BROWNSVILLE, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized a box of live parrots apparently being smuggled across the border from Mexico into Texas.

CBP seizes live parrots

The parrots were found in an SUV crossing at the Brownsville Port of Entry on March 13, the CBP said in a Friday release. 

The 2007 GMC Yukon was flagged for a secondary inspection, at which point a box with three live parrots was discovered. 

Homeland Security Investigations special agents initiated a criminal investigation into the seizure. CBP says they worked with partner agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to safeguard the birds at a local zoo.

Parrots are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora regulated by FWS. 

What they’re saying:

“Parrots are protected species and our frontline officers work diligently to prevent suspected attempts to smuggle them as part of the illegal animal trade,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry. “Exotic birds may carry various diseases not known to exist in the U.S. that could endanger native wildlife and U.S. agriculture, resulting in potential economic harm as well.”

The Houston Cougars reminded the college basketball world they are a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA Tournament on Thursday night.

No. 2 Houston dispatched No. 15 Idaho 78-47 and is heading to the Round of 32 on Saturday.

Led by freshman guard Kingston Flemings, the Cougars routed the Vandals and secured an intra-state matchup in the second round of March Madness.

SHOP: Houston vs. Texas A&M March Madness tickets

Now, Houston will take on No. 10 Texas A&M on Saturday, March 21. The Aggies pulled off the minor upset beating St. Mary’s earlier on Thursday evening.

Here is everything you need to know in order to buy Houston vs. Texas A&M March Madness basketball second round tickets.

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Shop Houston vs. Texas A&M March Madness tickets

When is March Madness 2026?

The First Four tipped off the 2026 March Madness tournament on Tuesday, March 17. The two rounds run between Thursday, March 19 and Sunday, March 22. The tournament concludes with the Final Four on Saturday, April 4 and the National Championship game on Monday, April 6.

Houston March Madness next opponent

Houston earned a No. 2 seed in the South regional. They team defeated Idaho in the its opening game and have advanced to the Round of 32, where they will play the No. 10 Texas A&M on Saturday. Tickets to Houston’s Round of 32 game start at $192 and includes entry to see No. 4 Nebraska take on No. 5 Vanderbilt as well.

Abilene, Texas — The Humane Society of North Texas has taken in approximately 40 dogs from the Caps situation.

However, officials say they were unable to take in four additional dogs due to a higher number of animals than originally anticipated.

RELATED | Dozens of dogs reported on property in Caps, ‘It’s ridiculous’

Those remaining dogs are now expected to be placed with foster families later this week.