In separate drug smuggling incidents, Border Patrol agents working at the Interstate 8 and 5 checkpoints thwarted a pair of marijuana and cocaine smuggling attempts. The agents confirmed the seizure of cocaine and marijuana had an estimated street value of $1,196,445.
Yesterday, Border Patrol agents encountered a female 59-year-old U.S. citizen driving a BMW passing through the I-8 checkpoint just east of San Diego. The woman’s anxious and jumpy behavior concerned agents and they referred her to the checkpoint’s secondary inspection zone.
“A Border Patrol K-9 team performed a cursory inspection of the vehicle resulting in a positive alert,” according to Scott Simon, of the San Diego Border Patrol. “Agents searched the vehicle and discovered 40 bundles of cocaine in a non-factory compartment under the front floorboard. The cocaine weighed 117.55 pounds and had an estimated street value of $1,175,500.”
A second incident unfolded at the I-5 checkpoint north of San Diego near Camp Pendleton Marine base. A 22-year-old male Mexican national arrived at the checkpoint shortly after noon driving a Ford Windstar. After the Border Patrol K-9 team inspected the minivan, agents were alerted to a concealed compartment that stored 11 bundles of marijuana.
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Border Patrol agents searched the minivan, “and discovered six bundles of marijuana in the passenger-side, rear-quarter panel and five bundles in the spare tire located under the vehicle. The marijuana weighed a total of 41.89 pounds and had an estimated street value of $20,945.”
The U.S. Border Patrol seized both vehicles used in the narcotic smuggling incidents. The suspected smugglers, and their narcotics in both incidents were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for further investigation,” according to a CBP statement.
To report suspicious activity call the San Diego Border Patrol at (619) 498-9900.
© Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
Continue reading on Examiner.com Border Patrol takes $1.2 million in illicit drugs off the streets - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/border-patrol-takes-1-2-million-illicit-drugs-off-the-streets#ixzz1r8HdAZtY
Showing posts with label amnesty border patrol. Show all posts
Showing posts with label amnesty border patrol. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
Border Patrol confiscates $1 million in crystal meth at checkpoint
Border Patrol agents assigned to an Interstate 15 checkpoint north of San Diego intercepted two smuggling endeavors this week that resulted in the seizure of 51.25 pounds of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $1 million.
First, Border Patrol agents stopped a 40-year-old male U.S citizen at the I-15 checkpoint. After agents detected the man’s nervous demeanor the Border Patrol K-9 team to complete an inspection of the vehicle.
According to a BP press statement from Michael Jimenez, “The canine team alerted to the vehicle. A subsequent vehicle search revealed 31 bundles of methamphetamine hidden in the rear quarter panels. The seized narcotics weighed more than 38 pounds with an estimated street value of $762,800.”
A second seizure at the I-15 checkpoint netted even more crystal methamphetamine. Agents stopped a Jeep Cherokee towing a Toyota Solara on a trailer. Border Patrol referred a 31-year-old male Mexican national driver to a secondary inspection area.
“Agents summoned a Border Patrol K-9 team to perform a cursory inspection of the vehicles. The canine team alerted to one of the vehicles,” a press release said. “A subsequent search of the vehicles revealed 25 bundles of methamphetamine hidden in the gas tank of the towed vehicle. The narcotics seizure weighed more than 13 pounds with an estimated street value of $262,200.”
In both cases, the suspected drug smugglers and narcotics were handed over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for further investigation. The U.S. Border Patrol confiscated all three vehicles and the trailer.
To report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Border Patrol confiscates $1 million in crystal meth at checkpoint - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/border-patrol-confiscates-1-million-crystal-meth-at-checkpoint#ixzz1q0UUXcQX
First, Border Patrol agents stopped a 40-year-old male U.S citizen at the I-15 checkpoint. After agents detected the man’s nervous demeanor the Border Patrol K-9 team to complete an inspection of the vehicle.
According to a BP press statement from Michael Jimenez, “The canine team alerted to the vehicle. A subsequent vehicle search revealed 31 bundles of methamphetamine hidden in the rear quarter panels. The seized narcotics weighed more than 38 pounds with an estimated street value of $762,800.”
A second seizure at the I-15 checkpoint netted even more crystal methamphetamine. Agents stopped a Jeep Cherokee towing a Toyota Solara on a trailer. Border Patrol referred a 31-year-old male Mexican national driver to a secondary inspection area.
“Agents summoned a Border Patrol K-9 team to perform a cursory inspection of the vehicles. The canine team alerted to one of the vehicles,” a press release said. “A subsequent search of the vehicles revealed 25 bundles of methamphetamine hidden in the gas tank of the towed vehicle. The narcotics seizure weighed more than 13 pounds with an estimated street value of $262,200.”
In both cases, the suspected drug smugglers and narcotics were handed over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for further investigation. The U.S. Border Patrol confiscated all three vehicles and the trailer.
To report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Border Patrol confiscates $1 million in crystal meth at checkpoint - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/border-patrol-confiscates-1-million-crystal-meth-at-checkpoint#ixzz1q0UUXcQX
Thursday, March 15, 2012
CBP chase leaves one suspect dead and sends an agent to the hospital
An unidentified man driving a car with Texas plates is dead today after Border Patrol agents pursued the driver for failing to stop at an east San Diego County CBP checkpoint.
Authorities said the driver came under suspicion when Border Patrol agents observed the car travelling down the road in the wrong direction. Agents were able to stop the vehicle using a spike strip that deflated the fleeing car’s tires.
However, when Border Patrol attempted to question the driver, the suspect locked the car doors preventing agents from questioning the man.
Once the vehicle came to a stop, one Border Patrol agent attempted to break the car’s window, when the vehicle burst into flames killing the driver and injuring the agent.
As a result of the explosion, an unnamed Border Patrol agent was airlifted to an area hospital and treated for lacerations and burns.
A CBP statement said, “Agents had stopped a car that was reported to have been driving on the wrong side of Interstate 8."
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The vehicle ignited while the agent was standing near the driver side door. The driver of the car died at the scene. The agent was transported to the hospital and is being treated for non-life threatening injuries,” said Jenny Burke.
CBP authorities said they were working with the San Diego Sheriff's Department to investigate the early morning car explosion.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com CBP chase leaves one suspect dead and sends an agent to the hospital - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/cbp-chase-leaves-one-suspect-dead-and-sends-an-agent-to-the-hospital#ixzz1pEgRlgF6
Authorities said the driver came under suspicion when Border Patrol agents observed the car travelling down the road in the wrong direction. Agents were able to stop the vehicle using a spike strip that deflated the fleeing car’s tires.
However, when Border Patrol attempted to question the driver, the suspect locked the car doors preventing agents from questioning the man.
Once the vehicle came to a stop, one Border Patrol agent attempted to break the car’s window, when the vehicle burst into flames killing the driver and injuring the agent.
As a result of the explosion, an unnamed Border Patrol agent was airlifted to an area hospital and treated for lacerations and burns.
A CBP statement said, “Agents had stopped a car that was reported to have been driving on the wrong side of Interstate 8."
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The vehicle ignited while the agent was standing near the driver side door. The driver of the car died at the scene. The agent was transported to the hospital and is being treated for non-life threatening injuries,” said Jenny Burke.
CBP authorities said they were working with the San Diego Sheriff's Department to investigate the early morning car explosion.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com CBP chase leaves one suspect dead and sends an agent to the hospital - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/cbp-chase-leaves-one-suspect-dead-and-sends-an-agent-to-the-hospital#ixzz1pEgRlgF6
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Border Patrol agents arrest wanted sex offender after brief chase Continue reading on Examiner.com Border Patrol agents arrest wanted sex offender af
Border Patrol agents apprehended a convicted sex offender after he fled from an Interstate 15 checkpoint just north of San Diego.
Agents said the suspect failed to stop at the checkpoint, and then lead Border Patrol on a high-speed chase. Once agents gained custody of the individual they found out he was wanted in Pinal County, Arizona for parole violations.
“Agents assigned to enforcement duties along the northbound Interstate 15 attempted to stop a 40-year-old male United States citizen driving a blue 1998 Ford F-150 near Highway 76,” according to Border Patrol agent Simon Scott. “The driver failed to yield and led agents on a high-speed chase with speeds reaching 90 miles per hour. Agents discontinued the pursuit after the suspect drove southbound on the shoulder of the northbound I-15 endangering the motoring public. Agents located the individual’s vehicle minutes later when his vehicle became stuck after he drove off-road.”
The assailant then fled his vehicle on foot but was captured by Border Patrol agents a short time later.
“Agents ran record checks and determined that the suspect was a registered sex offender in Pinal County, Ariz., wanted for parole violations,” Scott said. “The suspect was booked into San Diego County jail for high speed flight from an Executive Officer.”
To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Border Patrol agents arrest wanted sex offender after brief chase - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/border-patrol-agents-arrest-wanted-sex-offender-after-brief-chase#ixzz1ojm1uDrW
Agents said the suspect failed to stop at the checkpoint, and then lead Border Patrol on a high-speed chase. Once agents gained custody of the individual they found out he was wanted in Pinal County, Arizona for parole violations.
“Agents assigned to enforcement duties along the northbound Interstate 15 attempted to stop a 40-year-old male United States citizen driving a blue 1998 Ford F-150 near Highway 76,” according to Border Patrol agent Simon Scott. “The driver failed to yield and led agents on a high-speed chase with speeds reaching 90 miles per hour. Agents discontinued the pursuit after the suspect drove southbound on the shoulder of the northbound I-15 endangering the motoring public. Agents located the individual’s vehicle minutes later when his vehicle became stuck after he drove off-road.”
The assailant then fled his vehicle on foot but was captured by Border Patrol agents a short time later.
“Agents ran record checks and determined that the suspect was a registered sex offender in Pinal County, Ariz., wanted for parole violations,” Scott said. “The suspect was booked into San Diego County jail for high speed flight from an Executive Officer.”
To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Border Patrol agents arrest wanted sex offender after brief chase - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/border-patrol-agents-arrest-wanted-sex-offender-after-brief-chase#ixzz1ojm1uDrW
Thursday, March 8, 2012
DHS promises US-VISIT biometric data program will slow illegal entry
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the implementation of US-VISIT, a biometric program that will monitor entry/exit patterns for international travelers. The program will keep tabs on foreign visitors and curtail visa over-stayers.
US-VISIT's use of biometrics streamlines the U.S. entry process and DHS officials say it virtually eliminates fraud. The biometrics program collects unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints, that provide port-of-entry agents with automated recognition. This tamper-proof identification service is reliable, convenient and virtually impossible to forge.
“US-VISIT supports the Department of Homeland Security's mission to protect our nation by providing biometric identification services to federal, state and local government decision makers to help them accurately identify the people they encounter and determine whether those people pose a risk to the United States,” a DHS statement said. “US-VISIT's most visible service is the collection of biometrics—digital fingerprints and a photograph—from international travelers at U.S. visa-issuing posts and ports of entry. Collecting this information helps immigration officers determine whether a person is eligible to receive a visa or enter the United States. The biometric collection process is simple, convenient and secure.”
The new program provides port-of-entry decision makers with the reliable information they need to prevent identity fraud. The innovative use of biometrics also deprives criminals and immigration violators’ access to the United States. DHS also claims they will be able to track international travelers who remain in the country beyond their period of admission using this biometric data.
“Since 911 we’ve gotten better at the check-in counter, but have not had a reliable method of knowing who is checking-out,” said Bob Dane, Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR).“The new plan for a biometric system of tracking exits is long overdue and will reduce the incidence of people overstaying their visas, the risk of terrorism and illegal immigration overall.”
However, secure border activists’ groups argue that ports of entry may provide a higher level of scrutiny, but much of the U.S./Mexico border remains unfenced. Border Patrol agents are charged with protecting the nation’s rural border, however, slower response times due to rugged terrain, limit the number of illegal immigrants, terrorists and drug smuggler apprehensions. Also this new program will do nothing to the country's porious border. Even when Border Patrol responds to an incursion, agents face danger. Last year an illegal drug smuggler inside American borders murdered Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry.
How Biometrics Assure Identity
Biometrics collected by US-VISIT and linked to specific biographic information enable a person's identity to be established, then verified, by the U.S. government. With each encounter, from applying for a visa to seeking immigration benefits to entering the United States, US-VISIT:
Checks a person’s biometrics against a watch list of known or suspected terrorists, criminals and immigration violators
Checks against the entire database of all of the fingerprints the Department of Homeland Security has collected since US-VISIT began to determine if a person is using an alias and attempting to use fraudulent identification.
Checks a person’s biometrics against those associated with the identification document presented to ensure that the document belongs to the person presenting it and not someone else.
These services help prevent identity fraud and deprive criminals and immigration violators of the ability to cross U.S. borders. Based on biometrics alone, US-VISIT has helped stop thousands of people who were ineligible to enter the United States.
To view the step-by-step video that explains the process click here; http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/editorial_0525.shtm
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
US-VISIT's use of biometrics streamlines the U.S. entry process and DHS officials say it virtually eliminates fraud. The biometrics program collects unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints, that provide port-of-entry agents with automated recognition. This tamper-proof identification service is reliable, convenient and virtually impossible to forge.
“US-VISIT supports the Department of Homeland Security's mission to protect our nation by providing biometric identification services to federal, state and local government decision makers to help them accurately identify the people they encounter and determine whether those people pose a risk to the United States,” a DHS statement said. “US-VISIT's most visible service is the collection of biometrics—digital fingerprints and a photograph—from international travelers at U.S. visa-issuing posts and ports of entry. Collecting this information helps immigration officers determine whether a person is eligible to receive a visa or enter the United States. The biometric collection process is simple, convenient and secure.”
The new program provides port-of-entry decision makers with the reliable information they need to prevent identity fraud. The innovative use of biometrics also deprives criminals and immigration violators’ access to the United States. DHS also claims they will be able to track international travelers who remain in the country beyond their period of admission using this biometric data.
“Since 911 we’ve gotten better at the check-in counter, but have not had a reliable method of knowing who is checking-out,” said Bob Dane, Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR).“The new plan for a biometric system of tracking exits is long overdue and will reduce the incidence of people overstaying their visas, the risk of terrorism and illegal immigration overall.”
However, secure border activists’ groups argue that ports of entry may provide a higher level of scrutiny, but much of the U.S./Mexico border remains unfenced. Border Patrol agents are charged with protecting the nation’s rural border, however, slower response times due to rugged terrain, limit the number of illegal immigrants, terrorists and drug smuggler apprehensions. Also this new program will do nothing to the country's porious border. Even when Border Patrol responds to an incursion, agents face danger. Last year an illegal drug smuggler inside American borders murdered Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry.
How Biometrics Assure Identity
Biometrics collected by US-VISIT and linked to specific biographic information enable a person's identity to be established, then verified, by the U.S. government. With each encounter, from applying for a visa to seeking immigration benefits to entering the United States, US-VISIT:
Checks a person’s biometrics against a watch list of known or suspected terrorists, criminals and immigration violators
Checks against the entire database of all of the fingerprints the Department of Homeland Security has collected since US-VISIT began to determine if a person is using an alias and attempting to use fraudulent identification.
Checks a person’s biometrics against those associated with the identification document presented to ensure that the document belongs to the person presenting it and not someone else.
These services help prevent identity fraud and deprive criminals and immigration violators of the ability to cross U.S. borders. Based on biometrics alone, US-VISIT has helped stop thousands of people who were ineligible to enter the United States.
To view the step-by-step video that explains the process click here; http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/editorial_0525.shtm
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
CBP Agents seize Mexican-panga boat in Malibu loaded with pot
CBP agents apprehended illegal drug smugglers when they attempted to come ashore in the upscale community of Malibu. Officers immediately arrested three Mexican nationals following the interdiction when agents spotted numerous bales of marijuana.
The weekend bust made by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confiscated approximately one-and-a-half tons of weed wrapped in cellophane.
CBP stated that they were working with the California National Guard when they spotted the panga-like vessel cruising slowly along the coastline. The National Guard unit alerted Border Patrol agents and the Los Angeles County Sheriffs, who responded to the Point Dume State Beach after midnight.
According to agents on the scene, the three men who illegally entered the U.S. were arrested and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and will face multiple charges. The weight of the marijuana totaled 2,575 pounds and an estimated street value of $1, 287, 500.
“The Department of Homeland Security has increased coastal-border security in Southern California (as) transnational criminal organizations have shifted their smuggling tactics further north into Los Angeles and Ventura Counties,” Scott E. Simon,U.S. Border Patrol Agent for the San Diego Sector Information and Communication Division said. “As a result, CBP and its partners have intensified efforts to target the illegal activity, expanding the use of marine patrols, land-based surveillance, and collaboration with the Government of Mexico.”
These multi-agency task forces are a key component to interdict maritime drug smugglers along California’s 840-mile coastline.
The CBP logged 26 unauthorized maritime smuggling attempts during fiscal year 2011 in the Los Angeles/Ventura area. So far this year, 2012, the multi-agency CBP task force has recorded 14 maritime incidents along the southern California beaches, including three in Ventura County and one in Santa Barbara County.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
The weekend bust made by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confiscated approximately one-and-a-half tons of weed wrapped in cellophane.
CBP stated that they were working with the California National Guard when they spotted the panga-like vessel cruising slowly along the coastline. The National Guard unit alerted Border Patrol agents and the Los Angeles County Sheriffs, who responded to the Point Dume State Beach after midnight.
According to agents on the scene, the three men who illegally entered the U.S. were arrested and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and will face multiple charges. The weight of the marijuana totaled 2,575 pounds and an estimated street value of $1, 287, 500.
“The Department of Homeland Security has increased coastal-border security in Southern California (as) transnational criminal organizations have shifted their smuggling tactics further north into Los Angeles and Ventura Counties,” Scott E. Simon,U.S. Border Patrol Agent for the San Diego Sector Information and Communication Division said. “As a result, CBP and its partners have intensified efforts to target the illegal activity, expanding the use of marine patrols, land-based surveillance, and collaboration with the Government of Mexico.”
These multi-agency task forces are a key component to interdict maritime drug smugglers along California’s 840-mile coastline.
The CBP logged 26 unauthorized maritime smuggling attempts during fiscal year 2011 in the Los Angeles/Ventura area. So far this year, 2012, the multi-agency CBP task force has recorded 14 maritime incidents along the southern California beaches, including three in Ventura County and one in Santa Barbara County.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Border Patrol seizes nearly $1 million worth of illegal drugs in San Diego
Over the weekend, San Diego Border Patrol agents snagged more than $930,000 worth of cocaine, marijuana, and crystal methamphetamine.
“On Saturday, agents assigned to the Interstate 8 checkpoint near Pine Valley arrested a 26-year-old male United States citizen for attempting to smuggle 61.91 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $619, 058,” Scott E. Simon, Border Patrol Agent for the San Diego Sector Communication Division said.
Simon said the drugs were discovered at the checkpoint’s secondary inspection area by K-9 dogs. The illicit drugs were located in a secret floorboard compartment.
“Our agents searched the vehicle (a BMW X5) and discovered 25 cellophane-wrapped brick-shaped bundles in natural voids beneath seats. The suspected smuggler and cocaine were taken into custody and subsequently turned over to a multi-agency drug task force,” Simon said.
In a separate incident, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Interstate 15 checkpoint stopped a Mexican national driving a Ford pickup. Again, it was a K-9 team that located illicit drugs.
“Agents searched and subsequently discovered a non-factory compartment beneath the bed of the truck in which 30 bundles of marijuana were concealed. The drugs weighed a total of 313.83 pounds and had an estimated street value of $156, 915,” according to Border Patrol.
Border Patrol agents arrested and turned over all the suspected drug smugglers to the proper authorities. All of the vehicles were seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.
Anyone with information regarding suspicious activity is encouraged to contact the San Diego Border Patrol at (619) 498-9900.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
“On Saturday, agents assigned to the Interstate 8 checkpoint near Pine Valley arrested a 26-year-old male United States citizen for attempting to smuggle 61.91 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $619, 058,” Scott E. Simon, Border Patrol Agent for the San Diego Sector Communication Division said.
Simon said the drugs were discovered at the checkpoint’s secondary inspection area by K-9 dogs. The illicit drugs were located in a secret floorboard compartment.
“Our agents searched the vehicle (a BMW X5) and discovered 25 cellophane-wrapped brick-shaped bundles in natural voids beneath seats. The suspected smuggler and cocaine were taken into custody and subsequently turned over to a multi-agency drug task force,” Simon said.
In a separate incident, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Interstate 15 checkpoint stopped a Mexican national driving a Ford pickup. Again, it was a K-9 team that located illicit drugs.
“Agents searched and subsequently discovered a non-factory compartment beneath the bed of the truck in which 30 bundles of marijuana were concealed. The drugs weighed a total of 313.83 pounds and had an estimated street value of $156, 915,” according to Border Patrol.
Border Patrol agents arrested and turned over all the suspected drug smugglers to the proper authorities. All of the vehicles were seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.
Anyone with information regarding suspicious activity is encouraged to contact the San Diego Border Patrol at (619) 498-9900.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Border Patrol confiscates more than $617,000 of Methamphetamine drugs
Border Patrol agents working north of San Diego at the Interstate 15 checkpoint nabbed two narcotic smugglers carrying 30 pounds of methamphetamine.
The agents stopped a male 20-year-old U.S. citizen driving a black Hummer H3 along with a 21-year-old male U. S. citizen passenger as they arrived at the freeway checkpoint. During the inspection process, BP agents became suspicious of the occupant’s nervous behavior and referred them to a secondary inspection area.
“A Border Patrol K-9 team performed a cursory inspection of the vehicle resulting in a positive alert,” said Scott Simon, Border Patrol Agent in the San Diego Sector Information and Communication Division.“Agents searched the vehicle and discovered a non-factory compartment in the rear cargo deck concealing a total of 20 bundles of methamphetamine.”
The illegal narcotics weighed approximately 31 pounds and had an estimated street value of $617,400, officials said. “The suspected smugglers and narcotics were taken into custody and subsequently turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation. The Hummer H3 was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol,” Simon finished.
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In an effort to prevent illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and contraband, the Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on major U.S. corridors away from the nation’s borders. To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
The agents stopped a male 20-year-old U.S. citizen driving a black Hummer H3 along with a 21-year-old male U. S. citizen passenger as they arrived at the freeway checkpoint. During the inspection process, BP agents became suspicious of the occupant’s nervous behavior and referred them to a secondary inspection area.
“A Border Patrol K-9 team performed a cursory inspection of the vehicle resulting in a positive alert,” said Scott Simon, Border Patrol Agent in the San Diego Sector Information and Communication Division.“Agents searched the vehicle and discovered a non-factory compartment in the rear cargo deck concealing a total of 20 bundles of methamphetamine.”
The illegal narcotics weighed approximately 31 pounds and had an estimated street value of $617,400, officials said. “The suspected smugglers and narcotics were taken into custody and subsequently turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation. The Hummer H3 was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol,” Simon finished.
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In an effort to prevent illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and contraband, the Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on major U.S. corridors away from the nation’s borders. To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Monday, January 9, 2012
47 pounds of cocaine snagged by San Diego Border Patrol
U.S. Border Patrol agents snagged 47 pounds of cocaine just east of San Diego at the Interstate 8 checkpoint.
Yesterday Border Patrol agents encountered a 43-year-old male Mexican national driving a X3 BMW at the Pine Valley checkpoint, agents found the driver’s demeanor suspicious and sent the car to the secondary inspection station.
During the examination of the BMW, a Border Patrol K-9 team alerted agents to a positive alert inside the driver’s side door. The Border Patrol Agents searched the vehicle and found 20 bundles of cocaine concealed inside of the rocker panels on both sides of the vehicle, according to Scott E. Simon, Border Patrol Agent for the San Diego Sector Information & Communication Division.
“The cocaine weighed a total 47.09 pounds and had an estimated street value of $470,900,” Simon said. “The suspected smuggler and narcotics were taken into custody and subsequently turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation. The BMW was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.”
To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Yesterday Border Patrol agents encountered a 43-year-old male Mexican national driving a X3 BMW at the Pine Valley checkpoint, agents found the driver’s demeanor suspicious and sent the car to the secondary inspection station.
During the examination of the BMW, a Border Patrol K-9 team alerted agents to a positive alert inside the driver’s side door. The Border Patrol Agents searched the vehicle and found 20 bundles of cocaine concealed inside of the rocker panels on both sides of the vehicle, according to Scott E. Simon, Border Patrol Agent for the San Diego Sector Information & Communication Division.
“The cocaine weighed a total 47.09 pounds and had an estimated street value of $470,900,” Simon said. “The suspected smuggler and narcotics were taken into custody and subsequently turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation. The BMW was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.”
To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
The holiday season doesn’t slow Mexican cartels from smuggling illicit drugs
It may be the Yuletide season, but that hasn’t stopped drug smugglers from wanting to earn some extra Christmas cash. This week in San Diego, Border Patrol agents played Grinch and snatched nearly $700,000 worth of cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine.
Yesterday, Border Patrol agents, patrolling along Interstate 15 stopped a 28-year-old male U.S. citizen driving a pickup truck. After the stop, agents called a Border Patrol K-9 team to conduct a cursory inspection of the vehicle. The K-9 positively alerted agents to the interior of the truck where agents discovered five bundles of methamphetamine in a black trash bag. “The total weight of the meth was 12.02 pounds and worth an estimated $240,400,” according to Border Patrol Agent Scott Simon.
In a separate bust, Border Patrol agents at the Interstate 8 checkpoint just east of San Diego, arrested a 23-year-old male Mexican national for smuggling 3.53 pounds of heroin worth $45,890 in the soles of two pairs of dress shoes.
“Agents encountered the individual while performing an immigration inspection of a commercial bus travelling to San Diego,” Scott said. “During inspection, agents became suspicious of the man’s nervous demeanor and referred him for a secondary inspection. A Border Patrol K-9 team alerted to the man’s luggage, where agents discovered packages of heroin hidden inside of a pair of brown shoes. Agents also located similar packages inside of a pair of black shoes the man was wearing.”
At the same I-8 checkpoint, Border Patrol detained a 39-year-old male U.S. citizen for attempting to smuggle 39.68 pounds of cocaine. The nervous driver was sent to secondary inspection, where a K-9 team led agents to the gas tank. Inside the tank, Border Patrol found 15 bundles of cocaine worth an estimated street value of $396,800.
All the suspected smugglers and $683,000 worth of narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and two pickup trucks were seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Yesterday, Border Patrol agents, patrolling along Interstate 15 stopped a 28-year-old male U.S. citizen driving a pickup truck. After the stop, agents called a Border Patrol K-9 team to conduct a cursory inspection of the vehicle. The K-9 positively alerted agents to the interior of the truck where agents discovered five bundles of methamphetamine in a black trash bag. “The total weight of the meth was 12.02 pounds and worth an estimated $240,400,” according to Border Patrol Agent Scott Simon.
In a separate bust, Border Patrol agents at the Interstate 8 checkpoint just east of San Diego, arrested a 23-year-old male Mexican national for smuggling 3.53 pounds of heroin worth $45,890 in the soles of two pairs of dress shoes.
“Agents encountered the individual while performing an immigration inspection of a commercial bus travelling to San Diego,” Scott said. “During inspection, agents became suspicious of the man’s nervous demeanor and referred him for a secondary inspection. A Border Patrol K-9 team alerted to the man’s luggage, where agents discovered packages of heroin hidden inside of a pair of brown shoes. Agents also located similar packages inside of a pair of black shoes the man was wearing.”
At the same I-8 checkpoint, Border Patrol detained a 39-year-old male U.S. citizen for attempting to smuggle 39.68 pounds of cocaine. The nervous driver was sent to secondary inspection, where a K-9 team led agents to the gas tank. Inside the tank, Border Patrol found 15 bundles of cocaine worth an estimated street value of $396,800.
All the suspected smugglers and $683,000 worth of narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and two pickup trucks were seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Border Patrol in San Diego arrest convicted child molester
San Diego Border Patrol agents apprehended a male 49-year-old Mexican national in the east county community of Jacumba for illegally entering the United States. However, Border Patrol agents learned the Mexican national was previously convicted of child molestation in the U.S.
Then felon illegally crossed the US/Mexican border with two other undocumented Mexican nationals.
According to Border Patrol Agent Scott Simon, “agents transported the group to a local Border Patrol station where processing and further investigation revealed the 49-year-old man had previously been incarcerated after being convicted of continuous sexual abuse of a child in Orange, Calif. in 1996.”
Simon also pointed out that the illegal felon had been previously deported from the U.S. in 2005.
Currently the individual is in Department of Homeland Security custody and is awaiting trial for felony re-entry after deportation.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Then felon illegally crossed the US/Mexican border with two other undocumented Mexican nationals.
According to Border Patrol Agent Scott Simon, “agents transported the group to a local Border Patrol station where processing and further investigation revealed the 49-year-old man had previously been incarcerated after being convicted of continuous sexual abuse of a child in Orange, Calif. in 1996.”
Simon also pointed out that the illegal felon had been previously deported from the U.S. in 2005.
Currently the individual is in Department of Homeland Security custody and is awaiting trial for felony re-entry after deportation.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Another unauthorized beach landing by illegal drug smugglers in San Diego
A 25-foot panga boat loaded with 1,460 pounds of marijuana landed under the cover of darkness on a north San Diego County beach earlier today. Border Patrol agents quickly responded to the beach landing and apprehended three men for attempting to smuggle drugs into the U.S.
The panga-style boat was spotted by the California National Guard Entry Identification Team that assists with Border Patrol maritime enforcement, who observed a suspicious boat traveling along the San Diego County coastline near Carlsbad.
“Border Patrol agents responded to the area and observed the boat had come ashore just north of the [Carlsbad] power plant,” said Scott Simon a spokesman for Border Patrol. “Agents conducted a search of the area and arrested a 31-year-old Mexican national and a 29-year-old United States citizen who had fled from the beached boat. A search of the panga revealed five fuel containers and 19 bundles of marijuana with a total weight of 1459.9 pounds and an estimated street value of $729,950.”
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The Carlsbad Police also conducted a search of the area and located another individual inside a vehicle. “They [Carlsbad Police] stopped a suspicious vehicle for further questioning… Border Patrol agents responded to the scene and took custody of a 29-year-old Nicaraguan national who was legally present in the U.S,” according to Simon.
The three suspected drug smugglers, marijuana, car, and panga boat were turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations Marine Task Force for further examination.
The Maritime Unified Command utilizes the fusion of law enforcement agencies, intelligence, planning and operations to target the threat of transnational crime along the Southern California coastal border. Border Patrol encourages residents to report suspicious maritime activity to the Joint Harbor Operations Center at 1-800-854-9834.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
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The panga-style boat was spotted by the California National Guard Entry Identification Team that assists with Border Patrol maritime enforcement, who observed a suspicious boat traveling along the San Diego County coastline near Carlsbad.
“Border Patrol agents responded to the area and observed the boat had come ashore just north of the [Carlsbad] power plant,” said Scott Simon a spokesman for Border Patrol. “Agents conducted a search of the area and arrested a 31-year-old Mexican national and a 29-year-old United States citizen who had fled from the beached boat. A search of the panga revealed five fuel containers and 19 bundles of marijuana with a total weight of 1459.9 pounds and an estimated street value of $729,950.”
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The Carlsbad Police also conducted a search of the area and located another individual inside a vehicle. “They [Carlsbad Police] stopped a suspicious vehicle for further questioning… Border Patrol agents responded to the scene and took custody of a 29-year-old Nicaraguan national who was legally present in the U.S,” according to Simon.
The three suspected drug smugglers, marijuana, car, and panga boat were turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations Marine Task Force for further examination.
The Maritime Unified Command utilizes the fusion of law enforcement agencies, intelligence, planning and operations to target the threat of transnational crime along the Southern California coastal border. Border Patrol encourages residents to report suspicious maritime activity to the Joint Harbor Operations Center at 1-800-854-9834.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Another unauthorized beach landing by illegal drug smugglers in San Diego - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/another-unauthorized-beach-landing-by-illegal-drug-smugglers-san-diego#ixzz1dpiKBQVm
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
New under-border tunnel found in San Diego- BP nets 5 illegals
American authorities discovered a new under U.S./Mexico-border tunnel earlier today. Inside the tunnel, Border Patrol found five illegal border crossers trying to navigate through a cramped 2 ½-by-2 ½ foot conduit hole typically used for natural gas lines.
The four men a one woman were apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol agents near the secondary fence, according to BP Agent Michael Jimenez.
Agent Jimenez explained that Border Patrol located the illegal aliens entering the tunnel on the Mexican-side of the border and waited for them to cross. The first border crosser popped out of the tunnel on the U.S.-side and immediately requested assistance from Border Patrol agents.
Apparently, one of the men was lodged inside the tunnel and needed assistance from firefighters to wiggle out of the cramped tunnel.
According to Jimenez, another apprehended illegal alien told Border Patrol agents that they paid a human smuggler $5,000 to cross illegally into the U.S.
All of the illegal border crossers were taken into custody, where they will undergo identification checks to determine if they are wanted in connection with any other U.S. crimes. If they are first-timers, Border Patrol will most likely return them to their home nation.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
To reach Kimberly Dvorak email; kimberly.dvorak@hotmail.com
The four men a one woman were apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol agents near the secondary fence, according to BP Agent Michael Jimenez.
Agent Jimenez explained that Border Patrol located the illegal aliens entering the tunnel on the Mexican-side of the border and waited for them to cross. The first border crosser popped out of the tunnel on the U.S.-side and immediately requested assistance from Border Patrol agents.
Apparently, one of the men was lodged inside the tunnel and needed assistance from firefighters to wiggle out of the cramped tunnel.
According to Jimenez, another apprehended illegal alien told Border Patrol agents that they paid a human smuggler $5,000 to cross illegally into the U.S.
All of the illegal border crossers were taken into custody, where they will undergo identification checks to determine if they are wanted in connection with any other U.S. crimes. If they are first-timers, Border Patrol will most likely return them to their home nation.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
To reach Kimberly Dvorak email; kimberly.dvorak@hotmail.com
Friday, October 28, 2011
Drug seizures in San Diego continue with Border Patrol
Interior Border Patrol checkpoints continue to slow drug smugglers progress and capture illicit drugs before they hit the streets. Yesterday, a Mexican national male, was apprehended when he tried to smuggle nine bundles of cocaine into the U.S.
“A Border Patrol K-9 team alerted to a blue 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee and agents subsequently discovered 21.2 pounds of cocaine hidden inside the vehicle’s spare tire with an estimated street value of $211,200,” according to Scott Simon, Border Patrol Agent from San Diego.
The alleged-drug smuggler and the cocaine were taken into custody and handed off to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to face charges.
Border Patrol Agents from interior checkpoints busted several U.S. citizens for trafficking marijuana this week. The agents found approximately 150 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $200,000. All the alleged-drug smugglers were arrested and booked into county jail. Border Patrol Agents detained the marijuana and vehicles.
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Since October 1, 2010, the San Diego Sector Border Patrol has seized approximately 2,331 pounds of cocaine, 578 pounds of methamphetamine and 68,722 pounds of marijuana.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Drug seizures in San Diego continue with Border Patrol - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/drug-seizures-san-diego-continue-with-border-patrol#ixzz1c7qyH2lc
“A Border Patrol K-9 team alerted to a blue 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee and agents subsequently discovered 21.2 pounds of cocaine hidden inside the vehicle’s spare tire with an estimated street value of $211,200,” according to Scott Simon, Border Patrol Agent from San Diego.
The alleged-drug smuggler and the cocaine were taken into custody and handed off to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to face charges.
Border Patrol Agents from interior checkpoints busted several U.S. citizens for trafficking marijuana this week. The agents found approximately 150 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $200,000. All the alleged-drug smugglers were arrested and booked into county jail. Border Patrol Agents detained the marijuana and vehicles.
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Since October 1, 2010, the San Diego Sector Border Patrol has seized approximately 2,331 pounds of cocaine, 578 pounds of methamphetamine and 68,722 pounds of marijuana.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Drug seizures in San Diego continue with Border Patrol - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/drug-seizures-san-diego-continue-with-border-patrol#ixzz1c7qyH2lc
Monday, October 24, 2011
Border Patrol Agent Jesus Diaz gets two years in prison for handcuffing illegal
Border Patrol Agent Diaz gets two years in prison for handcuffing illegal alien
Border Patrol Agent Jesus “Chito” Diaz received a two-year prison sentence for mishandling his handcuffs on a known-illegal alien drug smuggler. He was charged by the Obama Administration Justice Department using the vague “civil rights” strategy and was convicted last week of lifting the arms of a prisoner while handcuffed.
According to the Law Enforcement Officers Advocates Council, the government's case is based on false testimony that is contradicted by the facts. This includes the charge that Agent Diaz was physically abusive to the then minor "MBE" as noted by court documents and transcripts that Diaz allegedly put his knee on his back and pulled back on his handcuffs.
“However, given the time of day during the incident, October 16, 2008 at about 2 a.m. and lack of lighting it would be impossible to have actually seen much if anything. The agent who stood next to Mr. Diaz, Marco Ramos testified that he did not see anything that was claimed to have taken place,” Andy Ramirez, president of LEOAC explained. “Other witnesses made claims that were contradictory amongst each other, and some later admitted in court to having perjured themselves, including Gabriel Lerma. Such admissions were ignored by the court and government who continued the prosecution having filed charges against Mr. Diaz for lying to investigators.”
Despite the explanations, the Mexican Consulate pushed for charges against the Border Patrol agent. They contend the Mexican drug smuggler, a minor when he was arrested, was hit several times. The Mexican government also states the beatings continued because the drug smuggler could not give agents the name of his boss. The young drug smuggler also claimed the Border Patrol agent threatened him with continued violence until he provided agents with the name of his boss.
All these claims were disputed by Agent Diaz.
“The doper claimed he suffered no injuries during his testimony during the trial. He was sore from his shoulders. However, that was due to the weight of the drug load, approximately 75 pounds that he carried across the border. There were two dopers apprehended during the incident and 150 pounds total drugs seized. The court sealed the pictures of the doper, which would corroborate the defense that there were neither injuries received or bruising to his lower arms where the handcuffs were placed nor any bruising resulting from the alleged knee on his back. The only marks on his body came from the straps of the pack he carried containing the drugs,” Ramirez said.
Family member’s reaction to the harsh verdict turned to fear for “Chito’s” life as law enforcement officers are often prime targets for prison violence.
“I am coping with the fact that he could potentially be home in six months for good behavior,” said Diana Guadarrama Diaz, wife of Agent Diaz. “I am still angry and scared. Anything can happen inside prison walls.”
The perplexing conviction of a Border Patrol agent for handcuff abuse is certain to have a chilling effect for those agents in the field who encounter drug smugglers every day.
DOJ remains under fire for the weapons it let “walk” under Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF’s) Fast and Furious program. That failed program lead to the unsolved murders of Border Patrol Agents Brian Terry and Robert Rosas (two individuals have been incarcerated for the murder, but others remain at large) and the murder of Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agent Jaime Zapata. These murders remain clear memories for agents arresting the barrage of drug smugglers that continue to cross the U.S./Mexico border.
“I think this case will not only affect Border Patrol agents, but all law enforcement officers whose job requires that they use handcuffs,” Mrs. Diaz explained. “It is rulings like these that give the drug cartels the power to run amok. How can a law enforcement officer do their job when they handcuff the individual for their own safety…?
She explains the looming threat of potentially violating suspect drug smugglers’ civil rights because handcuffing can cause pain is unfounded. “What's next? Will law enforcement be banned from talking to people? It’s no wonder cartels don't respect U.S. law enforcement. During sentencing, the judge said just because you have a badge and gun doesn't give you the right to violate a drug smugglers rights.”
As for “Chito,” he only needs to look back to the Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean case. The two Border Patrol Agents were arrested after chasing a fleeing illegal drug smuggler who was eventually shot in the butt. The Attorney General on the case, Johnny Sutton, went over and beyond his prosecution guidelines and the two agents were sentenced to prison. The public outcry was swift and loud. Talk radio refused to let the injustice stand, and after numerous Congressmen and Senator complaints, the two Border Patrol Agents had their prison sentences commuted by outgoing President George Bush.
“This case, unlike that one, is completely clean - defense wise. Judge directed him to apologize to the victim (not present), the nation, fellow BP Agents, his family... He refused and maintained silence,” Ramirez said. “The judge ignored numerous admissions by their own witnesses of perjury. Word is the government did not want this case sitting out there being campaigned on during the 2012 election cycle, so that Holder/DOJ leaned on the judge.”
Like the Ramos and Compean case, talk radio has picked-up the torch and family members are hopeful “Chito’s” name will be cleared. "We believe we can clear Agent Diaz' name given the facts in this case and contradictory statements by the ‘star witnesses,’" Ramirez said.
"While the sentence was light compared to what it could have been, Agent Diaz is a hero and this case should have never gone forward even at an administrative level against Chito, which was recommended by the Office of Professional Responsibility to CBP Internal Affairs. Chito was cleared previously by the Office of Inspector General and OPR regarding prosecution. So how this became a criminal case demands intense scrutiny and oversight. It should have been prosecuted against the dopers, and since then, those star witnesses who perjured themselves. Where is the justice in this case? Once again, our government is far more concerned with the so-called rights of criminal illegal-alien dopers than our agents who continue to be prosecuted for doing their job. Congress needs to investigate this case and the pattern of misconduct and abuse that has resulted in an innocent agent going to prison yet again," concluded Ramirez.
The kicker is the appeal will be heard before the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, LA, the same court as the Ramos/Compean cases. So far there is no date for the hearing and experts say it will most likely take three years to reach a judge.
In the meantime, the Diaz family will try to live as normal a life as possible, grocery shopping, getting the children to and from school, homework and praying their father will come home safely.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Border Patrol Agent Jesus “Chito” Diaz received a two-year prison sentence for mishandling his handcuffs on a known-illegal alien drug smuggler. He was charged by the Obama Administration Justice Department using the vague “civil rights” strategy and was convicted last week of lifting the arms of a prisoner while handcuffed.
According to the Law Enforcement Officers Advocates Council, the government's case is based on false testimony that is contradicted by the facts. This includes the charge that Agent Diaz was physically abusive to the then minor "MBE" as noted by court documents and transcripts that Diaz allegedly put his knee on his back and pulled back on his handcuffs.
“However, given the time of day during the incident, October 16, 2008 at about 2 a.m. and lack of lighting it would be impossible to have actually seen much if anything. The agent who stood next to Mr. Diaz, Marco Ramos testified that he did not see anything that was claimed to have taken place,” Andy Ramirez, president of LEOAC explained. “Other witnesses made claims that were contradictory amongst each other, and some later admitted in court to having perjured themselves, including Gabriel Lerma. Such admissions were ignored by the court and government who continued the prosecution having filed charges against Mr. Diaz for lying to investigators.”
Despite the explanations, the Mexican Consulate pushed for charges against the Border Patrol agent. They contend the Mexican drug smuggler, a minor when he was arrested, was hit several times. The Mexican government also states the beatings continued because the drug smuggler could not give agents the name of his boss. The young drug smuggler also claimed the Border Patrol agent threatened him with continued violence until he provided agents with the name of his boss.
All these claims were disputed by Agent Diaz.
“The doper claimed he suffered no injuries during his testimony during the trial. He was sore from his shoulders. However, that was due to the weight of the drug load, approximately 75 pounds that he carried across the border. There were two dopers apprehended during the incident and 150 pounds total drugs seized. The court sealed the pictures of the doper, which would corroborate the defense that there were neither injuries received or bruising to his lower arms where the handcuffs were placed nor any bruising resulting from the alleged knee on his back. The only marks on his body came from the straps of the pack he carried containing the drugs,” Ramirez said.
Family member’s reaction to the harsh verdict turned to fear for “Chito’s” life as law enforcement officers are often prime targets for prison violence.
“I am coping with the fact that he could potentially be home in six months for good behavior,” said Diana Guadarrama Diaz, wife of Agent Diaz. “I am still angry and scared. Anything can happen inside prison walls.”
The perplexing conviction of a Border Patrol agent for handcuff abuse is certain to have a chilling effect for those agents in the field who encounter drug smugglers every day.
DOJ remains under fire for the weapons it let “walk” under Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF’s) Fast and Furious program. That failed program lead to the unsolved murders of Border Patrol Agents Brian Terry and Robert Rosas (two individuals have been incarcerated for the murder, but others remain at large) and the murder of Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agent Jaime Zapata. These murders remain clear memories for agents arresting the barrage of drug smugglers that continue to cross the U.S./Mexico border.
“I think this case will not only affect Border Patrol agents, but all law enforcement officers whose job requires that they use handcuffs,” Mrs. Diaz explained. “It is rulings like these that give the drug cartels the power to run amok. How can a law enforcement officer do their job when they handcuff the individual for their own safety…?
She explains the looming threat of potentially violating suspect drug smugglers’ civil rights because handcuffing can cause pain is unfounded. “What's next? Will law enforcement be banned from talking to people? It’s no wonder cartels don't respect U.S. law enforcement. During sentencing, the judge said just because you have a badge and gun doesn't give you the right to violate a drug smugglers rights.”
As for “Chito,” he only needs to look back to the Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean case. The two Border Patrol Agents were arrested after chasing a fleeing illegal drug smuggler who was eventually shot in the butt. The Attorney General on the case, Johnny Sutton, went over and beyond his prosecution guidelines and the two agents were sentenced to prison. The public outcry was swift and loud. Talk radio refused to let the injustice stand, and after numerous Congressmen and Senator complaints, the two Border Patrol Agents had their prison sentences commuted by outgoing President George Bush.
“This case, unlike that one, is completely clean - defense wise. Judge directed him to apologize to the victim (not present), the nation, fellow BP Agents, his family... He refused and maintained silence,” Ramirez said. “The judge ignored numerous admissions by their own witnesses of perjury. Word is the government did not want this case sitting out there being campaigned on during the 2012 election cycle, so that Holder/DOJ leaned on the judge.”
Like the Ramos and Compean case, talk radio has picked-up the torch and family members are hopeful “Chito’s” name will be cleared. "We believe we can clear Agent Diaz' name given the facts in this case and contradictory statements by the ‘star witnesses,’" Ramirez said.
"While the sentence was light compared to what it could have been, Agent Diaz is a hero and this case should have never gone forward even at an administrative level against Chito, which was recommended by the Office of Professional Responsibility to CBP Internal Affairs. Chito was cleared previously by the Office of Inspector General and OPR regarding prosecution. So how this became a criminal case demands intense scrutiny and oversight. It should have been prosecuted against the dopers, and since then, those star witnesses who perjured themselves. Where is the justice in this case? Once again, our government is far more concerned with the so-called rights of criminal illegal-alien dopers than our agents who continue to be prosecuted for doing their job. Congress needs to investigate this case and the pattern of misconduct and abuse that has resulted in an innocent agent going to prison yet again," concluded Ramirez.
The kicker is the appeal will be heard before the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, LA, the same court as the Ramos/Compean cases. So far there is no date for the hearing and experts say it will most likely take three years to reach a judge.
In the meantime, the Diaz family will try to live as normal a life as possible, grocery shopping, getting the children to and from school, homework and praying their father will come home safely.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Border Patrol snags 100 pounds of cocaine at San Diego checkpoint
The Interstate 8 Border Patrol checkpoint east of San Diego snagged more than a million dollars worth of cocaine headed to America’s streets yesterday.
Border Patrol agents became suspicious of a 52-year-old male Mexican national, who was driving a green Peterbilt semi-truck when he stopped at the checkpoint. Their suspicions were confirmed during the secondary inspection when the K-9 team located illegal narcotics.
The Border Patrol K-9 team located the cocaine near the rear-side of the passenger panel inside the truck. “Agents searched the truck and discovered a total of 42 bundles of cocaine concealed inside of an air vent,” CBP agents said.
“The cocaine weighed a total 107.48 pounds and had an estimated street value of $1,074,800. The suspected smuggler and narcotics were taken into custody and subsequently turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration,” according to agents.
The tractor trailer was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.
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Since October 1, 2010, San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents have seized more than 2,300 pounds of cocaine, more than 540 pounds of methamphetamine and 68,550 pounds of marijuana.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/china-s-war-strategy-why-it-s-working-part-one
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Border Patrol snags 100 pounds of cocaine at San Diego checkpoint - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/border-patrol-snags-100-pounds-of-cocaine-at-san-diego-checkpoint#ixzz1ZNIQEc5H
Border Patrol agents became suspicious of a 52-year-old male Mexican national, who was driving a green Peterbilt semi-truck when he stopped at the checkpoint. Their suspicions were confirmed during the secondary inspection when the K-9 team located illegal narcotics.
The Border Patrol K-9 team located the cocaine near the rear-side of the passenger panel inside the truck. “Agents searched the truck and discovered a total of 42 bundles of cocaine concealed inside of an air vent,” CBP agents said.
“The cocaine weighed a total 107.48 pounds and had an estimated street value of $1,074,800. The suspected smuggler and narcotics were taken into custody and subsequently turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration,” according to agents.
The tractor trailer was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.
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Since October 1, 2010, San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents have seized more than 2,300 pounds of cocaine, more than 540 pounds of methamphetamine and 68,550 pounds of marijuana.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/china-s-war-strategy-why-it-s-working-part-one
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Border Patrol snags 100 pounds of cocaine at San Diego checkpoint - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/border-patrol-snags-100-pounds-of-cocaine-at-san-diego-checkpoint#ixzz1ZNIQEc5H
Friday, September 16, 2011
$4 million worth of drugs snagged by San Diego Border Patrol
San Diego Border Patrol agents arrested a legal resident for smuggling more than 330 pounds of cocaine inside a tractor trailer at the Interstate 8 checkpoint.
Agents encountered the 46-year-old male Mexican national at the checkpoint driving a bright red Freightliner tractor trailer. During the inspection process, Border Patrol became suspicious of the driver’s nervous demeanor and sent him to the secondary inspection station.
“A Border Patrol K-9 team performed a cursory inspection of the tractor trailer resulting in a positive alert. Further inspection revealed two non-factory compartments inside the fuel tanks,” said Scott Simon, Border Patrol AgentSan Diego Sector Information and Communication Division. “Agents discovered 130 bundles of cocaine with a total weight of more than 334 pounds and an estimated street value of $3,346,600 inside the compartments.”
In a separate apprehension, Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Interstate 15 checkpoint nabbed a 21-year-old male U.S. citizen for smuggling 78 bundles of marijuana in the rear seat and trunk of his vehicle. “The total weight of the drugs was more than 416 pounds with an estimated street value of nearly $250, 000,” Simon said.
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Border Patrol said the suspected smugglers and illicit narcotics were taken into custody and respectively turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Border Patrol Agents seized all the vehicles.
Since October 1, 2010, San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents have seized more than 2,100 pounds of cocaine, 473 pounds of methamphetamine, and 68,550 pounds of marijuana.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com $4 million worth of drugs snagged by San Diego Border Patrol - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/4-million-worth-of-drugs-snagged-by-san-diego-border-patrol#ixzz1Y9geva23
Agents encountered the 46-year-old male Mexican national at the checkpoint driving a bright red Freightliner tractor trailer. During the inspection process, Border Patrol became suspicious of the driver’s nervous demeanor and sent him to the secondary inspection station.
“A Border Patrol K-9 team performed a cursory inspection of the tractor trailer resulting in a positive alert. Further inspection revealed two non-factory compartments inside the fuel tanks,” said Scott Simon, Border Patrol AgentSan Diego Sector Information and Communication Division. “Agents discovered 130 bundles of cocaine with a total weight of more than 334 pounds and an estimated street value of $3,346,600 inside the compartments.”
In a separate apprehension, Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Interstate 15 checkpoint nabbed a 21-year-old male U.S. citizen for smuggling 78 bundles of marijuana in the rear seat and trunk of his vehicle. “The total weight of the drugs was more than 416 pounds with an estimated street value of nearly $250, 000,” Simon said.
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Border Patrol said the suspected smugglers and illicit narcotics were taken into custody and respectively turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Border Patrol Agents seized all the vehicles.
Since October 1, 2010, San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents have seized more than 2,100 pounds of cocaine, 473 pounds of methamphetamine, and 68,550 pounds of marijuana.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com $4 million worth of drugs snagged by San Diego Border Patrol - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/4-million-worth-of-drugs-snagged-by-san-diego-border-patrol#ixzz1Y9geva23
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Mercedes loaded with cocaine seized north of San Diego
Border Patrol Agents seized a Mercedes Benz loaded with 26 pounds of cocaine at the Interstate 5 border checkpoint just north of San Diego.
A K-9 team alerted agents to the trunk of the Mercedes where Border Patrol found a large black duffel bag containing 10 brick-shaped packages of cocaine. “The total estimated street value of the narcotics was $266,110,” according to a CBP press release.
A 31-year-old male American citizen was arrested and turned over to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) for suspicion of drug smuggling.
In a separate smuggling attempt, Border Patrol Agents apprehended a 23-year-old male Mexican national trying to smuggle 28 bundles of cocaine. Once agents sent the nervous driver to the secondary inspection area, K-9’s sniffed out the drugs worth approximately $285,000, in the wheel well of a Dodge Ram pickup.
The Mexican national, who was in the country legally, was taken into custody and subsequently turned over to the DEA for further investigation. The U.S. Border Patrol impounded both vehicles.
According to Border Patrol, since October 1, 2010, San Diego Sector agents have confiscated more than 1,800 pounds of cocaine.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Mercedes loaded with cocaine seized north of San Diego - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/mercedes-loaded-with-cocaine-seized-north-of-san-diego#ixzz1XP1TuJgr
A K-9 team alerted agents to the trunk of the Mercedes where Border Patrol found a large black duffel bag containing 10 brick-shaped packages of cocaine. “The total estimated street value of the narcotics was $266,110,” according to a CBP press release.
A 31-year-old male American citizen was arrested and turned over to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) for suspicion of drug smuggling.
In a separate smuggling attempt, Border Patrol Agents apprehended a 23-year-old male Mexican national trying to smuggle 28 bundles of cocaine. Once agents sent the nervous driver to the secondary inspection area, K-9’s sniffed out the drugs worth approximately $285,000, in the wheel well of a Dodge Ram pickup.
The Mexican national, who was in the country legally, was taken into custody and subsequently turned over to the DEA for further investigation. The U.S. Border Patrol impounded both vehicles.
According to Border Patrol, since October 1, 2010, San Diego Sector agents have confiscated more than 1,800 pounds of cocaine.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Mercedes loaded with cocaine seized north of San Diego - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/mercedes-loaded-with-cocaine-seized-north-of-san-diego#ixzz1XP1TuJgr
Monday, August 22, 2011
Border Patrol makes huge crystal meth drug bust in San Diego
Border Patrol agents at freeway checkpoints thwarted two major drug smuggling attempts and netted a combined seizure of $1.1 million of crystal methamphetamine.
BP agents came across two 19-year-old male United States citizens as they arrived at a San Diego freeway checkpoint. The pair was driving a 2003 Toyota Corolla when agents noticed inconsistent answers to general Border Patrol questions. That behavior landed the men in the secondary inspection center.
“A Border Patrol K-9 team performed a cursory inspection of the vehicle resulting in a positive alert to the driver’s side doors,” said a CBP Press Officer. “Agents searched the vehicle and discovered a hidden compartment inside a speaker box located in the trunk. Inside the compartment, agents found 24 bundles of methamphetamine with a total weight of 30.98 pounds and an estimated street value of $619,600.”
A second freeway checkpoint bust saw Border Patrol agents seize another load of meth worth approximately $470,000 just east San Diego. “Agents discovered 30 bundles totaling 23.5 pounds of the illicit narcotic in a non-factory compartment inside a vehicle’s rear bumper. In total, the two meth seizures are worth nearly $1.1 million on the street,” CBP said.
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The suspected smugglers and drugs were detained and turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The vehicles were seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.
Between October 1, 2010, and July 31, 2011, San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents have seized more than 66,350 pounds of marijuana, 1,729 pounds of cocaine, and 393 pounds of methamphetamine.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
BP agents came across two 19-year-old male United States citizens as they arrived at a San Diego freeway checkpoint. The pair was driving a 2003 Toyota Corolla when agents noticed inconsistent answers to general Border Patrol questions. That behavior landed the men in the secondary inspection center.
“A Border Patrol K-9 team performed a cursory inspection of the vehicle resulting in a positive alert to the driver’s side doors,” said a CBP Press Officer. “Agents searched the vehicle and discovered a hidden compartment inside a speaker box located in the trunk. Inside the compartment, agents found 24 bundles of methamphetamine with a total weight of 30.98 pounds and an estimated street value of $619,600.”
A second freeway checkpoint bust saw Border Patrol agents seize another load of meth worth approximately $470,000 just east San Diego. “Agents discovered 30 bundles totaling 23.5 pounds of the illicit narcotic in a non-factory compartment inside a vehicle’s rear bumper. In total, the two meth seizures are worth nearly $1.1 million on the street,” CBP said.
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The suspected smugglers and drugs were detained and turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The vehicles were seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.
Between October 1, 2010, and July 31, 2011, San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents have seized more than 66,350 pounds of marijuana, 1,729 pounds of cocaine, and 393 pounds of methamphetamine.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
San Diego Border Patrol agents seize nearly 1 million dollars in illicit drugs
U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Pine Valley checkpoint just east of San Diego, spoiled several smuggling efforts yesterday that resulted in the seizure of roughly three quarters of a million dollars of crystal methamphetamine.
Border Patrol agents pulled over a 23-year-old male American citizen driving a gold 1999 Chevrolet Lumina at the San Diego checkpoint.
“During inspection, agents became suspicious of the man’s nervous demeanor and referred him for a secondary inspection,” said CBP Agent Kurtis Woods.
“Agents noticed anomalies around the engine of the vehicle,” Woods explained. On further review agents “discovered numerous plastic bags of crystal methamphetamine hidden inside of the engine compartment totaling 5.82 pounds with an estimated street value of $104,760.”
In other freeway checkpoint stops, Border Patrol agents seized marijuana from drug smugglers valued at nearly $160,000.
“The second seizure took place at 9 a.m., when agents assigned to the checkpoint encountered the driver of a gold Chrysler 300. Agents noticed the driver, a 22-year-old male United States citizen, appeared nervous and referred him for a secondary inspection,” he explained.
A Border Patrol K-9 team inspected the Chrysler and found the marijuana inside the trunk and rear bumper.
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“Agents searched the vehicle and discovered an access door to a non-factory compartment near the spare tire containing a total of 30 cellophane-wrapped bundles of crystal methamphetamine,” Woods said. “A total of 35.05 pounds was discovered with an estimated street value of $630,900.”
In yet another bust at the I-8 checkpoint agents seized 146.7 pounds of marijuana with a street value of $88,000. “The marijuana was discovered after a Border Patrol K-9 team alerted to an auxiliary fuel tank in the bed of a white 2003 Ford F-150,” Border Patrol said. “A 29-year-old male U.S. citizen and his 22-year-old Mexican female passenger were arrested as a result of the incident.”
The Drug Enforcement Agency took custody of the suspected drugs and traffickers for further investigation. Border Patrol agents at the Pine Valley checkpoint seized all the vehicles.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com San Diego Border Patrol agents seize nearly 1 million dollars in drugs - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/san-diego-border-patrol-agents-seize-nearly-1-million-dollars-illicit-drugs#ixzz1SnHCGeGm
Border Patrol agents pulled over a 23-year-old male American citizen driving a gold 1999 Chevrolet Lumina at the San Diego checkpoint.
“During inspection, agents became suspicious of the man’s nervous demeanor and referred him for a secondary inspection,” said CBP Agent Kurtis Woods.
“Agents noticed anomalies around the engine of the vehicle,” Woods explained. On further review agents “discovered numerous plastic bags of crystal methamphetamine hidden inside of the engine compartment totaling 5.82 pounds with an estimated street value of $104,760.”
In other freeway checkpoint stops, Border Patrol agents seized marijuana from drug smugglers valued at nearly $160,000.
“The second seizure took place at 9 a.m., when agents assigned to the checkpoint encountered the driver of a gold Chrysler 300. Agents noticed the driver, a 22-year-old male United States citizen, appeared nervous and referred him for a secondary inspection,” he explained.
A Border Patrol K-9 team inspected the Chrysler and found the marijuana inside the trunk and rear bumper.
Advertisement
Click here to find out more!
“Agents searched the vehicle and discovered an access door to a non-factory compartment near the spare tire containing a total of 30 cellophane-wrapped bundles of crystal methamphetamine,” Woods said. “A total of 35.05 pounds was discovered with an estimated street value of $630,900.”
In yet another bust at the I-8 checkpoint agents seized 146.7 pounds of marijuana with a street value of $88,000. “The marijuana was discovered after a Border Patrol K-9 team alerted to an auxiliary fuel tank in the bed of a white 2003 Ford F-150,” Border Patrol said. “A 29-year-old male U.S. citizen and his 22-year-old Mexican female passenger were arrested as a result of the incident.”
The Drug Enforcement Agency took custody of the suspected drugs and traffickers for further investigation. Border Patrol agents at the Pine Valley checkpoint seized all the vehicles.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
Continue reading on Examiner.com San Diego Border Patrol agents seize nearly 1 million dollars in drugs - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/san-diego-border-patrol-agents-seize-nearly-1-million-dollars-illicit-drugs#ixzz1SnHCGeGm
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