Laredo Murder: Border Patrol Agent Charged

U.S. Border Patrol agent Abel Garza was arrested this week and charged with first-degree murder following the fatal stabbing of his wife in south Laredo. The incident, which occurred just before 3 a.m. Wednesday, resulted in the death of Mayra Alejandra Landeros, 28, and triggered a review by the federal agency that employs Garza.

Police reported that a drone detected a vehicle leaving the scene near Texana Street and Nocona Street. Officers stopped the car and discovered Landeros in the back floorboard with critical stab wounds. She was transported to a hospital where she later died. The death counts as the sixth homicide recorded in Laredo for 2026.

Garza, 30, was detained at the scene. Authorities confirmed he is an off-duty agent with the Laredo Sector. He was taken to Webb County Jail, where his bond was set at $1 million. In addition to the murder charge, prosecutors filed four second-degree felony counts against him, including two for endangering a child and two for abandoning a child.

Laredo Police Department spokesperson Joe Baeza noted that officers found the couple's two children safe at the home. Baeza stated that the department was working with the District Attorney’s Office to formulate the charges. Chief Miguel Rodriguez explained that the initial call to police involved a man knocking on doors asking for help.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed Garza’s status in a statement. The agency indicated that its Office of Professional Responsibility is currently reviewing the case. Garza was formally arrested at 6 a.m. following the stop of his vehicle.

The charges reflect the severity of the domestic disturbance that led to the fatal altercation. The legal proceedings will proceed in Webb County, while the federal agency evaluates the internal implications of the agent's detention.