Thread: Outbound Results in Assault Rifle, Hand Gun Seizures

C.B.P. News Release

CBP Outbound Inspections in Texas Result in Assault Rifle, Loaded Hand Gun Seizures

(Monday, August 24, 2009)

Hidalgo, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and Border Patrol agents working outbound enforcement operations at the Hidalgo port of entry seized an assault-type AR-15 and a .380 caliber handgun; one U.S. and one Mexican citizen were arrested in two separate enforcement operations.

The busy tax-free weekend traffic did not deter CBP officers and Border Patrol agents. On Friday August 21, CBP officers and Border Patrol agents working outbound enforcement operations at the Hidalgo International Bridge came in contact with a pedestrian walking south as he attempted to exit the United States and enter Mexico.

After making contact with the male, identified as Rodolfo Palacios Jr., an 18-year-old U.S. citizen and resident of Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico, CBP officers and agents escorted Palacios to secondary for an intensified examination. In secondary, CBP officers and Border Patrol agents discovered what was determined to be an Olympic Arms AR-15 assault rifle, two 50-round magazines, 54 rounds of ammunition and an NcStarr rifle scope hidden under the male’s clothing.

The pedestrian was arrested by CBP officers and Border Patrol agents and subsequently was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement special agents who continue to investigate this failed smuggling attempt and will process Rodolfo Palacios Jr. on federal charges for unlicensed export of items on the U.S. munitions list.

In a second case this weekend on Saturday August 22, at the Hidalgo port of entry, CBP officers and Border Patrol agents working outbound enforcement operations stopped a pickup as it approached the U.S.-Mexico boundary. The driver of the 1997 Chevrolet S-10 pickup identified as Guillermo Colina Guillen, a 42-year-old Mexican citizen who resides in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico was referred to secondary for an intensified examination. In secondary, CBP officers and Border Patrol agents’ search revealed a package containing a loaded Davis Industries .380 caliber handgun, 50 rounds of .380 caliber ammunition and one .380 handgun magazine hidden under the dash area of the pickup.

The driver was arrested by CBP officers and Border Patrol agents and later was turned over to ICE special agents who continue to investigate this failed smuggling attempt and will process Guillermo Colina Guillen on federal charges for unlicensed export of items on the U.S. munitions list.

“Hidalgo-based CBP officers and Border Patrol agents used their training and prevented these weapons from being exported and entering the country of Mexico. Our officers and agents have greatly contributed to the prevention of these weapons from being exported contrary to federal regulations. This is a good interception by our outbound team in Hidalgo,â€

I'll be sure not to take my guns across the border