Mexican Lawmaker Detained at US Border with $40,000 USD
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A leading member of the Baja California State Congress, Alejandra María Ang Hernández, was briefly detained on January 5th while attempting to enter the United States with approximately 800,000 mexican pesos – equivalent to roughly $40,000 USD – concealed within her vehicle. The incident raises new questions about scrutiny faced by Mexican politicians at the US border and follows a recent pattern of similar detentions.
According to US government sources consulted by the Mexican news outlet ZETA, Ang Hernández, who serves as the deputy and president of the State Congress Oversight Commission, was stopped at a new checkpoint east of Mexicali. Authorities discovered the funds divided between the front and rear compartments of her white GMC Yukon pickup truck.She was subsequently released hours later, though her legal status remains under evaluation.
Funds Seized by Customs and Border Protection
The detention occurred on the afternoon of January 5th, as the Morenoist legislator attempted to cross the border. Following a vehicle inspection, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) authorities seized the 800,000 pesos. The funds are currently being examined to determine their origin and whether Ang Hernández can adequately verify their source for legal entry into the United States.
A senior official stated that the amount of money requires verification to comply with US entry regulations. While details surrounding the detention remain limited, US authorities confirmed to ZETA that Ang Hernández was still being held at the Oriente port of entry as of this reporting.
Pattern of Detentions Among Mexican Politicians
this incident is not isolated. Just weeks prior, on december 8th, Congressman Jaime Eduardo Cantón was detained at Los Angeles International Airport, resulting in the revocation of his tourist visa.Despite initial denials from the legislator, ZETA independently confirmed the event.
This latest detention adds to a growing list of Morenista politicians who have encountered difficulties with US federal authorities. Others include:
- José Luis Dagnino López, Mayor of San Felipe
- Jaime Eduardo Cantón Rocha
- Carlos Torres Torres
- Norma Alicia bustamante, Mayor of Mexicali
- Araceli Antón Figueredo, Federal Representative
- Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, Governor of baja California
Unanswered Questions
Attempts to reach Ang Hernández for comment have been unsuccessful. ZETA sent a WhatsApp message to the deputy, but received no response, with her last online activity recorded at 4:30 pm on January 5th. The lack of dialogue from Ang Hernández and the limited details released by authorities contribute to the growing speculation surrounding these incidents and their potential implications for cross-border relations.
Why did this happen? Alejandra María Ang Hernández was detained after US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) discovered approximately $40,000 USD concealed within her vehicle while attempting to enter the united States.The funds are being investigated to determine their origin and legality.
Who was involved? The key individuals involved are Alejandra María Ang Hernández, a deputy in the Baja California State Congress, and US Customs and Border Protection authorities. several other Morenista politicians have recently faced similar scrutiny at the US border.
What occurred? Ang Hernández was stopped at a checkpoint east of Mexicali, and CBP seized 800,000 Mexican pesos (approximately $40,000 USD) from her vehicle.She was released hours later, but her legal status is still under evaluation.
How did it end? Ang Hernández was released after several hours of detention, but
