CBP Officers at the Laredo Port of Entry Remain Vigilant and Shut Down Second Port Running Attempt This Week
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Jul 5, 2017, Comments Off
Courtesy Diego Hernandez,
LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers remain vigilant and for the second time in a week, apprehended a Mexican national attempting to illegally make entry into the United States without inspection at the Gateway to the Americas International Bridge pedestrian walkway.
“This was an excellent, cooperative effort by our officers that prevented this individual from illegally entering the U.S.,” said Port Director Gregory Alvarez, Laredo Port of Entry. “It is the responsibility of CBP officers to ensure that all pedestrians are inspected upon arrival in the United States; those individuals that attempt to avoid the inspection process will be dealt with in accordance with U.S. laws and regulations.”
The incident occurred on Friday, June 30, 2017 at the Gateway to the Americas International Bridge. CBP officers noticed a male subject circumventing the primary pedestrian inspection booths by walking alongside heavy southbound vehicular traffic and then proceeded to run northbound on Convent Street. CBP officers quickly apprehended the 25-year-old Mexican national from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, with no prior immigration law violations.
The man was apprehended and will be processed by CBP officers for alleged violation of federal immigration laws.
Keeping terrorists from entering the country, preventing illegal entry, intercepting dangerous drugs and contraband, and apprehending fugitives are all part of what U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers do every day at the ports of entry. Smugglers and others trying to bypass inspection sometimes refuse to comply with instructions and “run the port.”
People who engage in “port running” face serious consequences for their actions, including both civil and criminal penalties. A civil penalty of at least $5,000 and up to $10,000 may be levied. If a vehicle is used, the vehicle may be seized, and individuals may also face criminal prosecution.
