In a collaborative strike against cross-border crime, binational efforts led to the arrest of two suspected alien smugglers in Cd. Juarez on July 9. This success is the result of information sharing between Mexican authorities and the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector's intelligence divisions. Uncovered by the cooperative vigilance of these agencies, these individuals are believed to be part of the criminal organization known as "La Empresa."
Upon their arrest, Mexican law enforcement confiscated an arsenal, which included three loaded 9mm handguns, a 44 Magnum revolver, ammunition for the firearms, and $2,000 in U.S. currency. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the two accused are now facing legal proceedings for illegal possession of weapons and bribery in Mexico. The cache of weapons and the funds are indicative of the broader risks and stakes at play in the ongoing battle against organized crime along the frontier.
El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar hailed the operation's success, “Our binational cooperation with our Government of Mexico counterparts is yielding results that will make both sides of shared border community safer. Sharing information back and forth with Mexican law enforcement partners is an important part of helping dismantle criminal organizations operating in our region,” as obtained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
