LAREDO, TEXAS – Through vigilance, U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Laredo Sector Intelligence Unit apprehended a convicted murderer in east Laredo.
The incident occurred during the late morning of October 1, when agents apprehended several individuals illegally in the United States at a residence on Casa del Sol Boulevard. Agents identified one of the individuals as Rodrigo Mercado-Rodriguez, a 53-year old Mexican national who was arrested for Murder in Prospect Heights, Illinois in 1999, convicted and sentenced to 25-years’ confinement. His record also showed a conviction for Domestic Battery in 1994 and a prior deportation.
U.S. Border Patrol criminally charged Mercado-Rodriguez for his immigration violations and he remains in custody pending federal prosecution.
Despite the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, smugglers continue to show little or no regard for the safety of our Nation by indiscriminately smuggling convicted felons into the country. Laredo Sector agents will continue to be vigilant in their efforts to keep dangerous criminals from entering the United States. The Laredo Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol focuses on its enduring mission priorities of countering terrorism, combatting transnational crime, securing the border, facilitating lawful trade, protecting revenue, and facilitating lawful travel.
To report suspicious activity such as alien and/or drug smuggling, download the “USBP Laredo Sector” App or contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free at 1-800-343-1994. If you see something, please say something.