EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol agents arrested a Mara-Salvatrucha (MS-13) and a Tango Blast gang member, in addition to a migrant previously convicted of sexual crimes involving a child.
Friday afternoon, Kingsville Border Patrol agents working at the Javier Vega Jr. Checkpoint, encountered a Mara-Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang member attempting to conceal himself within a vehicle. During questioning, the subject self-admitted to being a MS-13 member. Record checks revealed the subject was arrested in 2007 in Bennettsville, SC, for conspiracy to commit a murder and aid of racketeering. The subject was found guilty and sentenced to 120 months confinement and 3 years’ probation.
Later that day, McAllen Border Patrol Station (MCS) agents apprehended a group of nine noncitizens near La Joya, Texas. Record checks for a Mexican national identified the man as a Tango Blast gang member with extensive criminal history in the United States.
On Saturday, MCS agents were processing a Mexican national when they discovered he was previously arrested by the Houston Police Department in 2008, for sexual assault of a child 14 to 17 years old. He was convicted and sentenced three years’ incarceration.
Border Patrol processed the subjects accordingly.
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.
The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and report suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter @CBPRGV, @USBPChiefRGV and @USBPDepChiefRGV.