The FBI has raided the Laredo, Texas home and office of Democrat Rep. Henry Cuellar’s (D-TX) last night, conducting what the agency called a “court-authorized” law enforcement activity.
However, the FBI has refused to reveal the nature of the raids, confirming only that it is part of an “ongoing investigation.”
“The FBI was present in the vicinity of Windridge Drive and Estate Drive in Laredo conducting court-authorized law enforcement activity,” a statement issued by the FBI said.
“The FBI cannot provide further comment on an ongoing investigation.”
The congressman’s office issued a statement that said: “Congressman Cuellar will fully cooperate in any investigation.
“He is committed to ensuring that justice and the law are upheld.”
According to a reporter who was on the scene: “At Cuellar’s home, located in the 8200 block of Estate Drive, federal vehicles were seen with cases and other items taken from the congressman’s house as over two dozen agents filed in and out of the residence Wednesday afternoon.
“Two agents with a clipboard and camera in hand snapped photos of the trucks parked out front. The truck was again photographed and searched by agents using flashlights after the sun set.
FBI still present at the home of Rep. Henry Cuellar’s in Laredo. https://t.co/CYOyJVSSGJ pic.twitter.com/N8rGyZVpNz
— Valerie Gonzalez (@ValOnTheBorder) January 19, 2022
Some activity was also observed outside the campaign office on Davis and Washington Ave. in the afternoon hours.
“Several government vehicles were parked outside.
“Two of them, a dark-colored van and truck, drove later to the residence around 7 p.m.
“An agent wearing an FBI emblazoned jacket popped out of one of the vehicles and made her way to the home,” the reporter said.
From The Texas Tribune:
First elected in 2004, Cuellar is a longtime representative of his Laredo-based 28th District.
A former state legislator and Texas secretary of state, he is one of the more powerful Texas Democrats in Washington due in part to his assignment on the House Appropriations Committee.
Cuellar is a favorite Democrat among his Texas Republican colleagues, and his moderate voting record has earned the ire of the left. He will face what is expected to be a fierce rematch in his party’s March 1 primary against attorney Jessica Cisneros. Another Democrat, former educator Tannya Benavides, is also in the race.
Republicans Ed Cabrera, Steve Fowler, Cassy Garcia, Eric Hohman, Willie Vasquez Ng, Rolando Rodriguez and Sandra Whitten are running for the GOP nomination in this race. Rafael Alcoser III is running as an independent.
Cuellar has increasingly become a figure of derision among progressives in recent years. He will sometimes join Republicans to vote against Democratic priorities, particularly on abortion.
The FBI was on the scene Wednesday near the Laredo home of U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar for what authorities described as a court-authorized ongoing investigation…with @broookepark https://t.co/9lSbpAtYZd
— Abby Livingston (@TexasTribAbby) January 20, 2022
