Originally distributed by Joint Task Force - West, South Texas Corridor’s McAllen Joint Targeting Team
JTF-W STC Arrests USCIS Target Tied To Illicit Funds, Marriage Fraud
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MCALLEN, TEXAS – On January 8, 2019, agents assigned to the Joint Task Force - West, South Texas Corridor’s McAllen Joint Targeting Team (JTT) in coordination with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Hidalgo County Precinct 2 Constables Office, arrested Edsgardo Coss-Vallejo on suspicion of marriage fraud and currency smuggling.
During a USCIS interview, Coss-Vallejo’s petitioner withdrew her I-30 Petition for Alien Relative form. USCIS subsequently denied the application, revoked his visa, and notified JTF-W STC of his overstay and suspected marriage fraud. Additional research by the JTT revealed several illicit financial transactions totaling $128,000. JTT agents requested and received consent from Coss-Vallejo to search his home after suspecting illicit activity at the residence. A Border Patrol canine team performed a non-intrusive search and alerted to a duffle bag in his home that contained cash totaling $362,062 and 29,200 Mexican Pesos and he denied ownership.
“USCIS is an active partner in Joint Task Force-West, South Texas Corridor, assisting our law enforcement partners in stopping immigration-related crimes,” said USCIS San Antonio District Director Mario Ortiz. “USCIS is committed to combating instances of abuse and other criminal activities threatening the integrity of our nation’s immigration system.”
JTT agents seized the bulk cash and Coss-Vallejo was processed and removed from the country.
Please visit www.dhs.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to The Department of Homeland Security or the Joint Task Force-West. Follow us on Twitter at @JTFWest.