El Paso Sector Border Patrol agents seized $175,000 in cash from 21 Romanian nationals linked to an organized crime network at an interior immigration checkpoint in New Mexico. Additionally, illegal aliens with criminal histories were arrested in separate incidents in Santa Teresa, New Mexico.
Key Points
Seizure of $175,000 in cash from 21 Romanian nationals at an interior immigration checkpoint in New Mexico
Romanian migrants initially declared $30,000
21 Romanian nationals linked to an organized criminal ring
Arrest of previously deported felon attempting to re-enter the U.S. with a criminal history involving possession of methamphetamine
Arrest of another criminal alien with a history of assault on a peace officer and violent crimes
Prosecution under 8 USC 1326 for illegal re-entry after removal
Pros
Prevention of illegal activities by apprehending individuals linked to organized crime
Possibility of disrupting criminal networks and preventing further criminal activities
Cons
Potential risk of retaliation from the organized crime network