Explore the arrest of a Roma City employee for transporting migrants illegally. Details on the incident, the city’s response, and the ongoing investigation.
According to sources, Raul Gonzalez, an employee with the city of Roma, was arrested for transporting migrants using a city vehicle, as reported by Escobares police Chief Pedro Estrada. Gonzalez, employed as a water meter reader with the Public Works Department, was apprehended around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday by Border Patrol.
The city of Roma promptly issued a statement, making it clear that they do not condone any form of illegal activity by their employees. Expressing full cooperation with law enforcement authorities, the city emphasized its commitment to a comprehensive investigation. The statement affirmed the city’s dedication to ensuring justice is served, pledging full support for the prosecution of any criminal activities to the fullest extent of the law.
As an ongoing investigation, the city refrained from providing further comments at this time.
Chief Pedro Estrada revealed that the Escobares police had received information suggesting the illicit use of a city vehicle for transporting migrants and narcotics over the past month. Acting on this intelligence, police initiated surveillance on the vehicle on Thursday, tracking its movement toward the Rio Grande. Subsequently, the police alerted Border Patrol after witnessing individuals disembarking from the river and entering the city vehicle.
A brief pursuit ensued, culminating in a vehicle crash into a creek. Three migrants attempted to flee but were apprehended. Notably, the evidence found inside the truck indicated that Gonzalez was on duty at the time of the incident.
“He was in full uniform,” confirmed Escobares patrol officer Jesse Alvarez Jr.
The apprehended migrants, aged between 20 and 25, included one individual from Mexico and two from Guatemala. Chief Estrada disclosed that Gonzalez had a prior arrest record related to narcotics and human smuggling.
Border Patrol took Gonzalez and the three migrants into custody, marking another chapter in Gonzalez’s troubled history with the law. The incident raises questions about the extent of the involvement of city employees in illicit activities and the measures needed to prevent such incidents in the future.
As the investigation unfolds, the city of Roma and law enforcement agencies are determined to address the matter with the seriousness it deserves. The community awaits further developments as authorities work to ensure accountability and justice in this concerning case.
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