Wanted Mexican 'Butcher' Captured on an Anonymous Tip

EL PASO, Texas — The U.S. Border Patrol's El Paso Sector confirmed the capture of a wanted individual listed in the "Se Busca Información" initiative following a tip received through the campaign's tip-line. The targets featured in the initiative are wanted for a range of crimes including human smuggling, narcotics, weapons trafficking, and murder.

The "Se Busca Información" campaign, translating to "Seeking Information" in English, identifies ten individuals associated with transnational criminal organizations, sought by both U.S. and Mexican law enforcement.

On Nov. 27, the Chihuahua State Investigations Agency (AEI) received an anonymous tip concerning the whereabouts of "EP8," a 33-year-old Mexican national also known as "El Barbas." Acting on the information, Venegas was apprehended by AEI in Ciudad Aldama, Chihuahua, and taken into custody. Venegas was found in possession of 6.8 grams of crystal methamphetamine at the time of arrest and was also facing an active warrant for aggravated extortion. Subsequently, he has accrued additional charges including homicide, attempted homicide, aggravated assault, aggravated robbery, and possession/distribution of narcotics.

The "Se Busca Información" initiative is a collaborative effort between the United States and Mexico, urging individuals on both sides of the border to anonymously report information about wanted criminals. The primary aim is to disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations posing threats to communities on either side of the border. Information regarding the targets can be reported confidentially to law enforcement via phone at 1-800-635-2509 or 915-314-8194.

Furthermore, the public can use the 'WhatsApp' application to relay information. The phone lines operate 24/7 and connect directly to El Paso Sector Border Patrol call centers.

U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Anthony "Scott" Good stated, "This arrest, facilitated by information from citizens on both sides of our border community, demonstrates the strong partnership between the United States and Mexico. The bi-national law enforcement collaboration under the 'Se Busca' campaign underscores our commitment to ensuring a safer and more secure border region. I am sincerely appreciative of our partnership with the Mexican government and Chihuahua state officials. We will continue working with our counterparts in the border community to bring these wanted criminals to justice."

U.S. Customs and Border Protection encourages community assistance and urges citizens to report any suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol anonymously by calling 1-800-635-2509.