FORT HANCOCK, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol Agents arrested three males as they attempted to smuggle 68.5 pounds of marijuana across the Rio Grande just east of El Paso on February 27.

Border Patrol Agents working along the border near Fort Hancock observed three individuals entering the United States illegally by walking across the mostly dry Rio Grande River.  When agents confronted the suspects they noted that all three were carrying backpacks of what appeared to be illegal drugs.  The three illegal aliens were taken in to custody and the drugs seized. All were transported to the Fort Hancock Station for further processing.

At the station, Agents tested the contents of the backpacks which indicated a positive result for marijuana. After fingerprinting all three individuals it was found that one suspect, identified as 55-year-old Marin Gonzales of Mexico, had an extensive criminal history.  Gonzales was once a lawfully admitted permanent resident in the United States but was deported due to his convictions.  His criminal history includes convictions for aggravated assault against a household member (fourth degree felony), battery against a household member, battery upon a peace officer, inflicting corporal punishment on spouse, possession of a controlled narcotic. Gonzales has been turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further prosecution. Another of the three subjects was found to be a minor and will be turned over to Mexican authorities. 

The men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol must remain vigilant during every encounter because they never know the history or criminal intent of the people they encounter. Thanks to their continued attentiveness this dangerous man and harmful narcotics are off our streets.