Laredo, TEXAS – U.S. Border Patrol Laredo Sector and the City of Laredo are taking action to deny transnational criminal organizations another route to ply their illicit trade into the U.S. by installing metal grates on storm drains within the Laredo area.
Metal grates like this one will be installed on storm drains in the Laredo area, preventing their exploitation as smuggling routes by transnational criminal organizations
On numerous occasions, undocumented aliens have become trapped or disoriented within the drainage tunnels, often requiring federal or city resources to conduct rescue operations. In addition, several assaults on Border Patrol agents have been attributed to criminal organizations utilizing these tunnel systems. Several storm drain/spillway locations have already been identified, and over the next few weeks these grates will be fabricated and installed.
“As U.S. Border Patrol, Laredo Sector, working in partnership with the City of Laredo, moves forward to install these storm drain grates, Transnational Criminal Organizations will be denied yet another avenue to move narcotics, aliens or to attempt to evade capture,” said Interim Chief Patrol Agent Mario Martinez, U.S. Border Patrol, Laredo Sector.
“The City of Laredo is always willing to work with the U.S. Border Patrol and all of our federal law enforcement partners in our community, so that together, we can enhance border security for not only Laredo, but also, the nation,” said City of Laredo City Manager Jesus Olivares.
Securing these tunnel systems will deter the criminal elements, thus improving the safety and quality of life for affected neighborhoods.