LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - In the last decade, the Laredo Border Patrol Sector has seen at least five different chiefs take the helm. Now, a familiar face is back to lead.

Jesse Muñoz, a seasoned agent with over two decades of experience, has been named the new Chief Patrol Agent for the Laredo Sector.

Covering more than 83,000 square miles, the Laredo Border Patrol Sector includes 139 miles of riverfront along the U.S.-Mexico border. For Chief Muñoz, these numbers represent a significant challenge, but it’s one he’s ready to tackle head-on.

Chief Muñoz has served in various roles throughout his 24-year career, gaining experience in different areas of the department. He has been involved in BORSTAR (Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue), which trains agents in search, trauma, and rescue operations. Muñoz is no stranger to Laredo, having started his career here.

“I started my career here in Laredo back in 2000. I spent six years here in Laredo as a Border Patrol agent,” said Chief Muñoz. Moving up the ranks, he was promoted to Supervisory Border Patrol Agent and returned to Laredo in 2023.

Muñoz says his main focus will always be border security, emphasizing both national security and the safety of the local community. “First thing and foremost, as the chief, you always have to consider border security. That has to be your main focus. Not just from a national security perspective, but how we make the community safer, and that’s on both sides of the border,” Muñoz explained.

Muñoz is aware of the long hours and changing immigration policies his agents face, and he wants to prioritize their well-being. “I think that all Border Patrol agents have been through a lot in the last few years with the large influx of migrants that we have dealt with. Even though we don’t see that in Laredo, we still have to deal with the problem because we take migrants from other sectors to help in decompression efforts,” said Muñoz.

The job does come with challenges, and while the agency has reported a decrease in migrant encounters at the border recently, Muñoz believes there’s still work to be done. “The biggest challenge is how do you take care of those that you have in custody and make sure their needs are met, but you are still not taking away from border security,” he stated.

When asked about his plans for staying in Laredo, Muñoz expressed his commitment to the city. “I’m happy. I love being here in Laredo again. I think it’s great that I started my career here and get to end it here. I would say anywhere from two to four years I plan on staying here in Laredo,” he shared.

In addition to his extensive career in Border Patrol, Chief Muñoz served eight years in the U.S. Army as a combat medic and vocational nurse, with deployments to Turkey and Iraq.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - The Texas Department of Public Safety made a human smuggling bust in Kinney County on Friday morning.

According to KSAT, 17 migrants were discovered in a box truck disguised as a Lowe’s Home Improvement store vehicle. State troopers found the individuals in a hidden compartment inside the truck, which was only about three feet wide.

The truck’s driver, who law enforcement identified as being from Mississippi, was arrested and charged with human smuggling causing serious bodily injury.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Webb County elections office is gearing up for the next elections cycle.

During commissioner’s court ten polling locations were approved for early voting and 40 locations for election day.

KGNS spoke to Jose Luis Castillo, Webb County Elections Administrator about changes that could be expected in the future.

“There is a big push to do away with county wide polling on election day. I think it’s just a disservice to the public and to the community because it makes it so much easier to vote at any location. But we have been already for told or forewarned by the secretary of state and others that there is a big push, they may have the votes in the next election cycle to do away with county voting.”

In addition, Castillo said long lines are expected and people could take up to ten minutes when voting.

People have until October 7th to register to vote. Early voting starts on October 21st until November 1st. Election date is on November 5th.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Three men were arrested late Thursday night, August 29, in central Laredo after gunshots were heard, leading police to find drugs and a gun in their car.

The incident happened just before 11 p.m. near Matamoros Street and San Francisco Avenue. Laredo police officers on patrol saw a black car believed to be involved in the shots fired.

After stopping the car, officers arrested 23-year-old Miguel Angel Chavez Salazar, 19-year-old Mark Daniel Rojas, and 20-year-old Jesus Alejandro Trevino. Inside the car, police found used shell casings, a bag of marijuana, and a THC cartridge.

All three men face several charges, including tampering with evidence, having illegal drugs, and firing a gun. Police are still looking into the case.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A Laredo father was arrested after his 2-year-old child was found unresponsive, possibly from being exposed to drugs, on Thursday evening, August 29.

Around 7:08 p.m., the Laredo Fire Department got a call about an unresponsive toddler who was brought into Fire Station 8 as a walk-in. Paramedics used Narcan, a drug that can reverse opioid overdoses, and the child was then taken to a local hospital.

At the hospital, officers spoke with the parents. The child’s father, Arturo Gonzales, 35, admitted that the child might have come into contact with a “white powdery substance.” Medical staff were able to stabilize the child, who woke up and became alert.

Special Victims Investigators, the DEA Task Force, and Child Protective Services were called in to help with the investigation.

Gonzales was arrested and charged with child abandonment and endangerment, a second-degree felony. The case is still being looked into.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Three stolen vehicles, registered in the United States, have been recovered at the Juarez-Lincoln International bridge, also known as Bridge Two, after being transported illegally to Mexico.

The combined cash value of the vehicles is reported to be over $300,000. According to Sheriff Martin Cuellar, the successful recovery was a joint effort between the Webb County Sheriff’s Office and the Nuevo León Attorney General’s Office in Mexico.

While the case remains under investigation, Sheriff Cuellar urges the public to report any suspicious activities by calling 956-415-BUST (2878). You may be eligible for a cash reward.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Two teenagers are arrested after a caller reported hearing the sound of what he claimed were the sound of 10 gunshots.

Laredo police responded to the report near the intersection of Frankfort St. and Santa Isabel Ave on Wednesday night just before 10 p.m.

Upon arrival, officers spotted a suspicious car in the middle of the road with its hood open. Outside the vehicle were 17-year-olds Malcolm Luna and Gilberto Gallegos. The two were initially detained before being arrested after officers conducted an investigation of the car. During their search, officers found spent casings, a gun magazine in the front passenger seat, a firearm, and a THC vape pen.

Both teenagers were arrested, sent to the Webb County Jail, and charged with Prohibited Weapon (F/3), Possession of a Controlled Substance (SJF), and Discharge of a Firearm in Certain Municipalities (C/A).

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - The search for a missing elderly man has ended in tragedy.

The Laredo Police Department said Thursday morning, August 29, that Francisco Mendiola, 90, was found dead in Nuevo Laredo.

Mendiola was last seen on Saturday, August 24, when he was dropped off in the 100 block of Salinas Avenue. He was expected to cross into Nuevo Laredo. Mendiola was wearing a brown T-shirt, blue jeans, and black shoes. He was about 5′5″ tall, weighed between 160 and 170 pounds, and was a U.S. veteran.

Police have not released more details about how Mendiola died. They had previously issued a call for the public’s help in locating him.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Parts of Laredo woke up without power on Wednesday, August 28, after a man plowed his vehicle into a light pole.

The accident happened at around 2:00 a.m. near San Dario and San Isidro.

36-year-old Juan De Dios Gonzalez was driving his pickup truck when he crashed into the pole.

The crash caused a power outage for nearby residents.

Upon further investigation, Laredo Police arrested and charged Gonzalez with DWI.

AEP worked on the repairs until 9:00 a.m.