EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Rio Grande Valley Sector arrested four sex offenders, three Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and one 18th Street gang members and seized nearly 2 tons of marijuana over the weekend.
Bundles seized by Rio Grande Valley Agents
The sex offenders were arrested while attempting to illegally enter the United States in the McAllen and Falfurrias areas of responsibility. During processing, agents discovered that the individuals had convictions in different states including: Alabama, Arizona, and California. Their crimes include: sexual assault, sodomy of a girl, sexual solicitation, indecency with a child, and possession of obscene material.
In addition, agents assigned to the McAllen, Falfurrias and Kingsville Border Patrol stations arrested three MS-13 and one 18th Street gang members. All of the arrested gang members are nationals of El Salvador.
Abandoned bundles of marijuana
Finally, agents confiscated more than $3 million worth of marijuana in multiple seizures. One of the larger seizures occurred near La Rosita when agents were responding to smuggling activity and discovered six bundles, with a total weight of 420 pounds, abandoned on a trail. The marijuana was transported to the Rio Grande City Border Patrol Station for processing. Several additional seizures brought the total amount of marijuana seized from Friday through Sunday to almost 4,000 pounds.
The Rio Grande Valley Sector is part of the South Texas Corridor, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations. To report suspicious activity, call the sector’s toll-free telephone number at 800-863-9382.