90+ People Caught At Texas Border Smuggling…Eggs??
Forget diamonds, gold, or even high-end electronics—apparently, the hot new contraband of 2025 is… eggs. Yes, eggs. The breakfast staple that used to be as common as bad coffee at the office is now inspiring criminal masterminds to risk it all at the U.S.-Mexico border.
The Great Egg Smuggle of 2025
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents in Texas have cracked down on at least 90 people this year attempting to sneak Mexican eggs into the country. Sixteen of these egg-traffickers have been hit with civil penalties, totaling nearly $4,000 in fines. That’s a lot of omelets down the drain.
Why the surge in underground egg operations? Simple: American egg prices have been going up faster than your blood pressure at a family reunion. Since 2022, avian flu outbreaks have led to an egg shortage, sending prices soaring and desperate breakfast lovers south of the border in search of cheaper options.
What’s So Dangerous About a Little Yolk?
In case you thought this was just Big Government ruining the free market, there’s actually a legitimate reason for the crackdown. Turns out, eggs from Mexico could carry some rather unpleasant passengers—specifically, Virulent Newcastle Disease (VND).
What’s VND, you ask? Well, according to experts at UC Davis, it’s one of the most serious chicken diseases in the world. It’s highly contagious, devastating to birds, and if you thought food poisoning from bad eggs was bad, imagine one that could wipe out entire flocks. Not exactly what you want served sunny-side up.
The Real Cost of Not Declaring Your Bootleg Breakfast
If you're thinking about sneaking a dozen huevos rancheros-style into your carry-on, maybe reconsider. The agency is urging travelers to declare all agricultural products or face fines and penalties. Translation: If you lie about those eggs, you could end up paying way more than what your local grocery store is charging—no matter how ridiculous those prices already are.
So, if you find yourself at the border debating whether to smuggle a few eggs into the U.S., just remember: You might save a few bucks, but is it worth the risk of a fine, a disease outbreak, and a spot in history as one of America’s most ridiculous smugglers? Maybe just stick to the duty-free tequila instead.
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Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals