Federal and state authorities in Texas recently reported a wave of arrests, including a multi-agency crackdown in the Rio Grande Valley, a major marijuana warehouse bust in Stafford, and a human smuggling attempt in Del Rio.

This has amounted to 99 aliens reportedly being arrested in three enforcement actions across the state in roughly one week.


1. Operation Pick-Off Arrests Nearly 80 Criminal Aliens in the Rio Grande Valley

 

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According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, the sweep, dubbed “Operation Pick-Off,” began August 22 and continued through the weekend across Cameron, Willacy, Hidalgo, and Starr Counties.

A total of 78 individuals were taken into custody, the majority for allegedly reentering the U.S. illegally after deportation. Many were already serving probation for crimes ranging from drug offenses and human smuggling to burglary and assault. If convicted, some may face up to 20 years in federal prison.

The effort was coordinated under the DOJ’s Operation Take Back America, with the FBI, ICE, DEA, ATF, Texas DPS, and other agencies participating.


2. DEA Bust in Stafford Uncovers 1,200 Pounds of Marijuana, 18 Undocumented Workers

 

Most of the nationals were from Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador, with ICE processing them for deportation, per Fox 26 Houston.


3. Del Rio Agents Rescue Migrants from Smuggling Toolbox

 

Agents discovered three migrants crammed into a metal toolbox in extreme heat. Authorities claimed to have arrested the driver on felony smuggling charges.


Texas Takedown Weekly is a recurring series from The Dallas Express chronicling the most significant immigration-related arrests and interdictions across the state. To read last week’s edition, click Texas Takedown Weekly: Drunk Illegal Aliens And $14 Million Of Meth (August 29, 2025).