A member of the Sureño gang was caught by Freer Border Patrol agents trying to cross the U.S./Mexico border illegally over the weekend.
The gang member was among 8 undocumented migrants arrested near Freer on Friday. All 8 were taken to the station for processing when one admitted to being a member of the violent gang, according to a press released by Border Patrol.
"The men and women in the United States Border Patrol encounter hundreds of individuals on a daily basis. Instances like this remind us that you never know what type of individual you may encounter or what their intentions are until they are taken into custody," said Laredo Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jason D. Owens.
All people who are apprehended by agents undergo a criminal history check using multiple databases, including the use of biometrics, the science of using one or more unique physical characteristics or behavioral traits to identify individuals.
The Mexican Mafia and Sureños are distinct yet interdependent organizations that function in a parent/subordinate capacity, according to the FBI. The Mexican Mafia issues orders to Sureños that in turn serve as foot soldiers for the Mexican Mafia. Sureño gangs, to include MS-13, do not hold membership in the Mexican Mafia and can be categorized into their own distinct gangs, according to the FBI.
According to FBI data from 2015, the Sureño gang is the top gang involved in cross-border crimes.
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.
