Texas Border Under Siege: How Illegal Aliens Fuel Oil Theft in the Permian Basin

by - L. Richardson

The Texas border is under siege by criminal networks exploiting illegal aliens to fuel rampant oil theft in the Permian Basin, undermining our state's energy security and economic prosperity. 12 This despicable conspiracy not only robs hardworking Texans of their livelihoods but jeopardizes America's energy independence by crippling our nation's largest oilfield through brazen heists of truckloads of Oil, machinery, and gear. 12[3]4

Authorities have sounded the alarm over foreign criminals systematically looting small oil producers, stealing everything from valuable crude to work boots – a crisis demanding an immediate crackdown to preserve Texas jobs, uphold the rule of law, and defend our sovereign borders. 12[3]4 Local law enforcement is uniting with federal agencies in a battle to stop this invasion, protect our oilfields, and safeguard communities across the Permian Basin from these vile criminal cartels enabled by illegal immigration. 12

The Alarming Rise of Oil Theft in the Permian Basin [43]

Prevalence and Impact of Oil Theft

In the heart of West Texas, where the vast expanse of oil fields stretches as far as the eye can see, a new challenge has emerged, threatening the local economy and national security. Once a sporadic occurrence, oil field theft has surged recently, prompting urgent action in our region from county and state leaders, law enforcement officials, and federal agents. 7

Last month, U.S. Representative of the 23rd District, Tony Gonzales, visited the region, meeting with sheriffs from Crane, Winkler, Reagan, Ward counties, and more to discuss the alarming rise in Oil field-related crimes. What he discovered was deeply concerning. Criminals were not just targeting equipment or fuel; they were siphoning off Oil at an unprecedented rate, exploiting the vastness of the terrain and the limited surveillance capabilities in rural areas. 7

The implications of oil field theft extend far beyond the loss of revenue for local businesses. With foreign entities eyeing American energy dominance, any disruption in the supply chain poses a significant risk to the nation's security and stability. 7 "Energy is part of national security. Energy is a critical resource." 7

According to a representative from ConocoPhillips, a staggering 30,000 barrels of Oil have been stolen in the Permian Basin since October of 2022, costing producers millions of dollars. 4 5 However, Oil is not the only asset these criminal networks target.

1. Theft of Oilfield Equipment and Resources
   • Pipe, copper, and diesel fuel are among the most prevalent forms of oilfield theft. 4
   • "Copper is probably the most prevalent form of oilfield theft that we have right now because it's unattended out on the oil leases," said Lieutenant Richard Dickson of the Ector County Sheriff's Office. 4
2. Brazen and Organized Criminal Operations
   • "It's definitely worse than I've ever seen it," Lieutenant Dickson said. "It's a common occurrence...daily our deputies are going out on some type of oilfield theft – whether it be pipe, copper, or oil." 4
   • These criminals are well-equipped, possessing tracking devices, video recordings, and the necessary trucks to move stolen goods. 4

Collaborative Efforts to Combat the Issue

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Congressman Gonzales convened a crucial meeting with FBI Director Christopher Wray to address the urgent need for federal action. During the meeting, Gonzales emphasized the necessity of enhancing coordination between federal and local law enforcement agencies, advocating for establishing specialized task forces dedicated to investigating and prosecuting offenders engaged in oil theft and related offenses. 9

Director Wray acknowledged the severity of the situation. He affirmed the FBI's commitment to addressing the issue by deploying specialized resources, including the Oilfield Theft Task Force. 9

On Friday, May 10, Congressman Gonzales hosted a roundtable discussion with officials from the Permian Basin, including local law enforcement leaders, the District Attorney for the 109th Judicial District, and officials from the FBI. The conversation focused on how to improve the operations of the federal Oilfield Theft Task Force. 8

"This is a national issue. Energy is a critical infrastructure, and we must protect this resource," said Congressman Gonzales. "The men and women here today are ready, willing, and able to tackle this topic, and I think you're going to see that in the coming weeks, there's going to be more apprehensions due to this." 8

One of the first steps in strengthening the Oilfield Theft Task Force is ensuring all entities involved are trained to separate legal from illegal activities in the oil trade. 8 Sheriff Darin Mitchell of Winkler County shared that the training will start as early as next month, focusing on equipping officers with the knowledge and tools necessary to verify the authenticity of documentation provided by individuals working in oil fields. 7 8

"We meet once a month with oilfield security specialists and compare notes and intelligence that we've developed through investigations, on their side and our side; works very well together," Lieutenant Dickson said, highlighting the importance of collaboration and intelligence-sharing among law enforcement agencies and industry partners. 4

Tactics and Methods Used by Criminal Networks

Sophisticated Equipment and Strategies

These criminal networks are deploying sophisticated tactics and advanced equipment to carry out their nefarious operations, outpacing the industry's ability to counter them. 11 They are becoming increasingly bold, smarter, and more technologically advanced in their methods. 11 15

One alarming trend is using handheld thermal imaging cameras to monitor tank batteries from a distance, rendering traditional game cameras obsolete. 11 15 Locked gates pose little hindrance to these thieves, as they have found ways to easily circumvent such security measures. 11 15

Moreover, these criminal enterprises are not shying away from leveraging drones to survey the terrain and plan their heists meticulously. 11 The technology at their disposal is rapidly outpacing the industry's ability to stay ahead of them. 11 15

The Texas legislature recognized the severity of this issue. It codified oil theft as a criminal offense under Texas Penal Code Section 31.19. 12 Even minimal thefts are punished as state jail felonies, underscoring the urgency to combat this threat. 12 However, the law has not been amended since its enactment in 2017, potentially hindering its effectiveness against the evolving tactics of these criminal networks. 12

Blending in with Legitimate Operations

These criminal networks have devised intricate schemes to blend their illicit activities with legitimate operations, making it challenging for law enforcement to distinguish between legal and illegal actors. 13 One common tactic involves oil truck drivers attaching load lines to tank batteries and siphoning off nearly 200 barrels of Oil. 13 This stolen Oil is then stored at intermediate sites before being reintroduced into the pipeline system through partnerships with owners of underperforming wells, effectively legitimizing the stolen product. 13

Another scheme targets saltwater disposal plants, where wastewater from oil production is processed. 13 While it is legal for these plants to sell the excess Oil skimmed from the wastewater, some unscrupulous operators mix stolen Oil into the skim for greater profits, obfuscating the illicit origins of the stolen product. 13

An integral part of these oil theft operations is the use of tanker trailers, which allow the criminals to seamlessly blend in with the thousands of legitimate haulers operating in the oilfields. 14 Truck drivers are a crucial component of these criminal enterprises, as without their involvement, the transportation and distribution of stolen Oil would be impossible. 14 The financial incentives for these drivers are substantial, with profits ranging from $1,100 to $1,800 per tanker load. 14

Law enforcement officials acknowledge the challenges in proving petroleum theft, with the last successful prosecution in the area dating back to early 2015. 13 Witnesses are scarce, and insiders' cooperation is crucial in building cases against these criminal networks. 13 While increased penalties introduced by the Texas legislature may incentivize more plea deals and cooperation from insiders, the battle against these sophisticated and ever-evolving criminal enterprises remains an uphill struggle. 13

Challenges Faced by Law Enforcement

Identifying Perpetrators

Distinguishing between legitimate workers and criminal operatives poses a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies in the Permian Basin [44]. As Lieutenant Richard Dickson of the Ector County Sheriff's Office aptly stated, "The oilfield is a 24/7 operation, and trucks are coming and going through oil leases all day and all night, and at a glance, you can't tell the good guys from the bad guys – for the most part." 20

These criminal networks are well-equipped, possessing tracking devices, video recordings, and the necessary trucks to move stolen goods, making them virtually indistinguishable from legitimate operations. 20 Moreover, the inherent dangers associated with oilfield work, such as exposure to hazardous substances like H2S, add another layer of complexity for law enforcement officials. 20

To combat this issue, Sheriff Darin Mitchell of Winkler County emphasized the need for specialized training to identify proper documentation required for individuals working in oil fields. "My deputies need training on the documentation," he explained. "What proper documentation do these truck drivers need to have to pick up Oil or other equipment from a location? That's the only way to tell if they are legally there." 19

The training will focus on equipping officers with the knowledge and tools necessary to verify the authenticity of documentation provided by individuals working in oil fields. By establishing clear protocols for verification and validation, law enforcement agencies aim to thwart attempts by criminals to operate under the guise of legitimate workers. 19

Securing Vast Oil Field Areas

The sheer vastness of the Permian Basin, stretching 250 miles wide and 300 miles long, presents a formidable challenge for law enforcement agencies tasked with securing the region's oilfields. 18 As the largest and most productive formation in the U.S., the incentive for criminal activity is high [45]. The isolated nature of some storage yards provides ample opportunities for thieves to gain easy access to equipment and valuable recyclable metals. 18

Moreover, the proximity of the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford formations to the border of Mexico further complicates the situation, as it facilitates the quick sale of stolen products by blurring the regulatory requirements from one country to the next. 18

A collaborative effort between federal, state, and local authorities has been established as a task force with the FBI to address this issue. This task force aims to leverage information-sharing and collaboration among various stakeholders, including oil company security personnel, local law enforcement, the FBI, elected officials, and other stakeholders, to identify patterns and trends indicative of these crimes [46]. 17

As Congressman Tony Gonzales emphasized, "What I'm trying to do is connect all those local law enforcement agencies with this FBI Task Force that sees the overall picture... I'm trying to break down the silos — local, state, and federal all on the same page." 21 The task force aims to dismantle the larger criminal organizations operating in the region by fostering a coordinated approach and leveraging existing tools and resources. 17 21 19 20 21

Consequences for the Oil Industry

Financial Losses

The scourge of oil theft in the Permian Basin is not just a threat to our nation's energy security – it's an outright assault on the livelihoods of hardworking Texans and the economic prosperity of our state. 22 These criminal cartels, enabled by Biden's open borders policies, are robbing small, independent oil producers of their hard-earned profits, stealing truckloads of Oil, oilfield instruments, trucks, equipment, and even work boots and clothes. 23 This despicable conspiracy is costing producers millions of dollars, jeopardizing jobs and livelihoods across West Texas. 22 23

The financial impact of this crisis extends far beyond the immediate losses suffered by oil companies. As District Attorney Amanda Navarette warned, "It not only affects big business, but it affects our systems of our counties. Most of us work in the oil industry or have some ties, and this ultimately affects everybody in our communities." 23 The oil industry is the lifeblood of West Texas, and any disruption to its operations has rippling effects on the entire region's economy. 23

Even during the COVID-19 pandemic and the temporary oil glut in 2020, which brought unexpected challenges to the Texas oil and gas industry, the threat of oil theft remained a constant burden, compounding the financial woes faced by producers. 24 It's a crisis that demands immediate action to preserve the Texas Miracle and the prosperity of our state.

Safety and Environmental Risks

The consequences of oil theft extend far beyond financial losses – they pose grave risks to the safety of workers and the environment. As Lieutenant Richard Dickson of the Ector County Sheriff's Office warned, "It's a liability having these people out on your oil lease anyway...copper thieves get into a hot wire; oil thieves might get into H2S." 22 The presence of these criminal elements on oil leases heightens the risk of accidents, fires, and exposure to hazardous substances like hydrogen sulfide (H2S), jeopardizing the lives of legitimate workers.

Moreover, the illegal refining process employed by these criminal networks is an environmental catastrophe waiting to happen. As the excerpts reveal, "Oil is spilled at the point of siphoning, during transportation to camps and waiting vessels and at the camps (local refineries). Some of the Oil stolen (about 25%) is delivered to small-scale rudimentary refineries in the creeks and mangroves, heated in fabricated metal stills or drums to produce low-grade diesel fuel [47]. It's likely as much as 80% of the heavy end of crude cannot be refined and are just dumped into the environment [47]." 25

The consequences of this reckless behavior are devastating [48]. "Severe damage is done to the environment due to artisanal refining. The refining process leads to a significant quantity of wastage being dumped in rivers and streams or on land – two drums of crude Oil translate into one drum of the product once refined [47]." 25 The pollution caused by these makeshift refineries saturates the mangroves, disturbs surface water, and harms traditional livelihoods tied to the land and water [47]. 25

Furthermore, the release of Oil into the environment poses a significant threat to human health due to its harmful and toxic chemical components [49]. 27 When burned, fossil fuels release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and its associated toxic effects [50]. 27 As the National Library of Medicine study highlights, exposure to crude Oil can compromise the immune systems of both humans and animals, increasing their susceptibility to infectious diseases. 27

Large spills of crude Oil, oil products, and chemicals associated with these criminal operations can result in significant clean-up costs, fines, and other damages and harm our reputation and operating license. 26 In 2023 alone, there were 70 operational spills of more than 100 kilograms each, weighing 0.37 thousand tonnes, compared to 0.06 thousand tonnes in 2022. 26 The number of sabotage-related spills also increased to 140 in 2023, with a volume of 1.4 thousand tonnes, up from 75 spills and 0.6 thousand tonnes in 2022. 26

The consequences of oil theft are far-reaching and severe, threatening not only our state's economic prosperity but also the safety of our workers and the integrity of our environment. It's a crisis that demands immediate action and a coordinated response from law enforcement agencies at all levels to protect our oilfields, our communities, and our way of life. 23

Involvement of Illegal Aliens in the Criminal Networks

Their Role in Oil Theft Operations

The involvement of illegal aliens in the criminal networks fueling oil theft in the Permian Basin is a grave threat to our nation's energy security and economic prosperity. 31 These criminal cartels, enabled by Biden's open borders policies, are exploiting the porous borders and lack of security to facilitate their illicit activities. 31 32

Illegal aliens are heavily involved in criminal networks, particularly in oil theft operations. 31 They work within these criminal networks, leveraging their ability to move across borders undetected to facilitate the theft and distribution of stolen Oil. 31 Truckloads of Oil are being stolen from small, independent oil producers, along with oilfield instruments, trucks, equipment, and even work boots and clothes. 28 31 These despicable crimes hurt every American and smaller, independent producers. 28

Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX), whose district spans 800 miles of the Texas border, has sounded the alarm on the growing involvement of illegal aliens in these criminal networks. He has organized federal and local law enforcement in the region to devise an attack plan as the largest U.S. oilfield, the Permian Basin, continues to get hit by thieves. 32

1. Exploitation of Illegal Aliens by Criminal Networks
   • Criminal networks often exploit illegal aliens, coercing them into participating in oil theft operations. 31
   • The promise of financial gain and the threat of violence are used to compel illegal aliens to aid in these criminal activities. 31
2. Facilitation of Oil Theft and Distribution
   • Illegal aliens play a crucial role in facilitating the theft and distribution of stolen Oil across borders. 31
   • Their ability to move undetected allows them to transport stolen Oil and materials to various destinations, enabling the criminal networks to profit from their illicit operations. 31
3. Involvement of Foreign Nationals
   • Authorities have noted the growing involvement of foreign nationals, mainly Cuban nationals, in oil theft operations in West Texas. 28
   • Rep. Gonzales stated, "The bottom line is the border crisis is expanding, and it is morphing into other things, and part of that is you have folks that are Cuban nationals that are kind of settling out in West Texas and in some cases are part of this increase in oil theft." 28

The involvement of illegal aliens in these criminal networks is a direct consequence of the Biden administration's open borders policies, which have enabled criminal cartels to exploit vulnerabilities and expand their operations. 28 31 It is a crisis that demands immediate action to secure our borders, protect our energy resources, and safeguard the livelihoods of hardworking Texans.

Connection to Border Security Concerns

The involvement of illegal aliens in criminal networks engaged in oil theft operations is intrinsically linked to broader border security concerns. 31 These criminal organizations exploit the lack of border security to facilitate their illicit activities, undermining the sovereignty of our nation and endangering the lives of those being smuggled. 33

Human smuggling networks are often linked to other transnational crimes, including drug trafficking and the corruption of government officials [51]. 33 They can move criminals, fugitives, terrorists, and trafficking victims, as well as economic migrants, across borders with impunity. 33 The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimated that the smuggling of persons from Latin America to the United States generated approximately $6.6 billion annually in illicit proceeds for human smuggling networks [52]. 33

Moreover, the presence of Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) in Mexico makes the U.S. border more vulnerable because it creates and maintains illicit corridors for border crossings that can be employed by other secondary criminal or terrorist actors or organizations [52]. 33 These criminal networks are not confined to a single illegal activity; they are involved in a multitude of illicit operations, including human smuggling, drug trafficking, and oil theft. 28

As Rep. Gonzales emphasized, "These criminal organizations, they're not like, 'Oh, hey, we're only in the oil stealing business.' They're in everything. They will steal anything that's not bolted down, and one of those things is Oil because it's lucrative." 28 The interconnected nature of these criminal activities underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to border security [53].

Securing our borders is not only crucial for combating oil theft but also for addressing the broader issues of transnational organized crime, human trafficking, and the potential infiltration of terrorists and other nefarious actors. 31 33 It is a matter of national security. The Biden administration's failure to address the border crisis has enabled these criminal networks to flourish, posing a grave threat to our nation's energy security, economic prosperity, and the safety of our communities.

Potential Solutions and Preventive Measures

Increased Security and Surveillance

A multi-pronged approach is being adopted to combat the scourge of oil theft in the Permian Basin, with a strong emphasis on enhanced security and surveillance measures.  Share to:  Facebook  Twitter  WhatsApp  LinkedIn  Pinterest