Alamdar Hamdani U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A 35-year-old resident of McAllen, Texas, has confessed to pointing a laser at a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) helicopter. The incident occurred on the evening of December 29, 2024, as announced by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
The individual, George Anthony Garza, directed the laser beam multiple times towards an Air and Marine Operations helicopter from CBP during its flight. This action disrupted the pilot's vision. Authorities traced the source of the laser to Garza's backyard.
When law enforcement approached his residence, Garza surrendered the laser pointer and admitted to targeting the aircraft that night.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton is scheduled to sentence Garza on June 3. He faces a potential five-year federal prison term and could be fined up to $250,000.
Garza remains on bond until sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, CBP, and Border Patrol with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration and McAllen Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda McColgan is handling prosecution for this case.
