Thread: Federal probe launched in NM-Texas border town

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

Federal agents raid at least two homes in Anthony, NM

By Adriana M. Chávez / El Paso Times
Posted: 05/08/2013 09:03:45 AM MDT

ANTHONY, NM - Federal agents raided at least two Anthony, N.M., homes early this morning as part of an investigation.

A spokesman with the FBI in New Mexico confirmed there is an ongoing operation in Anthony, N.M. involving multiple agencies.

A spokesman with the U.S. Marshals Service in El Paso also confirmed they were assisting with the operation.

FBI agents were seen walking in and out of a mobile home in the 1400 block of Pond Wood Lane, just off of O'Hara Road.

Meanwhile, at a home in the 1600 block of Katy Road, near Loma Linda Elementary School, agents were seen photographing the inside of a black pickup truck parked in the home's driveway.

A set of white wrought iron window guards had been pried off of one of the home's windows, which was also broken out.

A women who lives a few houses down from the home on Katy Road said she heard several loud booms, possibly from flash bangs agents used during the raid, as she woke up about 4:30 a.m. today.

"It was so strong it shook the windows," said the woman, who did not want to give her name, in Spanish. "I looked out the window and saw the police. I thought something had exploded, then I heard the helicopters."

About 5 a.m., at least two helicopters were seen flying over Anthony, N.M. One shined a spotlight on some neighborhoods while the other hovered nearby.

Several federal agents in SWAT gear were also seen carrying rifles in a dirt lot near Loma Linda Elementary, while officers with the New

Mexico State Police Department were also parked nearby.
One vehicle seen at the lot had a Metro Narcotics Unit emblem on its doors.

FBI officials said more information about the operation will be released later today.

Adriana M. Chavez may be reached at achavez@elpasotimes.com; 546-6117. Follow her on Twitter @AChavezEPTimes.

http://www.elpasotimes.com/newupdate...ce=most_viewed

Federal officials raid at least 2 homes in Texas-New Mexico border town of Anthony

Published May 08, 2013
Associated Press

ANTHONY, N.M. – Federal officials say 22 people were arrested on drug trafficking and other charges during an early morning raid around the New Mexico border town of Anthony.

Residents of the town, which straddles New Mexico and Texas just north of El Paso, woke to the sounds of helicopters, bangs and screaming as federal and local agents conducted an early morning sweep on homes.

New Mexico U.S. Attorney Ken Gonzales says 22 people were arrested in New Mexico and Texas, with most of the arrests in Anthony.

A total of 29 people are charged with distributing cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana in and around southern Dona Ana County. Twenty-two were arrested Wednesday.

Five are fugitives and two are in state custody on other charges. Authorities say 20 weapons, 3 kilograms of cocaine, 2 pounds of marijuana and $35,000 in cash was seized in the raids.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/05/08...#ixzz2SjprdhXp