see also: in March 2008:   Summer Months an Added Challenge for Border Patrol   Los Meses de Verano, un Reto Para la Patrulla Fronteriza   Border Patrol Agents Rescue 38 Illegal Aliens from Smuggling Attempt   Laredo North Station Border Patrol Agents Arrest MS-13 Member   Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Arrest 18th Street Gang Member   El Paso CBP Officers View HDTV: Hidden Drugs in TV Set   El Paso Border Patrol Agents Arrest Criminals with Extensive Records ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

contacts for this news release

El Paso, Texas – A potentially hostile situation was brought under control yesterday by Border Patrol agents in Ysleta in cooperation with Mexican authorities, when it was discovered that a gun being wielded by a juvenile turned out to be a toy replica.

On Monday, March 11, 2008 at approximately 12:15 p.m., Border Patrol agents from Ysleta, Texas observed two subjects attempting to make an illegal entry into the United States. Upon further observation, the agents noticed that one of the males was holding what appeared to be a handgun. As the agents approached the area, the subjects retreated back into Mexico. The agents notified and coordinated with Mexican law enforcement agencies in order to apprehend the subjects.

Mexican Police officers promptly responded and were able to apprehend two juveniles. The officers determined that the gun was in-fact a replica of a .40 caliber Berretta pistol. The two juveniles were taken into custody by the Cuidad Juarez Municipal Police Department.

These types of incidents clearly depict a successful working relationship between law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border and further shows the interest that Mexican authorities have in protecting our mutual borders.

Though the weapon in this case was revealed to be a toy replica, it is indicative of the challenges that Border Patrol agents face on a routine basis, and speaks highly of the training and instruction provided to agents in matters that allow resolution with little or no incident.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.