Skip to main content

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

  • Archived Content
    In an effort to keep CBP.gov current, the archive contains content from a previous administration or is otherwise outdated.
  1. Home
  2. Newsroom
  3. Local Media Release
  4. Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol agents apprehend three gang members

Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol agents apprehend three gang members

Release Date
Wed, 11/22/2017

EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector agents encountered and arrested three international gang members in separate incidents over the last few days.

Mexican mafia gang member arrested by Border Patrol
Mexican mafia gang member arrested
by Border Patrol

On Saturday, November 18, 2017, agents assigned to the Weslaco Border Patrol Station arrested a Salvadoran national as he attempted to illegally enter the United States near Pharr, Texas. While being interviewed, the man admitted to being a member of the Mara Salvatrucha gang, also known as MS-13.

The following day, Kingsville agents interdicted a smuggling attempt at the Sarita Checkpoint. During processing, it was revealed that the illegal alien being smuggled is a member of the Mexican Mafia, a gang known for narcotic trafficking, extortion and murder.

On Monday November 20, 2017, McAllen agents stopped a Salvadoran national near Los Ebanos, Texas as he attempted to sneak into the country. Record checks revealed the man was a member of the MS-13.

All subjects are being processed accordingly.

The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and to help save lives by reporting 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 at @CBPRGV.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021