CBP Involved Shooting at Bridge of the Americas Border Entry in El Paso, Texas

"Socalj" for Borderland Beat

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers fired gunshots at a vehicle that sped into Mexico on Saturday evening on the Bridge of the Americas, an agency spokesperson said.

The shooting occurred at 5:11 p.m. while CBP officers were inspecting southbound traffic on the U.S. side of the international bridge at the El Paso-Juárez border. CBP regularly checks vehicles heading to Mexico looking for stolen autos, firearms, and drug-cash smuggling.

"While attempting to inspect a vehicle, a driver made an abrupt movement, at which point the officers perceived a threat to themselves and fired at the driver who fled from the inspection area at a high rate of speed and crossed into Mexico," a CBP spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

Two CBP officers fired their weapons during the confrontation, which is under investigation by the agency's Office of Professional Responsibility, officials said. The movement made by the driver was not explained. The white SUV escaped over the busy international bridge into Juárez. Juárez news reports indicated that the vehicle was found by Mexican authorities. CBP said that it was unknown if the driver or any occupants of the vehicle were injured by the gunfire. 

Border travelers on social media reported hearing seven gunshots and seeing CBP officers running and speculated that shots were fired at the federal officers. No shots were fired by the driver and the matter remains under investigation, a CBP spokesman said.

Recent El Paso Border Busts

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at El Paso area ports of entry seized cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, and fentanyl and arrested 30 fugitives over the last week.

“The enforcement efforts at our ports of entry remains high,” said CBP El Paso Director Field Operations Hector A. Mancha. “Our frontline officers remain dedicated to the CBP mission as they continue to disrupt the flow of narcotics and apprehend fugitives all while facilitating the flow of lawful trade and travel.”

On April 30, CBP officers working at the Paso Del Norte border crossing intercepted 57 pounds of methamphetamine from a 70-year-old male U.S. citizen. A total of 51 bundles were discovered hidden throughout the vehicle.

Later that day, CBP officers working at the Ysleta border crossing intercepted five pounds of methamphetamine and six pounds of heroin from a 30-year-old male U.S. citizen. Following a CBP canine alert and non-intrusive inspection of the vehicle, CBP Officers discovered a total of eight bundles hidden within the vehicle.

On May 2, CBP officers working at the Ysleta border crossing intercepted 26 pounds of cocaine from a 19-year-old male U.S. citizen. Following a CBP canine alert and non-intrusive inspection of the vehicle, CBP Officers discovered ten bundles hidden within the vehicle.

On May 3, CBP officers working at the Paso Del Norte border crossing intercepted 0.28 pounds of fentanyl from an individual via pedestrian. The fentanyl was discovered hidden in the groin area of the individual.

On May 5, CBP officers working at the Port of Presidio Texas intercepted three pounds of liquid methamphetamine. The methamphetamine was concealed inside a bottle of liquor. Later that day, CBP officers working at the Bridge of the Americas border crossing intercepted 12 pounds of cocaine from an 18-year-old male U.S. citizen. Following a CBP canine alert and non-intrusive inspection of the vehicle, CBP officers discovered four bundles hidden within the vehicle. The narcotics and vehicle were seized by CBP, and the driver was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations for prosecution.

On May 6, CBP officers working at the Paso Del Norte border crossing intercepted 95 pounds of marijuana from a 37-year-old female U.S. citizen. Following a CBP canine alert, CBP officers discovered 85 bundles hidden in the engine area.

Additionally, CBP officers arrested 30 fugitives from justice this week. The arrests made were for possession of heroin, dangerous drugs, assault, hit and run, fraud, and injury to the elderly. Subjects arrested by CBP officers were turned over to local and federal authorities to face charges.

Source El Paso Times, CBP