From cartel-linked fugitives to multimillion-dollar drug busts, federal agents claimed another week of high-stakes interdictions across South Texas. Here are the biggest border arrests and seizures reported by officials this week.
1. $1.77M Cocaine Load Seized at Falfurrias Checkpoint
Border Patrol agents seized more than 55 pounds of cocaine during a July 3 inspection at the Falfurrias checkpoint, according to Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez.
Chavez posted on July 10 that the cocaine was discovered hidden in a tractor-trailer and estimated the shipment’s value at roughly $1.77 million. She shared a photo of the suspect’s face with the word “ARRESTED” emblazoned across it and wrote, “High Tech and Agents vigilance stopped this threat.”
🚨 Cocaine Smuggler Busted
On July 3, RGV Border Patrol Agents at the Falfurrias Checkpoint seized approximately 55lbs. of cocaine—worth ~ $1.77M—hidden in a tractor trailer.
Suspect arrested. High Tech and Agents vigilance stopped this threat. #RGV #BorderSecurity #Cocaine pic.twitter.com/IheBkVWDVp— Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez (@USBPChiefRGV) July 9, 2025
No further details about the driver’s identity, nationality, or charges were immediately released by federal authorities.
2. “Dangerous Criminal” and Paisas Gang Member Apprehended in Donna
An apparent convicted felon and alleged member of the violent Paisas prison gang was arrested in Donna, Texas, in what Border Patrol described as a joint takedown with Hidalgo County Constables.
DONNA, TX- On 6/26, USBP agents assisted Hidalgo County Constables with the arrest of Osbaldo Aguilar-Aguilar, a known human smuggler and confirmed member of the notorious Paisas prison gang. Aguilar-Aguilar has a violent criminal history, including a prior arrest for aggravated… pic.twitter.com/5fmyFbTFYe
— Chief Michael W. Banks (@USBPChief) July 3, 2025
Chief Michael W. Banks wrote on July 3 that agents assisted in the June 26 arrest of Osbaldo Aguilar-Aguilar, calling him a “known human smuggler” with a record that includes aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Aguilar-Aguilar is reportedly facing new charges for felony illegal re-entry into the United States.
Banks wrote that Border Patrol remains “relentless in the fight to keep dangerous criminals off our streets.”
3. ICE Arrests Mexican Fugitive Wanted for Homicide and Kidnapping
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in West Texas arrested a Mexican national wanted in her home country for murder and kidnapping, the agency announced this week.
WANTED FUGITIVE ARREST: @EROElPaso arrests Lizbeth Nohemi Villarreal-Portillo, a Mexican national, in Odessa, TX. She is wanted in Mexico for homicide and kidnapping. Her apprehension reinforces our commitment to public safety. She remains in ICE custody. #PublicSafety pic.twitter.com/4g3kXRm132
— ERO El Paso (@EROElPaso) July 7, 2025
In a July 7 post, ERO El Paso said Lizbeth Nohemi Villarreal-Portillo was taken into custody in Odessa. The agency account said she “remains in ICE custody” and framed the arrest as part of its broader public safety mission.
This arrest comes as the United States and its Latin American partners have worked to expedite the process of extraditing or otherwise exchanging nationals between countries. Mexico recently fast-tracked the processing of several alleged cartel leaders to the United States. Likewise, Costa Rica’s government recently entered into a new extradition agreement with the United States, per Insight Crime.
Texas Takedown Weekly is a recurring series from The Dallas Express chronicling the most significant immigration-related arrests and interdictions across the state. Read last week’s edition here: Texas Takedown Weekly: Border’s Biggest Busts (July 4)