Federal probe launched in NM-Texas border town

By JUAN CARLOS LLORCA, Associated Press
Updated 9:22 am, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

ANTHONY, N.M. (AP) — Residents of a small New Mexico border town woke to the sounds of helicopters, bangs and screaming as federal and local agents conducted an early morning sweep.

Anthony police spokeswoman Mary Hall said a team of local and federal law enforcement agents, including SWAT teams, served warrants Wednesday morning in a number of areas. She did not know what type of warrants were served.

At one home on the northern edge of town, the front door was busted in and two state police cars and two SUVs remained outside at midmorning.

"At 5 a.m. we heard a big boom," said Angie Marquez, 19, who lives across the street and three doors down from the home on Old Field Circle. "It was really loud. My mom was the one who told me to get up because there were a lot of cops."

Marquez said she did not know who lived at the home.

"I heard one of the cops screaming," Marquez said. "I couldn't hear what he said. And there was lots of FBI, and they stayed in the house until it was morning. Then they started leaving."

FBI spokesman Frank Fisher confirmed that a law enforcement operation was underway but declined to give details.

The El Paso Times reports (http://bit.ly/11j0tS1 ) that at least two helicopters were seen flying over the town, with one shining a spotlight over some areas.

Anthony straddles New Mexico and Texas and is 21 miles north of El Paso, Texas.

http://www.seattlepi.com/news/us/art...wn-4498850.php