U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge in Laredo, Texas, recently stopped an alleged attempt to smuggle three live parrots into the United States. The incident occurred on January 4 when a 39-year-old man from Mexico and a 37-year-old woman from the United States tried to enter the country in a 2022 GMC Denali.
Officers referred the vehicle for further inspection and found three red-lored parrots hidden among the passenger’s personal belongings. Homeland Security Investigations began a criminal investigation, arresting both individuals involved. The birds were handed over to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Red-lored parrots are protected under international agreements regulating trade in endangered species. Smuggling birds into the United States is illegal and can result in fines or imprisonment.
“Smuggling birds poses significant risks,” said Alberto Flores, Laredo Port Director. “Birds may carry various diseases that endanger native wildlife and U.S. agriculture, which could lead to serious economic impacts.”
CBP works with agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of Agriculture to stop wildlife smuggling and protect against pests and diseases that threaten American agriculture.
CBP continues its mission at border crossings across land, air, and sea ports of entry by preventing harmful pests and diseases from entering the country.
For updates on CBP activities in Laredo, follow @DFOLaredo on X or Instagram, or visit official social media accounts for more information about ongoing enforcement actions.
