Mexican National Arrested for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material
Border Patrol agents in North Dakota arrested an illegal alien from Mexico on February 6 after discovering child sexual abuse material on his phone during a federal search warrant execution.
Hugo Lopez-Diaz was taken into custody following the seizure of electronic devices at a residence in Stanley, North Dakota. Examination of his phone revealed the presence of CSAM. The arrest was conducted by Grand Forks Sector Border Patrol agents in coordination with North Dakota’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations.
Lopez-Diaz faces state prosecution for CSAM possession.
El Centro Sector Dismantles Human Smuggling Network, Arrests 23
Border Patrol agents disrupted an active human smuggling operation in California on January 31, arresting 19 illegal aliens and four suspected smugglers in a coordinated enforcement action.
The operation began when agents identified a vehicle connected to smuggling activity. Agents tracked the operation to an apartment complex at 1920 S. Haskell Road in Seeley, where they observed individuals transferring people between multiple vehicles. During the response, seven individuals attempted to flee. Agents pursued and arrested three additional illegal aliens and two suspected smugglers at the complex. Six vehicles were seized in connection with the investigation.
“El Centro Sector was the most secure section of the entirety of the 2,000-mile Southwest Border for fiscal 2025, a fact that this transnational criminal organization must have overlooked,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Joseph A. Remenar. “Our agents are dedicated to ensuring that El Centro Sector retains this level of security moving forward.”
All 23 individuals face federal prosecution.
Brownsville Seizes Nearly 14,000 Lethal Doses of Cocaine
CBP officers at the Veterans International Bridge cargo lot in Brownsville intercepted a significant cocaine shipment on February 14, seizing 36.64 pounds of the drug valued at $489,226 hidden in a tractor.
Officers referred a 1987 Kenworth tractor for secondary examination after nonintrusive imaging revealed anomalies. With assistance from a canine unit, officers discovered 16 packages containing the cocaine concealed within the vehicle.
“We must maintain our vigilance regardless of the mode of transportation and our officers’ efforts led to this significant drug seizure, keeping it from reaching our streets,” said Tater Ortiz, Port Director at Brownsville Port of Entry.
CBP seized the narcotics and vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations special agents initiated a criminal investigation. Since January 21, 2025, the Laredo Field Office has seized over 63,000 pounds of narcotics.
Laredo Officers Seize 44 Handguns Headed to Mexico
CBP officers at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge seized a significant weapons cache on February 3 during an outbound inspection, stopping 44 handguns and 79 magazines from crossing into Mexico.
Officers conducting outbound operations selected a 2021 Chevy Corvette for inspection. Nonintrusive scanning and canine examination led to a physical search that uncovered the weapons and magazines concealed within the vehicle.
“Significant outbound weapons seizures, like the one realized by our officers at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge, reflect the relentless dedication of our officers to upholding CBP’s border security mission and keeping our border communities safe,” said Alberto Flores, Port Director at Laredo Port of Entry.
CBP seized the weapons, magazines, and vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested the driver and initiated a criminal investigation.
Laredo Bridge Closure Saturday for International Bridge Ceremony
CBP will temporarily halt vehicular traffic at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge on Saturday, February 21 to host the International Bridge Ceremony, also known as the Abrazo Ceremony.
Beginning at approximately 5 a.m., all north and southbound vehicular and commercial bus traffic will be halted to allow stage construction. Traffic is expected to resume at 9 a.m. CBP advises travelers to cross before 5 a.m. or use alternative crossings.
“The Juarez-Lincoln Bridge will host this longstanding tradition, serving as a welcoming ceremony for officials and dignitaries from both Mexico and the United States, and representing goodwill between our neighboring countries,” said Alberto Flores, Port Director at Laredo Port of Entry.
The Colombia-Solidarity Bridge will open at 6 a.m. as an alternative crossing. Gateway to the Americas Bridge will remain open for SENTRI participants and pedestrian traffic.
