned to the Border Patrol checkpoint located on Interstate Highway 35, rescued 37 illegal immigrants concealed inside a tractor-trailer.  The driver was referred to secondary inspection where the agents discovered the undocumented immigrants in the unventilated cargo area. All of the undocumented immigrants were from Mexico.

On June 19, Laredo Sector agents assigned to the Hebbronville Station made a significant arrest of an illegal immigrant while working their assigned duties.  The male subject, 27, from Mexico, had been charged and convicted in 2008 for statutory sodomy-1st degree, child molestation and 1st degree sexual misconduct involving a child under the age of 18 in Bridgeton, Missouri, and was sentenced to 2-years of confinement. The subject will be prosecuted for re-entry into the United States (8 USC 1326) and will be presented in Magistrate Court.

On June 20, Laredo North Station agents assigned to the Border Patrol Checkpoint on Interstate Highway 35 encountered a Mazda vehicle at the primary inspection lane.  As the driver was being questioned of their immigration status, a service canine alerted to the car, subsequently the agent referred the driver to secondary for further inspection.  While at secondary, agents conducted a closer and thorough inspection of the vehicle, subsequently finding several black bundles wrapped in tape that tested positive for cocaine.  A total of 12 bundles were removed from the car.  The contraband weighed over 30 pounds and has a street value of $969,600.00 USD.  The narcotics, vehicle, and subject were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.  

The Laredo Border Patrol Sector is part of the Joint Task Force West South Texas Corridor, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations.  To report suspicious activity such as drug and/or alien smuggling, contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free telephone number at 1-800-343-1994.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.