Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol agents interdicted two narcotic smuggling attempts resulting in 380 pounds of marijuana seized and a vehicle partially submerged in the river. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol agents interdicted two narcotic smuggling attempts resulting in 380 pounds of marijuana seized and a vehicle partially submerged in the river.
On August 27,Brownsville Border Patrol Station agents attempted to interdict a Chevrolet Suburban believed to have loaded narcotics near the Rio Grande in Brownsville. Responding agents observed the vehicle drive toward and into the river. The driver and a passenger were observed going into Mexico, leaving behind the Suburban with 10 bundles of marijuana weighing more than 220 pounds and valued at more than 192,000 USD.
Early the following morning, Rio Grande City Border Patrol Station agents responded to illicit activity near Cuevitas and located four bundles of marijuana abandoned in the brush. Agents searched the area and did not locate any additional bundles or smugglers. The marijuana weighed approximately 160 pounds and valued at almost more than 128,000 USD.
RGV agents have seized almost 28,000 pounds of marijuana between October 1, 2021, and July 30, 2022.
RGV agents encountered 494 migrants in three large groups in Hidalgo and Starr Counties.USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
RGV agents encountered 494 migrants in three large groups in Hidalgo and Starr Counties.
Rio Grande City Border Patrol Station agents encountered two large groups totaling 373 migrants in Starr County. The groups were comprised of 101 family members, 130 unaccompanied children, and 142 single adults. The migrants were from Cuba, and various Central and South American countries.
Additionally, McAllen Border Patrol Station agents encountered another large group totaling 121 migrants in Hidalgo County. The group consisted of 30 family members, 70 unaccompanied children, and 21 single adults. The migrants were from Georgia, Ecuador, and Central American countries.
RGV agents have encountered more than 130 large groups illegally entering the United States since October 2021, resulting in more than 21,000 migrant apprehensions. The logistics required to transport and process groups of this size continues to place a strain on manpower and resources, as they are often encountered in desolate areas inaccessible to large transport vehicles. A group of more than 100 migrants is considered a large group.
Packages containing nearly 1,533 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers in a tractor trailer at Colombia-Solidarity Bridge. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers seized cocaine in one enforcement action over the weekend that totaled over $11,800,000 in street value.
“Officers assigned to CBP cargo facilities ensure effective border security by preventing and countering the flow of suspected narcotics entering the country,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “This seizure is a prime example of border security management and how it helps prevent dangerous narcotics from reaching our communities.”
The seizure occurred on Friday, August 26, 2022, at the Colombia-Solidarity Bridge when a CBP officer referred a 2016 Stoughton trailer manifesting a shipment of baby wipes for a secondary inspection. The truck was referred for a canine and non-intrusive inspection system examination, resulting in the discovery of 1,935 packages containing 1,532.65 pounds of alleged cocaine within the shipment.
The narcotics had an estimated street value of $11,818,400 and is the largest single bust in 20 years.
CBP seized the narcotics. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents are investigating the seizure.
Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol (RGV) agents disrupted two human smuggling events and rescued three migrants. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol (RGV) agents disrupted two human smuggling events and rescued three migrants.
On the morning of August 25, RGV agents received information of a suspected stash house in Mission, Texas. RGV agents and troopers from the Texas Department of Public Safety convened at the residence and encountered 11 citizens from the Dominican Republic and Mexico. All were placed under arrest without incident after they were determined to be in the U.S. illegally.
Yesterday afternoon, RGV agents and officers from the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) investigated a residence suspected of harboring several individuals. Agents and HCSO officers apprehended three migrants, all illegally present in the U.S. All subjects were taken into Border Patrol custody. No caretaker was identified.
Hours later, Kingsville Border Patrol Station agents rescued two lost migrant women suffering from severe dehydration. Emergency medical services personnel transported the women to a nearby hospital for treatment.
On August 26, McAllen Border Patrol Station (MCS) agents encountered a subject who was trapped on top of the border wall near Penitas. The subject was attempting to breach the border wall using a rope ladder which fell off after he had reached the top of the wall. Agents and emergency personnel from the Penitas Fire Department rescued the man from the top of the wall. No injuries were reported.
T-Mobile CEO and President Mike Sievert and SpaceX’s Chief Engineer Elon Musk on stage during the T-Mobile and SpaceX joint event on August 25, 2022. Photo courtesy T-Mobile.
Texas Border Business
Starbase, TX – In a live event, T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) CEO and President Mike Sievert and SpaceX Chief Engineer Elon Musk announced Coverage Above and Beyond: a breakthrough new plan to bring cell phone connectivity everywhere. Leveraging Starlink, SpaceX’s constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit, and T-Mobile’s industry-leading wireless network, the Un-carrier plans to provide near complete coverage in most places in the U.S. – even in many of the most remote locations previously unreachable by traditional cell signals.
Watch the announcement Below:
Today, despite powerful LTE and 5G wireless networks, well over half a million square miles of the U.S. in addition to vast stretches of ocean are untouched by cell signals … from ANY provider. And as anyone who has ever encountered a mobile dead zone knows, the wireless industry has struggled to cover these areas with traditional terrestrial cellular technology, most often due to land-use restrictions (e.g. National Parks), terrain limits (e.g. mountains, deserts and other topographical realities) and America’s sheer vastness. In those areas, people are either disconnected or pay exorbitant rates to lug around a sat phone. SpaceX and T-Mobile share a vision where these uncovered areas are a relic of the past, and today, the companies are taking a first step to make that vision a reality.
T-Mobile and SpaceX joint event “Coverage Above and Beyond” on August 25, 2022 in Boca Chica Beach, Texas. Photo courtesy T-Mobile.
From the middle of Death Valley to the Great Smoky Mountains or even that persistent neighborhood dead zone, T-Mobile and SpaceX have a vision to give customers a crucial additional layer of connectivity in areas previously unreachable by cell signals from any provider. And the service aims to work with the phone already in your pocket. The vast majority of smartphones already on T-Mobile’s network will be compatible with the new service using the device’s existing radio. No extra equipment to buy. It just works.
“We’ve always thought differently about what it means to keep customers connected, and that’s why we’re working with the best to deliver coverage above and beyond anything customers have ever seen before,” said Mike Sievert, CEO of T-Mobile. “More than just a groundbreaking alliance, this represents two industry-shaking innovators challenging the old ways of doing things to create something entirely new that will further connect customers and scare competitors.”
“The important thing about this is that it means there are no dead zones anywhere in the world for your cell phone,” said SpaceX Chief Engineer Elon Musk. “We’re incredibly excited to do this with T-Mobile.”
T-Mobile CEO and President Mike Sievert and SpaceX’s Chief Engineer Elon Musk on stage during the T-Mobile and SpaceX joint event on August 25, 2022. Photo courtesy T-Mobile.
To provide this service, the companies will create a new network, broadcast from Starlink’s satellites using T-Mobile’s mid-band spectrum nationwide. This true satellite-to-cellular service will provide nearly complete coverage almost anywhere a customer can see the sky.
With this technology, T-Mobile is planning to give customers text coverage practically everywhere in the continental US, Hawaii, parts of Alaska, Puerto Rico and territorial waters, even outside the signal of T-Mobile’s network starting with a beta in select areas by the end of next year after SpaceX’s planned satellite launches. Text messaging, including SMS, MMS and participating messaging apps, will empower customers to stay connected and share experiences nearly everywhere. Afterwards, the companies plan to pursue the addition of voice and data coverage.
Tweets by Elon Musk.
In addition, the CEOs shared their vision for expanding Coverage Above and Beyond globally, issuing an open invitation to the world’s carriers to collaborate for truly global connectivity. T-Mobile committed to offer reciprocal roaming to those providers working with them to enable this vision.Today’s news is the next step in T-Mobile’s quest to deliver Coverage Beyond. Earlier this year, the Un-carrier gave customers enhanced connectivity beyond the reach of its network – in the air and abroad. Today’s move is the next step on the path to provide the ultimate coverage experience
Packages containing nearly 29 pounds of fentanyl seized by CBP officers at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge in Laredo, Texas. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Laredo Port of Entry recently seized $390,000 in fentanyl in a passenger vehicle.
“This is a significant seizure of fentanyl and our officers took appropriate care, utilizing personal protective equipment during the seizure to minimize potential exposure given the high potency and dangerousness of the narcotic,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry.
On Aug. 23, 2022, CBP officers assigned to the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge encountered a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta driven by a male Mexican citizen arriving from Mexico. A CBP officer referred the vehicle for further inspection, which included utilizing non-intrusive inspection (NII) equipment. After conducting a thorough secondary examination, CBP officers seized 12 packages containing a total of 28.66 pounds (13.0 kg) of alleged fentanyl concealed within the vehicle.
CBP OFO seized the narcotics, vehicle and turned the driver over to Homeland Security Investigations special agents for further investigation.
Paso Del Norte port of entry drug load. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at El Paso area ports of entry seized 2.82 pounds of fentanyl, 7.80 pounds of methamphetamine, 66 pounds of cocaine and $41,000 in two separate unrelated incidents.
“CBP officers remain focused on their homeland security mission and are making significant seizures on a daily basis,” said CBP El Paso Director of Field Operations Hector A. Mancha.
On August 24, CBP officers working at the Paso Del Norte border crossing intercepted a mixed load of 2.82 pounds of fentanyl and 7.8 pounds of methamphetamine. The seizure occurred when a 24-year-old male, Mexican citizen arrived from Mexico via the vehicle lanes. A CBP officer conducted a primary inspection of the vehicle and discovered multiple bundles concealed in the trunk area. The individual was turned over to El Paso County Sheriff’s Office for prosecution.
A few hours later, CBP officers working at the Santa Teresa port of entry cargo facility intercepted 66 pounds of cocaine and $41,090 in unreported currency. The seizure occurred when a 26-year-old, male Canadian citizen arrived from Mexico via the commercial lanes. The driver was referred for a secondary inspection of the truck and trailer which included an x-ray exam, leading CBP officers to locate cocaine filled bundles. A pat down search was also conducted on the man leading CBP officers to discover the unreported currency. The individual was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations Special Agents.
To commemorate a vital part of regional community culture, the Museum of South Texas History presents “En La Cocina,” a spotlight exhibit opening Tuesday, Sept. 13, in the Museum Store Arcade. Courtesy Image MOSTHistory
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – To commemorate a vital part of regional community culture, the Museum of South Texas History presents “En La Cocina,” a spotlight exhibit opening Tuesday, Sept. 13, in the Museum Store Arcade.
A home kitchen in borderlands culture is where families gather to visit with family and friends, sometimes creating an assembly line to make tamales, sort beans, or simply to enjoy a cafecito and pan dulce. Food is central to these gatherings and feeding people is how those communities care about loved ones.
The exhibit will display everyday items familiar to many families on the borderlands: pots for steaming tamales, tortilla presses and aprons to name a few. Each item has a story to tell, which creates an opportunity for visitors to start a conversation about their own family traditions of using such kitchenware. Exhibit activities will feature filling out recipe cards, sorting dry beans on a tray and viewing cookbooks available for purchase at The Museum Store. Currently in stock is the museum’s “Heritage Cookbook,” a compilation of recipes from the South Texas community.
Visitors can also enjoy added benefits of this exhibit by attending the Sunday Speaker Series scheduled at 2 p.m. Sept. 25 featuring prominent cuisine artist Melissa Guerra.
Two Christmas-theme tutorial videos on tamales and pan de polvo will be published on YouTube and shared on the museum’s social media accounts so families can follow along at home.
“En La Cocina” is included in the museum’s regular admission fees. FRIENDS of MOSTHistory receive free admission as part of their FRIENDShip benefits. Bring the family or friends to celebrate what is prepared en la cocina.
For more information about “En La Cocina,” please call Exhibits & Collections Coordinator Melissa Peña at 956-383-6911 or send an email to mjpena@mosthistory.org.
U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo South Station working in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies apprehended several undocumented individuals in three separate events. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo South Station working in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies apprehended several undocumented individuals in three separate events.
On August 24, Border Patrol agents working their assigned duties in El Cenizo, Texas requested assistance from Webb County Constables Precinct 2 and Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) on a possible stash house in the area. After a search of the residence, agents discovered seven undocumented individuals inside the residence, along with weapons and ammunition. The undocumented individuals were from the country of Mexico, all will be processed accordingly. DPS took custody of the firearms and drugs found inside the residence.
On that same day, at approximately 6:20 p.m., agents working collaboratively with Webb County Constable’s Precinct 2, Webb County Attorney’s Office, and DPS apprehended several individuals found inside a stash house on Moonstone Road in Laredo, Texas. After a unified search of the residence, agents apprehended a total of eight undocumented individuals. The undocumented individuals were from the countries of Mexico, Honduras, and El Salvador.
Later that evening, at approximately 9:30 p.m., DPS requested assistance from Border Patrol agents while DPS was conducting a vehicle stop on a black sedan and white concrete truck traveling on Davy Ward Street in Laredo, Texas. As DPS conducted the traffic stop, agents searched the concrete tanker trailer and found multiple people requesting assistance to get out of the trailer. Agents determined that all individuals found inside were in the country illegally. A total of 26 undocumented individuals including one unaccompanied juvenile were found inside the concrete truck. The individuals were from the countries of Mexico, El Salvador, and Guatemala.
A total of 41 undocumented individuals were apprehended in these three cases. All were taken into custody by U.S. Border Patrol and will be processed accordingly.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol while remaining anonymous by calling 1-800-343-1994.
Stacks containing $248,531 in unreported currency seized by CBP officers during an outbound examination at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers intercepted over $248,000 in unreported currency and two weapons in one outbound enforcement action at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge.
“This seizure of a significant amount of outbound currency and weapons illustrates CBP’s commitment to our priority border security mission and cooperative work with partner law enforcement agencies to ensure consequence delivery, whether at the state or federal level,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry.
The seizure occurred on Monday, Aug. 22 at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge when a CBP officer referred a 2022 Volkswagen Jetta bound for Mexico for a secondary inspection. Upon further physical examination of the vehicle and a canine examination, CBP officers discovered a total of $248,531 in unreported currency, a Colt 1911 .45-caliber handgun and a Glock 9mm handgun within the vehicle.
The currency and weapons were seized. A 28-year-old female Mexican citizen vehicle passenger was turned over to Webb County Sheriff’s Office deputies for arrest on state currency and weapons charges. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents are also investigating.
Individuals are permitted to carry any amount of currency or monetary instruments into or out of the U.S., however, if the quantity is more than $10,000, they will need to report it to CBP. “Money” means monetary instruments and includes U.S. or foreign coins currently in circulation, currency, travelers’ checks in any form, money orders, and negotiable instruments or investment securities in bearer form. Failure to declare may result in seizure of the currency and/or arrest.
