Agents from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), mounted on horseback, apprehended a previously deported illegal immigrant who is also a child predator near the U.S.-Mexico border. On Tuesday, state officials announced that Border Patrol agents detained several illegal immigrants as part of an initiative called “Operation Lone Star” on New Year’s Day.
The operation occurred in Maverick County, Texas, close to Del Rio. Among those taken into custody was Marcio Steven Izaguirre, a 41-year-old Honduran citizen with a criminal history. Body camera footage released by the DPS revealed officers discovering Izaguirre hiding in the brush.
The footage showed two mounted officers rapidly traversing a rocky desert area, issuing commands for Izaguirre to surrender. Eventually, they cuffed him and escorted him in front of their horses. The incident was first noticed around 10:30 a.m. when a camera at a private ranch detected an illegal trespasser.
Further investigations uncovered that Izaguirre had been deported multiple times since 2004. His criminal record includes various offenses, such as a 2008 conviction related to providing alcohol to a minor and child sexual abuse in Georgia.
The DPS indicated that Izaguirre has been referred to U.S. Border Patrol officials. Lt. Chris Olivares from the Texas DPS emphasized the importance of these operations to prevent legal violators from escaping and to enhance public safety.
Texas plays a significant role in U.S. border enforcement, covering over half of the border with Mexico, which stretches approximately 1,254 miles. The state actively discourages sanctuary jurisdictions and encourages local law enforcement to partner with federal immigration agencies.
