Increase Expected in Chinese Illegal Aliens Crossing into Texas

WESLACO - A former Drug Enforcement Administration agent predicts an increase in Chinese immigrants crossing illegally into the Rio Grande Valley.

"The Chinese organized criminals - especially when it comes to human smuggling - will team up with anybody that will assist them in transporting people from China to the U.S. via Mexico... The Zetas are well organized in smuggling people in the U.S.," says Phil Jordan, a former DEA supervisor.

Agents found the connection between the two organizations by investigating the Zetas' biggest moneymaking operation - drug trafficking.

June 7, 2012
KRGV.com

"The Chinese have always been involved in precursor chemicals that are used to manufacture meth," explains Jordan.

He says the Zetas and Chinese mafia have a drug trafficking network that runs through Latin America. U.S. drug agents and customs officers intercepted 40-foot containers filled with a highly dangerous and addictive drug used to make methamphetamine. The containers were headed to the Zetas in Belize. The seizure is reportedly worth $10 billion.

"If the intelligence continues to show the Chinese are partnering with the Zetas, you're going to see an obvious increase in the number of Chinese coming across," says Jordan.

The U.S. State Department's 2010 human trafficking report states the Zetas have the biggest human trafficking network in the world transporting Asians. They charge up to $70,000 or more per person. According to Jordan, human trafficking is the cartels' second biggest moneymaker.

"The Zetas are in this for the money, and they'll do anything in their power to get that money," says the former DEA supervisor.

He adds most Chinese immigrants coming to the U.S. are trying to escape communism. "They're just trying to get over here for a better way of life, opportunity," says Jordan.

But he adds it's possible the Chinese government could send criminals in with the people looking for a better life. "What better way to get some people over here that can eventually become spies," he says.

U.S. law enforcement is already tracking the Chinese-Zeta smuggling connection. "Mexico is assisting the U.S. in helping to gain this intelligence gathering," Jordan tells us.

But he couldn't tell us exactly what they're doing to stop the network.