Suspected Gulf Cartel Member Arrested Near Mission Charged with Supporting Terrorist Organization
· Telemundo McAllen (KTLM)
McALLEN, Texas — Federal authorities announced on Wednesday in McAllen a formal charge against José Ángel Flores Flores, identified by the Federal Prosecutor's Office as a suspected member of the Gulf Cartel, for charges including providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization. Flores Flores was arrested by Border Patrol on July 10, 2026, when officers intercepted three individuals who, according to authorities, had illegally entered the United States near Mission, Texas. During processing, an officer detected inconsistencies regarding the age Flores Flores had provided and, after reviewing his background, determined he was an adult. Federal Prosecutor for the Southern District of Texas, Aaron Reitz, stated during the conference that this was the second known occasion Flores Flores had illegally entered the country. According to Reitz, a review of his phone allowed investigators to find videos and images allegedly showing the accused dismembering a corpse, human remains, and a container with body parts being consumed by fire. "Flores Flores even told us he was a hitman," Reitz said. The prosecutor added that the accused allegedly admitted to working for the Gulf Cartel for about a year and had been assigned to the Reynosa sector, also acknowledging that he was the person appearing in the images found on his phone. According to Reitz, Flores Flores described his duties as monitoring potential targets and overseeing communications of Mexican authorities and rival groups. Jared Ashby, Chief of the Rio Grande Valley Sector of the Border Patrol, indicated that the investigation helped identify alleged links of Flores Flores with the Los Metros faction of the Gulf Cartel and with violent activities in Mexico. Ashby added that information obtained during the investigation helped identify a possible site used for disposing of human remains in Mexico. Authorities stated that digital evidence revealed three sets of human remains related to a possible burial site. "This was more than an arrest. It was border security, intelligence, international cooperation, and national security working together," Ashby said. THREE FEDERAL CHARGES The formal charge contains three counts against Flores Flores: providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, and illegal reentry into the United States. Reitz explained that the first two charges each carry a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison. The prosecutor also noted that the investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be filed as the case progresses. The Gulf Cartel was designated by the U.S. government as a foreign terrorist organization in February 2025. According to Ashby, that designation provides prosecutors with additional tools to bring charges when the evidence supports it. Reitz indicated that this represents the third charge filed in South Texas under provisions related to providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization since the executive order by President Donald Trump and the first in that district specifically related to the Gulf Cartel. The case was investigated as part of a federal national security task force, with participation from the FBI, Border Patrol, and other authorities. Authorities stated they are currently unaware of the identities of the individuals whose remains appear in the evidence and noted that the investigation continues. Note: A formal charge represents allegations of criminal conduct and does not constitute evidence of guilt. Every person accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty through due process.
AI summary · Source: Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) →
