McAllen, TX– The Rio Grande Valley is much safer this week as Operation FALCON 2008 (Federal and Local Cops Organized Nationally) soared over its counties from June 23 – June 29. Operation FALCON is the largest U.S. Marshals Service-led fugitive apprehension initiative. It combines the efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies all working for a common goal, making our community safer. The emphasis of Operation FALCON is violent fugitives, gang related crimes, crimes against children and sex offenses. All the participating agencies are encouraged to provide a list of their most wanted felons to be apprehended that week.

The U.S. Marshals McAllen Division arrested 118 fugitives and cleared over 130 warrants in the Hidalgo and Starr County area. Fugitives were arrested for crimes, that among others, included sex offenses, parole violations, drug related charges, aggravated robberies, evading arrest and felons in possession of firearms. During the operation, a total of 4,662 lbs. of marijuana were also seized between the two counties. In the Southern District of Texas, which has offices in Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen, and Laredo 783 arrests were made and 907 warrants were cleared.

“From the outset, Operation FALCON has proved how much can be accomplished when we combine resources at the federal, state and local levels,” said John F. Clark, Director of the U.S. Marshals Service. “This operation is not possible without the unique talents and dedication that each participating agency brings to the table.”

The U.S. Marshals Service is America’s oldest federal law enforcement agency. Since the inception of Operation FALCON in 2005, over 36,500 arrests and over 45,300 warrants have been cleared. It continues to be the largest and most successful fugitive apprehension effort in U.S. Marshals Service history.

The following agencies participated in Operation FALCON 2008:
CBP-Border Patrol, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Texas Dept. of Public Safety, Texas Alcohol & Beverage Commission, Starr County Sheriff’s Dept., Starr County HIDTA Task Force, Starr County Interdiction Unit, Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Dept., Hidalgo County HIDTA Task Force, Roma Police Dept., Rio Grande City Police Dept., Palmview Police Dept., McAllen Police Dept., Mission Police Dept., Mercedes Police Dept., Weslaco Police Dept., Donna Police Dept., Alamo Police Dept., San Juan Police Dept., and Pharr Police Dept.

For more information about Operation FALCON, visit http://www.usmarshals.gov/falcon08/media.htm.

America’s Oldest Federal Law Enforcement Agency