REPLAY: CBP Holds Press Conference on Operation Southern Surge in Texas

Press conference today where we will discuss Operation Southern Surge, a targeted initiative supported by the Homeland Security Task Force to crack down on drug seizures and protect American communities at CBP Laredo. CBP thanks our distinguished media partners for joining us in this very important press event with CBP officials. I am CBP Public Affairs Officer Sarah Melendez, and I'm joined today, this morning, by Paul Del Rincon, Assistant Director for Border Security, Laredo Field Office, Charles Kirby, Homeland Security Investigations, Acting Deputy Special Patrol Agent in Charge, Michael Makins, Assistant U.S. Attorney in Charge, U.S. Attorney's Office, Laredo Division, Robert Kennedy, D.A., Laredo Assistant Special Agent in Charge. Please help me to welcome Assistant Director for Border Security, Paul Del Rincon. Good morning, and thank you for joining us here at the Juarez Lincoln Bridge. I am Paul Del Rincon, Assistant Director of Field Operations for Customs and Border Protections, Laredo Field Office. Today, I'm here to discuss Operation Southern Surge, an intelligence-driven enforcement initiative that is strengthening our ability to intercept dangerous narcotics, weapons, and illicit currency before they reach our communities. Operation Southern Surge brings additional CBP officers, Specialized Office of Field Operations, and Border Patrol K-9 teams, advanced screening technology, and targeted inspections to the ports of Laredo, Roma, Hidalgo, and Brownsville. This effort is focused. Agile and driven by intelligence, through coordinated Pulse and Surge operations, we are increasing our inspection capacity, disrupting cross-border smuggling networks, and reinforcing the security of our border. Since October 19, Operation Southern Surge has resulted in the seizure of more than 1,600 pounds of narcotics, 15 firearms, more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition, and over $365,000 in illicit currency. These enforcement actions have also led to 89 arrests. Those numbers represent more than enforcement statistics. They reflect the commitment of CBP personnel and our law enforcement partners to stop dangerous drugs, weapons, and criminal proceeds from entering our communities. As an example, a great success over the weekend at the Hidalgo Port of Entry, after a canine alert, officers discovered cylindrical packages hidden among a shipment of leeks. A total of 909 packages were discovered and tested positive for methamphetamine. The total weight of the narcotics was 1,082.47 pounds with a street value of more than $900,000. Here at the Juarez Lincoln Bridge, CBP officers recently referred a vehicle for secondary inspection. Using non-intrusive inspection technology and their training and experience, officers discovered 49.3 pounds of cocaine concealed in 20 packages. The cocaine with an estimated value of more than $290,000 was seized. The driver was arrested and Homeland Security Investigations special agents assumed responsibility for the investigation. This case demonstrates the importance of intelligence-led enforcement and the value of close coordination among our partners. Operation Southern Surge is being carried out in coordination with the Homeland Security Task Force, U.S. Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Attorney's Office, and our federal, state, and local enforcement partners. Transnational criminal organizations continue to threaten our national security, public safety, and economic interests through the production and movement and distribution of dangerous drugs. CBP will continue using every lawful tool available to identify and stop these threats at our ports of entry. I want to recognize the CBP officers, K-9 teams, and law enforcement personnel whose professionalism, vigilance, and dedication make these results possible every day. The work does not stop here. Through Operation Southern Surge and the Homeland Security Task Force, we will continue to strengthen border security, enforce our laws, and protect the American people. A safer America, together. Next is HSI, Homeland Security Investigations. Good morning. I'm Charles Kirby, the acting deputy special agent in charge for Homeland Security Investigations in Laredo. Thank you for the opportunity to be here today. HSI is the principal investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security. We investigate, disrupt, and dismantle transnational criminal organizations and designated foreign terrorist organizations involved in narcotics and weapons trafficking, alien smuggling, human trafficking, money laundering, fraud, and other cross-border crimes. The Homeland Security Task Force strengthens that work by bringing HSI together with CBP, FBI, DEA, and our federal, state, and local partners. This coordination allows us to share information, connect investigations, and direct resources against the networks driving this criminal activity. For example, HSTF is investigating a narcotic seizure made by CBP officers at the Laredo Port of Entry. That seizure was an important first step. Working with CBP and our law enforcement partners, HSTF is following the evidence to identify and disrupt the individuals and organizations responsible. That investigation remains ongoing. HSI remains committed to the border mission, protecting the border, dismantling the criminal networks, and safeguarding our communities and our nation. Thank you. With that, I would like to introduce Assistant United States Attorney in Charge, Michael Mankins. Good morning. On behalf of U.S. Attorney Aaron Wright, and the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas, thank you for being here today. Operation Southern Surge reflects a unified federal commitment to protecting our communities from dangers of drug trafficking. Our partners at CBP, HSI, DEA, and other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies are working side-by-side to disrupt trafficking networks and keep dangerous narcotics out of American communities. Since this operation began in mid-October, those coordinated efforts have already produced significant results. Here in Laredo, officers recently intercepted approximately 19 kilograms of cocaine concealed inside a vehicle, a clear example of the vigilance and dedication of our local law enforcement partners and federal law enforcement partners. Laredo is home to one of the nation's busiest land ports, and while America is open for business, let me be clear, Our borders are not open for the cartels to bring their drugs and their poison into our communities. When our law enforcement partners intercept these dangerous drugs, the U.S. Attorney's Office stands ready to do its part by pursuing federal prosecutions and holding those people accountable. Our goal is simple. Safer streets, stronger communities, and a safer place for American families. We are proud to stand alongside our law enforcement partners in that mission. Thank you. Good morning. My name is Robert Kennedy. I'm an assistant special agent in charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration. On behalf of our administrator, DEA Administrator Terrence Cole, and the DEA San Antonio Divisional Office, SAC Miguel Madrigal, I would like to say a few words. DEA is committed to dismantling foreign terrorist organizations and disrupting deadly drugs from entering the United States. Working with CBP and HSTF. The DEA Laredo HSTF group shared intelligence in targeting resources to disrupt drug smuggling operations. These efforts have led to the seizure of 3,400 pounds of methamphetamine at the World Trade and Waters Lincoln Bridges. Laredo remains a key transshipment hub and battleground against drug trafficking. These types of seizures save lives by preventing drugs from reaching our local communities here in Laredo and the United States as a whole. Thank you very much for joining us at today's press conference, a very important press conference. We will now have some interviews as we conclude the press conference with our media partners. Again, thank you to our distinguished media partners for being here today. This concludes our live stream and we thank you for being here in person. Truly appreciate it. Have a great day.