Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Joel Martinez

The U.S. Border Patrol's Rio Grande Valley Sector covers 277 miles of border along the Rio Grande and 316 miles along the Gulf of Mexico. #HonorFirst #RGV

[Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Joel Martinez @USBPDepChiefRGV]

@USBPChiefTCA Best of luck to you Hector, congratulations on a great career

[Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Joel Martinez @USBPDepChiefRGV]

This account will no longer be active. To stay informed and to continue following Rio Valley Sector, please follow @USBPChiefRGV.

[Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Joel Martinez @USBPDepChiefRGV]

RGV #USBP agents assisted local law enforcement with two major accidents and provided medical assistance to 17 migrants this weekend.

Our extraordinary agents are always ready to assist in any situation.

https://t.co/d0ggFqIU3C

[Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Joel Martinez @USBPDepChiefRGV]

THURSDAY DOUBLE DOWN:
In one day, RGV #BorderPatrol agents working near Garceno, TX, seized 543lbs of #marijuana in two separate incidents. The drugs are valued at more than $435K.

[Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Joel Martinez @USBPDepChiefRGV]

Within 24 hrs, #RGV agents apprehended 25 migrants and seized 2 pistols in 5 failed human smuggling events.

One of which, led to a collision on the U.S. 281.

Smugglers are dangerous, profit seeking #criminals.

https://t.co/TcM3NFBF7d

[Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Joel Martinez @USBPDepChiefRGV]

#USBP agents in collaboration with state and local law enforcement continue to disrupt smuggling activity.
From an anonymous tip to a tractor trailer load- joint efforts prove successful.
Read more:

https://t.co/a1AWZ8sIqO

[Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Joel Martinez @USBPDepChiefRGV]

#TheNoseKnows
#BP K9 teams discovered 365lbs of marijuana in the brush near Rio Grande City, TX.

Over 600lbs of marijuana was seized by agents across the #RGV this weekend.

https://t.co/lEQJjZn8iX

[Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Joel Martinez @USBPDepChiefRGV]

With the help of technology, RGV BP agents intercepted two drug smuggling events that resulted in the seizure of approximately 650 lbs of marijuana, worth more than $400K.

BP agents utilize technology to detect and respond daily with border security operations.”

[Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Joel Martinez @USBPDepChiefRGV]

Recently, RGV agents arrested four criminal gang members after entering the U.S. illegally.

One of the men is a confirmed MS-13 gang member with a conviction for sexual battery in Hall County, GA. @HallCountySO
#CrossingOurBorders

https://t.co/W2ZGSFTSAi

[Jared C. Ashby, Chief Patrol Agent @USBPChiefRGV]

Today, we laid to rest our brother, Ricardo “Ricky” Zarate. Ricky proudly served in the U.S. Border Patrol for over 12 years & continued to fearlessly perform his duties even during a worldwide pandemic. Ricky, your sacrifice will never be forgotten. #HonorFirst #HonorAlways

[Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Joel Martinez @USBPDepChiefRGV]

RGV agents interdict 7 separate smuggling attempts resulting in 91 arrests.

In one case, Falfurrias USBP Checkpoint agents found 2 migrants on the roof of a semi tractor. Further investigation led to the discovery of 18 more migrants hiding amongst the trailer's commodity.

[Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Joel Martinez @USBPDepChiefRGV]

#CrossingOurBorders

A sex offender and two gang members were arrested by #USBP after illegally entering the U.S.

The sexual predator was arrested and convicted in Los Angeles, California, for forcing a minor under 14yrs old to preform a sexual act.

https://t.co/4YSk5j7TdM

[Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Joel Martinez @USBPDepChiefRGV]

They’re Humans Not Cargo!

A #USBP K9 at the Falfurrias Border Patrol Checkpoint assisted in the discovery of 14 migrants who were locked in a tractor trailer with no means to escape. The migrants were located amongst pallets of produce.

https://t.co/k5aojl5jvp

#TheNoseKnows

[Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Joel Martinez @USBPDepChiefRGV]

RGV agents are encountering more migrants in distress, with ailments ranging from dehydration to head wounds.

These #RESCUES are made possible due to great collaboration with our local, state, and federal partners.

https://t.co/qoSSZi2d4V

[Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Joel Martinez @USBPDepChiefRGV]

MS-13 ARREST
Another MS-13 gang member and a previously convicted sex offender arrested entering the U.S.

To Date: more than 1,600 criminal migrants have been apprehended this fiscal year in #RGV Sector.

https://t.co/T5xR9o4V6e

[Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Joel Martinez @USBPDepChiefRGV]

Tamales? No!
Potatoes? No!

It’s prime marijuana and it’s off the streets … From Rio Grande City to Brownsville, collaborating with local partners pays off to the sum of $197K!

https://t.co/VGAMAhSVvJ

#USBP
#TexasDPS
#LEOpartners
#BorderSecurity
#seizures

[Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Joel Martinez @USBPDepChiefRGV]

#CrossingOurBorders

A Locos Sureños Trece and 4 MS-13 gang members arrested by #RGV agents.

All subjects had criminal history.
Three were previously deported from the U.S.

#BorderSecurityisNationalSecurity

[Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Joel Martinez @USBPDepChiefRGV]

2 sexual predators and 2 gang members arrested by #USBP after #CrossingOurBorders.

One of the sexual crimes was committed with a 13yr old child. The other crime involved obscene material with a minor.

https://t.co/b29PYGt5Yx

[Jared C. Ashby, Chief Patrol Agent @USBPChiefRGV]

It's the hottest part of the summer and apprehensions are skyrocketing!

#USBP Apprehensions surpassed the 1-million milestone in June.

NOW- this week alone - #RGV has apprehended more than 20K illegally present migrants.

[Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Joel Martinez @USBPDepChiefRGV]

RGV Border Patrol agents apprehended 3 Mara-Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang members within 48 hours.

Over 7,800 criminal migrants have been arrested by #USBP this fiscal year. More than 1,600 of those were apprehended in RGV sector.