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Retired federal agent sheds light on criminal activity along border

2 years 11 months 1 week ago Thursday, April 15 2021 Apr 15, 2021 April 15, 2021 11:56 PM April 15, 2021 in News - Local

Last week, Border Patrol agents discovered multiple firearms, ammunition, and drugs inside a stash house in Starr County.

While some Republican lawmakers say the cartels control the southern border, Steve Romero, a federal agent for 26 years and current professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, said he doesn’t believe that’s true.

“I don't believe they're in charge of our southern border. We still have control of our southern border,” Romero said. “If we didn’t, there’d be a lot more people coming into the country illegally.” 

READ ALSO: Republican lawmaker claims cartel is in charge of U.S.-Mexico border during Valley visit

Romero said that although the cartels have a lot to do with smuggling, there are many “freelancers” out there.

He said the confiscated guns and ammo were likely headed across the border.

“Just like Mexico is an exporter of illegal narcotics into the United States, well the U.S. is the biggest exporter of firearms into Mexico," Romero said. "That’s where the majority of firearms are being acquired from because weapons are hard to acquire in Mexico, and so, the easiest place to get weapons is from the United States.”

Romero said the weapons end up in the hands of cartel members and other criminals in Mexico.

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