LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A 23-year-old woman from Laredo has pleaded guilty in federal court to smuggling a toddler into the U.S. for money.

Vanessa Valadez and her family ran a child smuggling ring from August to September last year, bringing young children across the border. On September 21, 2023, Valadez and others were caught at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge trying to smuggle a little girl.

Investigators found that Valadez gave the child melatonin gummies to make her sleep, a trick used on at least four other children. The group used fake birth certificates to claim the children were U.S. citizens.

Five other members of the ring have already pleaded guilty. Valadez faces up to 10 years in prison when sentenced in January.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A migrant was shot after reportedly attacking a Laredo Border Patrol agent on Monday. According to Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the agent discharged his service weapon during the altercation, striking the migrant in the lower back.

The migrant was taken to a Laredo hospital and is reported to have sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The Mexican Consulate in Laredo has been notified of the incident, with officials noting the rarity of such events.

Horacio Mungia from the Mexican Consulate stated, “No, it’s not common. Regularly, there are accidents while crossing the border—injuries to feet or arms—but not these kinds of incidents.”

The incident is under review by CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility and the FBI.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A 30-year-old man out of Laredo pleads guilty in federal court for getting a teenager to make child pornography for him.

Law enforcement came across Luis Andres Serna back in April after picking up an undocumented person, along with a 16-year-old pregnant girl, and taking both of the individuals to an apartment building.

Later on that day, 37 Undocumented immigrants and more than a ton of marijuana were found in several apartments linked to Serna and others.

While in custody for the pending charges, he managed to contact the pregnant girl. Law enforcement reviewed several hundred phone and video calls Serna had with the girl, which included him having her record videos of herself performing sex acts and playing them back for him.

Serna has also pled guilty to the drug charges.

He faces up to 30 years in prison for the sex crimes and up to life in prison for human and drug smuggling.

He will be sentenced at a later date.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Laredo Police and the Auto Theft Task Force are asking for the public’s help to identify a person connected to a vehicle burglary reported on September 14 in the 1300 block of East Reynolds Street.

The suspect is described as wearing:

• A black long sleeve t-shirt

• Black gym shorts

• A greenish-colored cap

• Red gym shoes

He was also seen carrying a camouflage backpack.

If you have any information regarding his identity or whereabouts, please contact Laredo Police at 956-795-2800.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Luis Miguel Toro Gonzalez, 28, originally from Venezuela, was arrested after being wanted for multiple counts of sexual abuse involving a child. The Columbus Police Department issued warrants for his arrest following an incident reported on September 17 in Ohio.

On that evening, officers were dispatched to a hospital after a mother reported her child said she was sexually abused. The victim also provided details to the officers, prompting further interviews at the hospital. Following these interviews, detectives filed three warrants for the rape of a child under 13 years of age and three warrants for sexual battery against Toro Gonzalez.

On Sunday, September 22, CBP officers at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge stopped Toro Gonzalez. A check of his identity showed an active felony warrant for rape. He was taken to Webb County Jail to await his court case.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Some important dates concerning the upcoming November election are coming, KGNS has provided a quick reminder.

• October 7 - Last day to register to vote

• October 21 - First day for early voting

• November 1 - Last day of early voting

• November 5 - Election day

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Two men are now facing charges accusing them of trying to distribute fentanyl.

According to a criminal complaint on August 28, 40-year-old Hernan Cortez allegedly traveled with half a kilogram of fentanyl from Houston to Laredo.

Investigators claim that Cortez was planning to sell the drugs in Laredo with help from 37-year-old Daniel Elizondo.

Cortez had met up with Elizondo at an alleged stash house.

Elizondo left the stash house holding a black bag and then walked into an alleyway connected to another property.

Later, Elizondo was seen leaving the alleyway without the bag.

Authorities later found over 500 grams of fentanyl hidden in a tire in the alleyway where Elizondo had been.

If convicted, Cortez and Elizondo can face up to 20 years in federal prison, and a possible $10 million maximum fine.

NUEVO LAREDO, Mexico (KGNS) - Nuevo Laredo will reach an important moment on Saturday, Sept. 21, with the opening of Mexico’s largest customs office, called ANAM. Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador is expected to attend the event, which is a big step for trade between the U.S. and Mexico.

Dr. Victor Treviño, Mayor of Laredo, is excited about the new customs office. He said it would help boost business in both countries, especially in Laredo, which is the top land port for trade in the U.S.

“This helps commerce because we are the largest port in the United States. For them, it’s equally important,” Treviño said. “It’s important to protect our commerce, and events like these are key for us.”

However, Mayor Treviño will not be able to attend the inauguration. He said the U.S. State Department has warned against crossing the border at this time due to safety concerns.