Weapons and Ammunition Seized During Outbound Inspection at Del Rio Bridge

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers assigned to the Del Rio International Bridge discovered a cache of weapons and ammunition during an outbound secondary examination on December 22, 2025. The items were concealed inside commodities carried in a 2016 Chevrolet passenger van and an attached utility trailer that was leaving the United States southbound. Officers found two firearms, nine magazines, one gun sight and 1,389 rounds of ammunition. The items were seized and turned over to Homeland Security Investigations for a criminal investigation.

The seizure was carried out by outbound inspection teams at the Del Rio port of entry, part of routine operations that include secondary examinations when initial inspections raise concerns. Port leadership described the seizure as an example of threats identified and removed during outbound operations. The involvement of HSI special agents and the Texas Department of Public Safety signals a coordinated law enforcement response, and follow up will determine criminal and administrative outcomes.

For Val Verde County residents, the incident highlights the role of the Del Rio port of entry in both commerce and security. Outbound inspections can briefly slow traffic and inspections at the bridge, and seizures of this scale underscore ongoing risks related to illicit movement of weapons and munitions. Local officials and law enforcement agencies will likely monitor the investigation for any links to broader smuggling activity that could affect cross border safety and trade flows.

Policy and institutional implications are immediate. The seizure may prompt renewed attention to staffing levels and resources for outbound operations, interagency information sharing, and the balance between facilitation of lawful travel and commerce and the need to detect unlawful shipments. The criminal investigation by HSI and Texas DPS will determine potential prosecutions and inform local and federal enforcement strategy. Residents seeking updates can expect public statements from CBP, HSI and Texas DPS as the inquiry progresses.