EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents throughout the Rio Grande Valley arrested several criminals over the past few days.

On Monday morning, McAllen agents arrested a Mexican national as he illegally entered the United States near Hidalgo, Texas. During processing, it was revealed the man had an outstanding warrant from the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office for sexual assault of a child.

That same day, agents arrested a Salvadoran national traveling with his 2 year-old son near Hidalgo, Texas. Record checks confirmed the man is a member of the notoriously violent Mara Salvatrucha gang, also known as MS-13.

Later that day, Kingsville agents arrested a United States citizen after a failed human smuggling attempt at the Sarita checkpoint. During the investigation, agents discovered the smuggled alien was a Honduran national who is a member of MS-13.

As the day continued, agents encountered three Salvadoran men in separate incidents. During processing, all three men were confirmed MS-13 gang members.

On Tuesday, Falfurrias agents apprehended a Mexican national as he attempted to circumvent the checkpoint. During processing, it was revealed the man was wanted in Mexico for homicide.

On Wednesday, agents working at the Falfurrias checkpoint arrested a United States citizen after a failed marijuana smuggling attempt. Record checks revealed a previous conviction in Hidalgo County for capital murder by terror threat with an eight-year prison sentence.

Early this morning, agents assigned to the Falfurrias Checkpoint arrested a Mexican man after a failed smuggling attempt. Record checks revealed a previous arrest by the Mattawa, Washington Police Department for rape of a child. The man was convicted and sentenced to 9 months confinement.

All subjects will be 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.   back...