By César Rodriguez, LMTonline.com / Laredo Morning Times Updated 2:24 pm CDT, Tuesday, August 11, 2020



In unrelated enforcement actions, U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested two convicted felons who were in the country illegally.

One case unfolded during the morning hours of Aug. 9. Agents had apprehended several individuals on a ranch in south Laredo for entering the country illegally.

One immigrant was identified as Juan Zorola-Gomez, a 59-year old Mexican national. During his processing, records revealed that he has been convicted of transporting immigrants, aiding and abetting, heroin transportation, narcotics smuggling and possession with intent to distribute.

Border Patrol said his convictions carried sentences of more than 13 years. Records further revealed multiple deportations from the United States, authorities said.

A second case occurred later that afternoon. Agents arrested Jose Angel Gandara-Rodriguez, a 38-year old Mexican national who had crossed the border illegally, in south Laredo.

During his processing, it was determined that Gandara-Rodriguez has a significant criminal history that includes charges of injury to a child/elderly/disabled, aggravated assault and sexual assault.

Gandara-Rodriguez also has a previous felony conviction on the charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon that carried a sentence of two years confinement and five years of probation. He, too, has multiple deportations.

Both Zorola-Gomez and Gandara-Rodriguez were criminally charged for their immigration violations and remain in U.S. Border Patrol custody pending prosecution.

To report suspicious activity such as human and/or drug smuggling, download the “USBP Laredo Sector” App or contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free at 1-800-343-1994.

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