Thirteen Arrested in West Texas Vehicle Theft Ring

In West Texas, authorities have taken 13 suspects into custody, which includes two Mexican nationals who were allegedly involved in a vehicle theft ring supplying various drug cartels linked to terrorism. Prosecutors claim the group was stealing large SUVs, converting them into armored vehicles for use by these criminal organizations.

This operation, known as Operation Southbound Takedown, has been underway since spring, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas. Collaborating agencies included U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, among others.

The focus of the investigation was on large SUVs that had been stolen from individual owners and rental services, which were then driven into Mexico. Investigators found that these vehicles were being armored and delivered to various terrorist cartels. At least 29 stolen vehicles were recuperated during the operation.

Ryan G. McRae, the Special Agent in Charge of HSI in El Paso, remarked that these crimes are not just random property thefts. He emphasized that the vehicles seized during Operation Southbound Takedown indicate a concerning trend and play a role in supporting the daily functions of dangerous criminal networks.

Since March, law enforcement has arrested 11 U.S. citizens, including:

• Kimberly Aguilar
• Marty Gerardo Jr.
• David Monarrez
• Cesar David Diaz
• Sinuhe Baltizar Lopez
• Christopher Rene Reyes
• Angel Antonio Flores
• Aaron Fernando Luna-Evans
• Amy Foote
• James Dewey Garrett
• Hilario Abraham Morales

Additionally, two Mexican nationals were arrested, both of whom possessed either legal residency or border crossing permits:

• Pablo Frias
• Pilar Bernabeth Mendez Rivas

The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that all individuals mentioned have been arrested and charged at the federal level while awaiting trial.

U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons issued a warning stating that those considering helping transport stolen vehicles into Mexico should rethink their choices. He cautioned that criminal organizations are exploiting people’s desire for easy money to further their operations, which include serious offenses like human smuggling, drug trafficking, and even murder. Simmons added that anyone who assists these cartels will face serious legal repercussions.