Three individuals identified as illegal immigrants were apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) near Presidio, Texas, on June 27, carrying AK-style assault rifles. The individuals, identified as Mexican nationals Edgar Barrios-Najera, Misael Hernandez-Rodriquez, and Braulio Murrillo-Tevarez, now face federal weapons charges.
According to Department of Homeland Security officials, two of the individuals were carrying the rifles at the time of their apprehension, while a third admitted to having previously crossed the border illegally and directed agents to an additional weapon. The weapons and ammunition have been secured by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis stated, "These illegal aliens from Mexico illegally crossed the border with assault rifles and ammunition." Bis added, "Thanks to the swift work of the US Border Patrol and our partner agencies, these three criminals failed to get into our country and will not be able to threaten the American people."
It remains unclear whether the apprehension is linked to any gang or cartel activity. The U.S. has designated several gangs, including Venezuela's Tren de Aragua, El Salvador's MS-13, and Mexico's Cártel de Sinaloa, as foreign terror organizations.
In late June, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling that permits the administration to turn away migrants who arrive at the U.S.-Mexico border without first applying for asylum. Asylum seekers must typically demonstrate a fear of persecution in their home country based on race, religion, nationality, social group membership, or political views to be granted protection and the possibility of legal residency in the U.S.