Workplace Arrest Occurs in Del Rio: Federal HSI Alien Smuggling Investigation

Stevie Quilo
May 18
2 min read

Del Rio Police Department confirmed a Federal Warrant arrest occurred on the 1200 block of Veterans Blvd.

Del Rio resident and U.S. citizen, Jose Manuel Villanueva, arrived to work as usual on Saturday morning, April 10, 2025. Villanueva clocked in on time around 10:00AM and was scheduled for a double that day. His shift at Long John Silver’s in Del Rio had just begun, when law enforcement agents filed into the establishment and placed him under arrest. Federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) led the operation, with support from state and city agencies. A firsthand witness at the scene provided additional details to Connect Del Rio, regarding the arrest.

Firsthand witness reports indicate that, within minutes of the store opening, agents were inside, as if they had been waiting at the ready for Villanueva’s expected arrival. A witness said: “They had masks on… they walked in, told him to turn around because he was being arrested. They didn’t say what he was being arrested for or anything.” Before being transported, Villanueva was searched, and law enforcement agents removed all belonging from his pockets.

On April 12, 2025, Del Rio Police Department released a statement: “Villanueva was arrested for an active Federal Warrant for the offense of Alien Smuggling. Villanueva's prior criminal history includes violations of federal laws concerning aggravated assault with deadly weapon, alien smuggling, and hinder apprehension or prosecution to a known felon.” Within the press release, DRPD referred to Villanueva as a “verified gang member” and confirmed the arrest took place at 10:13AM.

In accordance with increased federal border security efforts, federal surveillance operations are ongoing across the region. Federal, state, and city officials are coordinating together, investigating individuals identified as transnational criminals.

As border and immigration issues become more prevalent across the country and in our region, local nonprofits, such as the Border Organization, have recently hosted "Know Your Rights" educational workshops for Del Rio residents. These workshops aim to inform the community about their constitutional rights and legal protections to better navigate potential encounters with law enforcement.