This weekend, Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents made 270 arrests during three migrant smuggling events. USCBP image for illustration purposes
EDINBURG, Texas – This weekend, Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents made 270 arrests during three migrant smuggling events.
Early this morning, Rio Grande City Border Patrol Station agents encountered a large group of 243 migrants near La Grulla. The group was comprised of 118 single adults, 94 family members, and 31 unaccompanied children from Cuba and various Central and South American countries.
On July 11, RGV agents attempted to initiate an immigration inspection of the occupants of a vehicle near San Manuel, the driver failed to yield and led agents on a vehicle pursuit. The vehicle came to a stop and four occupants bailed out. Agents apprehended one of them and 10 more migrants from the vehicle who were unlawfully present in the U.S. The driver was not located.
On July 8, RGV agents and Roma Police Department officers responded to a house in Roma, suspected of harboring noncitizens. Agents arrested 16 migrants from Mexico, El Salvador, and Guatemala who were unlawfully present in the U.S. No caretaker was identified.
Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents arrested five convicted criminal migrants and four gang members over the last five days, preventing them from infiltrating the community. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents arrested five convicted criminal migrants and four gang members over the last five days, preventing them from infiltrating the community.
On July 6, Brownsville Border Patrol Station (BRP) agents apprehended Jorge Adolfo Diaz-Perez, a Mexican national, near Brownsville. Record checks revealed he was arrested in Cameron County in 2012 and charged with indecency with a child by contact with a 6-year-old and sentenced to 10 years probation.
On July 7, BRP agents apprehended a Mexican migrant convicted and sentenced to 13 years incarceration in 2005 for aggravated sexual assault of a child in Texas. That same day, Kingsville Border Patrol Station agents apprehended a Honduran national with a 2013 arrest in Maryland for child abuse and was sentenced to 15 years incarceration.
McAllen Border Patrol Station agents apprehended a Honduran national on July 8. During processing, the subject was found to be a convicted sex offender with a prior arrest in Georgia for statutory rape and sentenced to one year confinement then subsequently removed from the U.S.
On July 11, Fort Brown Border Patrol Station agents apprehended a Mexican migrant with a previous conviction for alien smuggling resulting in death and sentenced to 6 years 8 months in 2015.
In addition, over the last week, RGV agents apprehended three Mara-Salvatruchas (MS-13s) and a Tango Blast gang member and an additional sex offender.
CBP officers escort a wanted person at a U.S. port of entry. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
HIDALGO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo International Bridge apprehended Moises Avalos, a male Mexican citizen and lawful permanent U.S. resident from Pasadena, Texas wanted for indecency with a child and Mauricio Marron, a male U.S. citizen from Mission, Texas wanted for sexual assault in two separate incidents.
“Our CBP officers are always alert and conduct thorough inspections of all persons entering the United States. We are committed to bringing those wanted individuals in to face their day in court,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Port of Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas.
On July 2, 2022, 68-year-old Moises Avalos, arrived year-old Moises Avalos, arrived from Mexico at the Hidalgo International Bridge and a CBP officer immediately secured him after discovering Avalos was a possible match to an arrest warrant. Once in secondary, biometric verification confirmed his identity along with the active arrest warrant from Harris County Sheriff’s Office in Houston, Texas. Avalos had this outstanding warrant stemming from allegations from an incident in August of 2021. He is charged with indecency with a child, a second-degree felony in Texas.
A Hidalgo police officer arrived to take custody of Avalos and transported him to the county jail.
Later that day, 21-year-old Mauricio Marron, arrived from Mexico at the Hidalgo International Bridge and a CBP officer immediately secured him after discovering Marron was a possible match to an arrest warrant. Once in secondary, biometric verification confirmed his identity along with the active arrest warrant from the Mission Police Department in Mission, Texas and Hidalgo County. Marron had this outstanding warrant stemming from allegations from an incident in May of 2022. He is charged with sexual assault, a second-degree felony in Texas.
A Mission police officer arrived to take custody of Marron and transported him to the city jail.
Criminal charges are merely allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Ysleta seizure of 30 pounds of fentanyl. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at El Paso area ports of entry seized fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine over the last week.
“The week included a mix of concealment methods utilized to hide drugs,” said CBP El Paso Director Field Operations Hector A. Mancha. “Regardless of the methods employed by smugglers CBP officers were up to the challenge and prevented these drug loads from entering the country.”
On June 30, CBP officers working at the Ysleta border crossing intercepted 1.36 pounds of cocaine from a female, U.S. citizen. Following a CBP canine alert, CBP officers located multiple bundles strapped to the woman’s abdomen area. A few hours later, CBP officers intercepted .49 pounds of fentanyl from a female, U.S. citizen pedestrian border crosser. Following a CBP canine alert, CBP officers discovered a bag concealed within her bra area.
On July 1, CBP officers working at the Ysleta border crossing intercepted a mixed load of hard narcotics from a male, U.S. citizen. Following a CBP canine alert and intensive inspection of a vehicle, CBP officers located 30.82 pounds of fentanyl, 16 pounds of heroin and 5.82 pounds of cocaine.
On July 3, CBP officers working at the Bridge of the Americas intercepted .29 pounds of fentanyl from a female, U.S. citizen. Following a secondary search of a vehicle, CBP officers located multiple packages concealed within the conveyance.
On July 4, CBP officers working at the Bridge of the Americas intercepted 2.29 pounds of methamphetamine from a male, U.S. citizen pedestrian border crosser. A secondary search resulted in the discovery of bundles strapped to the individuals stomach area.
On July 7, CBP officers working at the Bridge of the Americas pedestrian inspection area intercepted 2.24 pounds of methamphetamine from a female, U.S. citizen. Following a CBP canine alert CBP officers discovered bundles strapped to the woman’s back area.
The subjects arrested by CBP officers were turned over to Homeland Security Investigations or local authorities for prosecution.
Additionally, CBP officers arrested 20 fugitives from justice. The arrests made were for dangerous drugs, assault, fraud, larceny, theft, tampering with government evidence, evading arrest and cocaine possession.
U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Carrizo Springs Station apprehended a convicted sex offender, July 6. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Carrizo Springs Station apprehended a convicted sex offender, July 6.
Carrizo Springs agents encountered Jose Antonio Cervantes-Torres, 47, a citizen of Mexico, after he illegally entered the United States by crossing the Rio Grande River along with 16 other migrants.
During processing, records checks revealed that in August 2017 Cervantes-Torres was convicted of child fondling and indecency with a child via sexual contact in Dallas. He was subsequently sentenced to four years in prison. Cervantes-Torres was ordered removed from the United States by an Immigration Judge in August 2021.
As a convicted felon with a prior removal, he faces charges of 8 USC § 1326 – Re-entry after Deportation, which carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
During fiscal year 2022, Oct. 1, 2021, through May 31, 2022, Del Rio Sector agents have encountered more than 1,519 criminal migrants.
To report suspicious activity, call the Del Rio Sector’s toll-free number at 1-866-511-8727.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Bridge of the Americas border crossing apprehended a man with an outstanding warrant for sexual assault of a child. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Bridge of the Americas border crossing apprehended a man with an outstanding warrant for sexual assault of a child.
“CBP’s primary mission is homeland security, however as we conduct our inspections CBP officers will often encounter people who are wanted by law enforcement,” said CBP El Paso Port Director Ray Provencio. “These apprehensions also protect our communities.”
On July 9, CBP officers encountered a 47-year-old male Mexican citizen arriving from Mexico in a car. Primary system queries by CBP officers revealed an outstanding warrant for sexual assault of a child. The individual was secured and escorted to secondary for further inspection where biometric verification confirmed his identity along with the active warrant out of the Sacramento Police Department, Sacramento, California.
The individual was arrested by CBP officers and turned over to local authorities pending extradition to the originating agency.
The arrest was one of 18 NCIC fugitive apprehensions made by area CBP officers during the last three days. Those taken into custody were being sought on a variety of charges to include smuggling, assault, animal cruelty and more.
Packages containing 87 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at World Trade 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 that totaled over $600,000 in street value.
“Our CBP officers’ knowledge of concealment methods and technology played a key role in the discovery of these illicit narcotics,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “We remain committed to ensuring our cargo system remains secure while facilitating lawful commerce.”
The seizure occurred on Thursday, July 7, 2022, at the World Trade Bridge when a CBP officer referred a 1997 Freightliner trailer hauling a shipment of “juice” for a secondary inspection. The truck was referred for a canine and non-intrusive inspection system examination, resulting in the discovery of 38 packages containing 87 pounds of alleged cocaine within the tires of the trailer. The narcotics had an estimated street value of $671,160.
CBP seized the narcotics and the tractor. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents are investigating the seizure.
Kick off the holiday season with Christmas in July and the McAllen Holiday Parade, presented by H-E-B. The Parade is powered by the Bert Ogden Auto Group and proudly sponsored by Budweiser, Reliant McAllen International Airport and South Padre Island CVB. Logo Courtesy Image. BGD for illustration purposes.
Texas Border Business
McAllen knows how to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year year-round. Kick off the holiday season with Christmas in July and the McAllen Holiday Parade, presented by H-E-B. The Parade is powered by the Bert Ogden Auto Group and proudly sponsored by Budweiser, Reliant McAllen International Airport and South Padre Island CVB. Come celebrate the holiday that not only delights the entire Rio Grande Valley community, but also, helps keep the wonderful, warm spirit of Christmas alive in McAllen, the Official South Pole of Texas, year-round.
In 2021, the McAllen Holiday Parade, presented by H-E-B, was broadcast in Spanish across 83 U.S. Hispanic markets and in English in 13 Texas markets.
For the past five years, the McAllen Holiday Parade has been named the Best Parade in the Worldand the Best Parade in Texas by international and state event industry organizations.
Other McAllen Holiday Parade sponsors included McAllen I.S.D.; McAllen International Bridge System; McAllen Public Utility; Matt’s Building Materials; Stripes/Laredo Taco Company; Metro McAllen; University of Texas-RGV; Peña Eye Institute; Linebarger Attorneys at Law; McAllen Chamber of Commerce/MXLAN; PepsiCo.; McAllen Public Works; Mike Rhodes – Tres Lagos; AEP Texas; McAllen Economic Development Corp.; Lacks; Doña Lula; Hermes; Whataburger; South Texas College; Cigna Health Care; O’ Reilly Auto Parts; Taco Palenque; Raising Canes; Carollo Engineers; KSA Engineers; MedCare EMS; Halff Associates; Raba Kistner Consultants, Inc.; S&B Infrastructure; and the Texas Lottery.
WHO: McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos & McAllen City Commission City of McAllen
Jessica Garza, Marketing & Sales Manager , H-E-B, Border Region
Marsha Green, Vice-President of Marketing, Bert Ogden & Fiesta Dealership
McAllen Holiday Parade Sponsors and Media Partners
WHAT: Christmas in July Press Conference announcing details of the 2022 presentation of
The McAllen Holiday Parade, presented by H-E-B
WHEN & Wednesday, July 13, 2022 • 10:00 a.m. WHERE: McAllen Performing Arts Center, 800 Convention Center Blvd.
Governor Greg Abbott today commended the hard work of small businesses – many of which are restaurants and bars – and spotlighted their importance to the Lone Star State’s thriving economy at the Texas Restaurant Association (TRA)’s Texas Restaurant Show in Dallas. PHOTO: Office Of The Governor
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott today commended the hard work of small businesses – many of which are restaurants and bars – and spotlighted their importance to the Lone Star State’s thriving economy at the Texas Restaurant Association (TRA)’s Texas Restaurant Show in Dallas. Addressing hundreds of event attendees, the Governor noted TRA’s contributions in keeping Texas the best state for small business job growth, the top state to start a business, and the number one economic destination in America.
PHOTO: Office Of The Governor
“Small businesses – many of which are restaurants and bars – are the heartbeat of our mighty economy and communities, and I thank TRA for their tireless efforts to support Texas entrepreneurs in this critical industry,” said Governor Abbott. “Through partnerships with organizations like TRA, the Lone Star State will continue creating more jobs, developing and educating our workforce, and providing bars and restaurants the opportunity to unleash their full economic potential. Together we are keeping Texas an economic juggernaut and a place where every Texan can flourish.”
PHOTO: Office Of The Governor
TRA is the leading business association for Texas’ $52.4 billion foodservice industry, which spans over 43,000 locations throughout the state and employs a workforce of 1.2 million Texans.
Attendees can taste from over 14 restaurants showcasing their own version of a Mexican dish while enjoying live music in a beautiful outdoor setting. Courtesy Image
Texas Border Business
Attendees can taste from over 14 restaurants showcasing their own version of a Mexican dish while enjoying live music in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Ticket includes soft drinks, water, and/or beer (must be 21 and older.)
