29 Stolen Cars Worth Over $1 Million Recovered in Border Scheme

Federal authorities recovered 29 stolen vehicles valued at an estimated $1.14 million in a probe dubbed Operation Southbound Takedown. The cars and trucks were allegedly used by Mexican cartels to support their daily criminal activities. Thirteen people now face federal charges for their roles in the scheme.

The investigation began in the spring when agents noticed a pattern of stolen vehicles being driven from private owners and rental companies through El Paso, Texas, into Mexico. Ryan G. McRae, the special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in El Paso, described the thefts as part of a larger criminal network rather than isolated property crimes. "These are not isolated property crimes," McRae said. "The stolen vehicles related to Operation Southbound Takedown demonstrate an alarming pattern and are used to support the day-to-day operations of dangerous criminal organizations."

Photos released by prosecutors show the types of vehicles seized, including a damaged white SUV recovered in Mexico, an armored black SUV, and an armored pickup truck. U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons stated that cartels often recruit individuals looking for a "quick buck" to transport these vehicles. He listed human smuggling, extortion, drug trafficking, and murder as the operations supported by the stolen fleet. "You are now on notice," Simmons said. "If you provide support to these cartels, many of which have been designated as foreign terrorist organizations, by transporting stolen vehicles out of this country and into Mexico, we will find you, and we will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law."

Eleven of the 13 charged are U.S. citizens, while two are Mexican citizens. One Mexican citizen holds a lawful permanent resident card, and the other has a border crossing card. Two Americans, Kimberly Aguilar and Marty Gerardo Jr., are currently in state custody. The remaining 11 defendants were federally indicted and arrested between July 22 and Oct. 19. All 13 face charges for interstate transportation of stolen property, carrying a potential sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison upon conviction.

The probe involved Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, and other federal, state, and local agencies working through the Homeland Security Task Force. McRae noted that authorities collaborated with private-sector partners to disrupt the network across the United States and Mexico. Coult W. Markovsky, the acting special agent in charge for the FBI in El Paso, added a warning for those still aiding the cartels. "To individuals assisting the cartels, Justice will find you!" he said.