LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - There has been a reported increase in chases involving human smuggling cases happening across Laredo.

The president of the National Border Patrol Council, Hector Garza, linked the uptick in pursuits to some of the camera towers not working along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Earlier this month, an internal memo from U.S. Customs and Border Protection revealed that nearly one-third of surveillance cameras along the border are out of order.

Garza mentioned, “There have been a lot of issues. Right now, congress and CBP are looking into the actual contractor that is responsible for fixing the cameras. So far, these challenges still exist.“

Garza adds that the technology is an essential tool agents use to help protect the border.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - The trial for the man accused of shooting his ex-wife will take place next year.

On Wednesday, October 30, Billy Delgado appeared in the 111th District Court.

He is accused of shooting Erica Torres, the mother of his child, on June 1. Delgado was arrested and charged with aggravated assault.

Torres survived the attack and currently remains in a hospital in San Antonio.

Delgado‘s trial was set for February of 2025; in attendance was Erica’s mother, Edith Terrazas, who says she hopes justice is served for her daughter.

“It’s a little frustrating because he is out and about and my daughter can’t be. There are a lot of things she can’t do. She can’t even be out with her daughters. It’s just not fair,” Terrazas mentioned.

Since June of 2024, Delgado has been held in the Webb County Jail but was released on bond on Sunday, October 27.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Two women were taken to the hospital after a crash at FM 1472 and Highway 255 on Tuesday night, October 29, Laredo Police said.

The accident happened around 7:50 p.m. and involved a Ford Fiesta and a Chevy Silverado. The two women were in the Ford Fiesta, while the driver of the Silverado was given a citation at the scene.

Police closed all northbound lanes on FM 1472 to handle the crash. The investigation is ongoing, and updates will follow as more details come in.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - The Laredo Police Department has an update on the city’s fifth homicide of 2024.

On Monday night, October 28, investigators and the Special Operations Group (SOG) carried out four arrest warrants at different homes linked to the case.

Those arrested include a 16-year-old juvenile at Webb County Youth Village, and three others: 17-year-old Angel Humberto Amaro, 20-year-old Ruben Cavazos, and 20-year-old Humberto Campos. All four are charged with murder in connection with the death of 21-year-old Marco Antonio Viera.

Viera was found dead in a black Toyota at Lomas Del Sur and South Ejido early Saturday morning, October 19, following reports of gunshots. Police, at the time, believed he may have been targeted and that the shooting was not random.

The Laredo Police Department stated they have a perfect record in solving murder cases, and the investigation is still ongoing.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A report was made about a three-vehicle crash by Lomas Del Sur and Guaymas on Monday, October 28 at around 6:20 p.m.

There is still no information regarding the driver’s conditions or the origin of the crash.

According to Laredo Police, there have not been any closures to roads yet.

We will update as the investigation continues.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Law enforcement in Laredo was able to track down a group of individuals contributing to the spread of fentanyl and arrest them.

On the morning of Thursday, October 25, Laredo Police, the Drug Enforcement Agency and the Texas Department of Public Safety all severed warrants at four homes along Napoleon St.

The homes related to the case were right across from the Santo Niño Elementary School.

According to reports people in these houses were involved in the sale of drugs. Authorities say they found several different drugs including fentanyl, marijuana and cocaine.

Joe Baeza with Laredo Police mentioned, “...but more importantly to us is fentanyl. One of the addresses was 2901 Napoleon, and at that particular location, the case has been adopted federally because of the amount and quantity that was there.”

Officials with LPD shared that investigators are still making sure everyone involved with the case has been identified and arrested.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Four people woke up behind bars after allegedly making some bad decisions, each arrested in connection with separate DWI incidents.

The first happened on Thursday, October 24, at 10:30 p.m. when officers responded to a three-vehicle crash at the intersection of Jacaman Rd. and Loop 20.

The driver of a Ford F-350 identified as 21-year-old, Eddie Ehrenzweig, allegedly disregarded a red light and crashed with vehicles at the intersection. According to police, Ehrenzweig showed signs of intoxication while speaking to the officers.

He was arrested and charged with the first DWI of the night.

The next arrest happened at 11 p.m. after police attempted to stop a black Cadillac speeding at the 2400 block of Sanders Ave.

According to police, the driver, 19-year-old Juan Jose Charo, showed signs of being drunk and had open alcoholic containers in the vehicle.

In the car was also a one-year-old child and a nine-month-old infant. The driver was arrested and charged with two counts of driving while intoxicated with a child under 15 years old.

Later, at around 4 a.m., a police officer saw a vehicle with an open door on the 700 block of West Hillside Rd.

There, the officer found the driver slumped over the wheel. After waking the driver, 23-year-old Andres Vega Sequeda, the officer allegedly saw signs of intoxication.

Police said Sequeda became verbally aggressive and attempted to drive away. They were able to detain him and found a handgun when searching the vehicle.

Sequeda was arrested and charged with DWI refusal and unlawful carrying of a weapon.

Finally, a little after that incident, officers responded to a single-vehicle crash by the 7100 block of North Bartlett.

there, they found a blue Nissan Armada with visible damage in the middle of the road.

The driver, 38-year-old Felipe Manuel Suarez, also displayed signs of being drunk. After conducting a sobriety test, officers arrested Suarez and charged him with a DWI.