A U.S. woman was arrested for allegedly trying to bring 20 undeclared parrots into the United States through the Hidalgo Port of Entry in Texas, officials said.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Hidalgo International Bridge on July 7 encountered a 22-year-old U.S. citizen applying for entry into the United States in a 2022 Chevy Traverse, and referred the vehicle for secondary inspection.
During the inspection, officers and agriculture specialists discovered 20 undeclared parrots hidden within a bag inside the vehicle.
Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service launched a criminal investigation and arrested the driver, and CBP seized the vehicle. Texas Game Wardens transported the parrots to the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville.
Parrots are not only protected from wildlife trafficking under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, their importation is also regulated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to mitigate the potential spread of disease.
“Our frontline CBP officers and agriculture specialists continue to maintain resolute vigilance amid heavy holiday weekend traffic and that mission dedication led to the interception of 20 parrots,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo Port of Entry. “CBP remains committed to preventing the exploitation of protected animals and the spread of animal diseases.”
