Chief Michael W. Banks details multiple border apprehensions in early January 2026

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Chief Michael W. Banks | X

Chief Michael W. Banks details multiple border apprehensions in early January 2026

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Chief Michael W. Banks, a U.S. Border Patrol sector chief, reported on his official X account a series of recent law enforcement actions involving attempted illegal entries and arrests at the U.S.-Mexico border.

On January 5, 2026, Banks described an incident involving Yuma Sector agents and the Arizona Department of Public Safety: "Yuma Sector agents acted decisively when a tractor-trailer driver with an outstanding immigration warrant attempted to evade arrest. With support from the Arizona Department of Public Safety, agents swiftly disabled the vehicle and apprehended the suspect after a brief pursuit."

Later that same day, Banks posted about another apprehension near Somerton, Arizona: "Oswaldo Vasquez-Contreras was apprehended attempting to illegally enter the U.S. near Somerton, AZ. Once in custody, records revealed an alarming criminal history.

Convictions include:

 Sexual Abuse by Force

 Sexual Abuse, 3rd Degree

 Public Indecency/Lewd Exposure

" The tweet details that Vasquez-Contreras had prior convictions for sexual abuse by force and public indecency.

On January 6, 2026, Banks provided information about another operation conducted during Stonegarden Operations near Laredo, Texas: "WANTED ILLEGAL ALIEN APPREHENDED! 

During Stonegarden Operations near Laredo, TX, the Zapata County Sheriff's Office requested assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol with a vehicle stop. Immigration checks confirmed that all three men were Mexican nationals illegally present in"

These reports highlight ongoing cooperation between federal agencies such as the U.S. Border Patrol and local law enforcement entities like the Arizona Department of Public Safety and Zapata County Sheriff's Office in addressing border security issues.

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