A major law enforcement operation in the Rio Grande Valley has resulted in the arrest of 78 individuals for immigration-related violations, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. The action, known as Operation Pick-Off, was carried out across Cameron, Willacy, Hidalgo, and Starr counties between August 22 and the following weekend.
Several of those arrested have already appeared before U.S. magistrate judges in McAllen and Brownsville.
Operation Pick-Off is a joint effort among multiple agencies targeting criminal activity linked to immigration violations in the region. Of those detained, 65 are alleged to be in the country illegally after previous removal orders and were reportedly on probation for state crimes such as drug offenses, human smuggling, fraud, burglary, and assault. If convicted on federal charges related to illegal reentry after removal, most could face up to 20 years in prison.
Authorities also apprehended two people with misdemeanor warrants for avoiding examination or inspection by immigration officers; both were on state probation for other crimes. An additional 11 individuals were identified and arrested for similar immigration-related violations and are expected to be removed from the country immediately.
The FBI contributed resources through its Summer Heat initiative as part of Operation Pick-Off’s intelligence-driven approach against priority targets.
“For those that want to come to this country without permission and then victimize American citizens once here, we are more than happy to accommodate them with a stay at a federal facility, followed by a one-way ticket home,” said Ganjei. “SDTX will not rest until we’ve brought Operation Pick-Off to each and every one of the Southern District’s 43 counties. If you’re here illegally and you commit crimes in our community, you can expect a visit from us, and that visit is going to come sooner rather than later. This is what Operation Take Back America looks like.”
Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp of the FBI – San Antonio Field Office stated: “Today’s threats are too complex, too dangerous, and too widespread for any one agency to handle alone. That’s why the FBI joined forces with its law enforcement partners to launch a bold, coordinated strike. Operation Pick Off stands as proof of what that unity can achieve, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering dedication of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to protecting our southern border.”
Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jason E. Schneider of Border Patrol – Rio Grande Valley Sector commented: “This operation reflects the strength of coordinated law enforcement at every level. Through close collaboration we successfully targeted and apprehended individuals who posed a threat to our communities and national security. This mission underscores our commitment to securing our borders and upholding the law through multi-agency operations.”
The investigation was led by FBI and Border Patrol alongside support from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Marshals Service; ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Texas Department of Public Safety; IRS Criminal Investigation; with prosecution handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys from Brownsville and McAllen Divisions.
Operation Pick-Off forms part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide campaign utilizing Department of Justice resources aimed at curbing illegal immigration while combating cartels and transnational criminal organizations through initiatives like Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods.
Authorities emphasized that criminal complaints represent formal accusations only; all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty through due process.
