Border agents recently intercepted a significant cache of firearms concealed within a Ford F-350 van, marking yet another alarming example of criminal attempts to smuggle dangerous weapons across our southern border.
During a routine inspection, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers made the discovery — a total of 16 weapons, including three AR-style rifles chambered in 5.56mm, along with 26 magazines and 182 rounds of ammunition. Such a collection of firearms poses a serious threat to border security and public safety, making this seizure all the more critical.
Port Director Liliana Flores of the Del Rio Port of Entry praised her officers’ vigilance. “Our frontline CBP officers take CBP’s border security mission seriously, and this large outbound weapons seizure reflects our firm commitment and resolve to uphold that mission,” Flores said. “Large weapons seizures like these, coupled with ongoing coordination between state and federal law enforcement partners exemplify our continued efforts to help keep our border communities safe and secure, on both sides of the river.”
The troubling trend didn’t stop there. Just days later, CBP officers at the Camino Real International Bridge, also known as Bridge II, in Eagle Pass, made yet another seizure. This time, officers confiscated five weapons, four magazines, and nearly 1,000 rounds of ammunition hidden within an older model pickup attempting to cross from Eagle Pass into Piedras Negras, Mexico.
These back-to-back incidents highlight the ongoing battle that CBP agents face in intercepting illicit weapons trafficking. While critics often focus on illegal immigration, these seizures serve as a stark reminder that dangerous criminal activity — including firearms smuggling — remains a serious concern at our nation’s borders. The tireless work of CBP agents is vital in keeping firearms out of the hands of dangerous criminals on both sides of the border.