EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents identified an international gang member and an attempted murderer in two separate incidents after they illegally entered the United States.
On Sunday, the Texas Department of Public Safety contacted the Weslaco Border Patrol station and requested assistance in identifying a subject they encountered during a vehicle stop. Responding agents conducted an interview on the occupant of the vehicle who freely admitted to being a national of Mexico in the United States illegally. Agents transported the man to the station for processing. While checking the man’s criminal history, agents discovered a previous arrest by the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office for attempted murder. A judge found him guilty for a lesser charge and sentenced him to two years confinement.
The following day, agents working at the Falfurrias Border Patrol Checkpoint arrested a Salvadoran national after a failed human smuggling attempt. During processing, record checks revealed the man is a member of the Mara Salvatrucha gang (MS-13) with multiple arrests in Fairfax City, Virginia, related to his gang affiliation; to include an arrest for carnal knowledge of a child 13-14 years of age without force.
Border Patrol processed both subjects accordingly.
The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and report suspicious activity at 800-863-9382
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Even with the spread of the COVID-19 virus, human smugglers continue to try these brazen attempts with zero regard for the lives they endanger nor to the health of the citizens of our great nation. The U.S. Border Patrol agents of the Rio Grande Valley Sector will continue to safeguard the nation and community against these criminal elements.
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