EL PASO, Texas – The United States and Mexico have announced 10 new criminal targets for their “Se Busca Información” initiative during a press conference at the El Paso Texas Army National Guard Building, July 12.
The “Se Busca Información” initiative, which means to look for information in English, identifies 10 individuals associated with Transnational Criminal Organizations, wanted for crimes ranging from human smuggling to murder, by both the U.S. and Mexican Law Enforcement. Nine out of the top 10 individuals were proposed by the Government of Mexico and one of the individuals, (Target # 2) was proposed by the United States Border Patrol for being suspected of arranging an elaborate human smuggling network. Seven of the wanted individuals have an active warrant for homicide (Target #’s 4-10), two of the wanted individuals are wanted for felony narcotics and firearms charges (Target #’s 1 and 3).
The “Se Busca Información” initiative promotes unity at the border and encourages the public on both sides of the border to anonymously report information about Mexican Nationals who are wanted criminals. The phone lines are open 24 hours a day and the calls go directly to local Border Patrol Sectors Intelligence Centers.
The United States and Mexico are in agreement that the “Se Busca Información” initiative is in the best interest of both countries as a way to pursue a safer and more secure border.
The 10 wanted individuals’ pictures are placed on posters, flyers, and billboards. This signage is situated on the United States and Mexico side of the border for public viewing. In Mexico, they are mainly displayed on bulletins and billboards along city streets and on posters in convenience stores. In the United States, posters will be displayed at U.S. Border Patrol stations, immigration checkpoints and international ports of entry in the El Paso and New Mexico border regions.
People who have information about these criminals can confidentially report this information to law enforcement via a 1-800-635-2509, or 915-314-8194, where voice messages, texts, or messaging platform applications such as ‘WhatsApp’ can be used.
“It is crucial that we engage with our community on both sides of the border to get their assistance in getting more information on these wanted criminals. By increasing public awareness through the “Se Busca Información” initiative we increase our ability to apprehend these perpetrators which makes our border community more safe and secure,” said, Chief Gloria I. Chavez, U.S. Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent for the El Paso Sector.
There are currently five U.S. Border Patrol sectors along the southwest border supporting this bi-national initiative; El Paso, Rio Grande Valley, Laredo, Del Rio and Big Bend.
It is important to note that an arrest or criminal complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered evidence of guilt. Subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol while remaining anonymous by calling 1-800-635-2509.
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @USBPChiefEPT and @CBPWestTexas.