U.S. Border Patrol Unveils “Se Busca Informacion” Initiative Which Identifies 10 New Targets
The United States and Mexico have announced 10 new criminal targets for their “Se Busca Información” initiative during a press conference at the El Paso Texas Army National Guard Building, July 12.
The “Se Busca Información” initiative, which means to look for information in English, identifies 10 individuals associated with Transnational Criminal Organizations, wanted for crimes ranging from human smuggling to murder, by both U.S. and Mexican Law Enforcement. The Mexican government proposed nine out of the top 10 individuals, and one of the individuals, (Target # 2) was proposed by the United States Border Patrol for being suspected of arranging an elaborate human smuggling network. Seven of the wanted individuals have an active warrant for homicide (Target #’s 4-10); two are wanted for felony narcotics and firearms charges (Target #’s 1 and 3).
Se Busca Campaign Wanted Subjects
The “Se Busca Información” initiative promotes unity at the border and encourages the public on both sides of the border to anonymously report information about Mexican Nationals who are wanted criminals. The phone lines are open 24 hours a day and the calls go directly to local Border Patrol Sectors Intelligence Centers.
The United States and Mexico agree that the “Se Busca Información” initiative is in the best interest of both countries as a way to pursue a safer and more secure border.
The 10 wanted persons’ pictures are found on posters, flyers and billboards. This signage is situated on the United States and Mexico side of the border for public viewing. In Mexico, they are mainly displayed on bulletins and billboards along city streets and on posters in convenience stores. In the United States, posters will be displayed at U.S. Border Patrol stations, immigration checkpoints and international ports of entry in the El Paso and New Mexico border regions.
People who have information about these criminals can confidentially report this information to law enforcement via a (800) 635-2509, or (915) 314-8194, where voice messages, texts, or messaging platform applications such as ‘WhatsApp’ can be used.
“It is crucial that we engage with our community on both sides of the border to get their assistance in getting more information on these wanted criminals. By increasing public awareness through the “Se Busca Información” initiative we increase our ability to apprehend these perpetrators which makes our border community safer and more secure,” said Gloria I. Chavez, chief, Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent for the El Paso Sector.
There are currently five U.S. Border Patrol sectors along the southwest border supporting this bi-national initiative; El Paso, Rio Grande Valley, Laredo, Del Rio and Big Bend.