CBP Seizes Six Firearms at Laredo Bridge

Officers found four rifles and two handguns hidden in a cargo trailer at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Drug Crime

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a steel border gate arm across an empty roadway beneath a distant bridge, in deep red and cream. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Laredo seized six firearms and seven magazines hidden in a cargo trailer at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should the U.S. spend more on border security to stop illegal weapons?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Laredo Port of Entry seized six firearms and seven magazines concealed in a cargo trailer at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge. The seizure followed a referral of a 2023 Dodge Ram towing the trailer for secondary inspection.

Why it matters

The seizure highlights ongoing efforts by federal officers at Laredo's border crossings to intercept weapons moving through commercial and private traffic. Federal prosecution has been deferred while Homeland Security Investigations continues its inquiry.

Homeland Security Investigations special agents deferred federal prosecution of the 45-year-old Mexican citizen driver while the seizure is investigated. The status of any charges and the investigation's next steps have not been announced.

The players

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the federal agency responsible for managing and securing the nation's borders at ports of entry.

Homeland Security Investigations

Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security that handles cross-border criminal cases.

The details

Officers used a canine alert and a nonintrusive inspection system before finding the weapons hidden among merchandise in the trailer. The vehicle, a 2023 Dodge Ram, was driven by a 45-year-old male Mexican citizen.

Monday, Nov. 2: CBP seized six firearms and seven magazines at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge.

Legal Context

The seizure is an example of the routine interdictions CBP officers conduct at Laredo crossings to stop firearms moving south into Mexico through commercial and private vehicles. Cases like this are typically referred to federal investigators for further review.

Travelers crossing the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge may face extended secondary inspections as CBP officers continue screening vehicles and cargo trailers. Residents should expect continued enforcement activity at Laredo's ports of entry.

The takeaway

Vehicle and cargo inspections at Laredo's bridges remain a key point of interdiction for weapons moving across the border. Travelers should expect possible secondary inspections when crossing with trailers or merchandise.