7 Critical Facts About The City Of Roma Police Department: Border Security, New Leadership, And Major Drug Seizures

The City of Roma Police Department (RPD), a critical law enforcement agency situated directly on the U.S.-Mexico border in the Rio Grande Valley, has been at the forefront of local and federal operations, especially in counter-narcotics and border security. As of December 17, 2025, the department continues to operate under new leadership, focusing on community-oriented policing while managing the unique challenges presented by its geographical location in Starr County, Texas, including high-profile drug seizures and complex criminal investigations.

Recent developments, including the appointment of a new Police Chief and continuous collaboration with federal agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), underscore the RPD's vital role. The department serves a population of approximately 9,617 residents, maintaining peace, investigating crime, and promoting public safety through modern techniques and community engagement programs.

The Professional Profile of Chief Iv Garza Jr.

The Roma Police Department is currently led by Chief Iv Garza Jr., a long-time veteran of the department whose recent appointment signifies a new chapter for law enforcement in the city. His leadership is focused on maintaining operational excellence and strengthening the bond between the police force and the community. The following is a profile of his professional career and tenure:

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• Full Name: Iv Garza Jr.
• Current Position: Chief of Police, City of Roma Police Department (RPD).
• Appointment Date: Recently appointed by the Roma City Council (Specific date not publicly detailed, but recent).
• Previous Rank: Served as a Sergeant within the Roma Police Department.
• Department Tenure: A 14-year veteran of the Roma Police Department prior to his appointment as Chief.
• Core Mission Focus: Committed to continuous improvement in law enforcement and utilizing the most modern techniques available to serve and protect the citizens of Roma, Texas.
• Contact Information: Chief Garza can be contacted directly at igarza@cityofroma.net.

The RPD’s Critical Role in U.S. Border Security

The City of Roma is situated on the Rio Grande, directly across from Ciudad Miguel Alemán, Tamaulipas, Mexico. This location makes the Roma Police Department an indispensable partner in national border security efforts. Unlike many inland police departments, the RPD’s daily operations are heavily influenced by transnational crime, including drug trafficking and human smuggling.

Unprecedented Drug Seizures at the Port of Entry

The RPD frequently works hand-in-hand with federal entities, primarily U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations, stationed at the Roma International Port of Entry. This collaboration results in the interdiction of massive quantities of illicit narcotics. The RPD takes the lead in the subsequent criminal investigations, prosecuting the drivers and organizations responsible for smuggling attempts.

• Cocaine Busts: There have been multiple instances of CBP officers seizing millions of dollars worth of cocaine at the Port of Entry, with the narcotics, tractor trailers, and drivers all being turned over to the Roma Police Department for criminal investigation and arrest.
• Massive Methamphetamine Interdictions: In one recent high-profile case, officers seized close to 4,000 pounds of methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of $25 million, hidden in bottles resembling Topo Chico mineral water. The coordinated effort between local and federal officers highlights the specialized nature of law enforcement in this border town.
• LSI Entity Focus: The sheer volume of these seizures—involving entities like the Roma International Port of Entry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Starr County District Attorney's Office—demonstrates the RPD's crucial counter-narcotics mission.

Key Operational Statistics and Department Structure

The Roma Police Department is a full-service law enforcement agency with a focused structure designed to effectively serve its small but strategically important community. The department’s size and mission reflect the unique demographic and security landscape of the region.

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Departmental Facts and Figures

The RPD operates with a lean force to patrol the city and manage its complex border duties. Understanding these core statistics provides insight into the scale of their operations:

• Population Served: Approximately 9,617 residents.
• Number of Officers: The department maintains a force of approximately 22 officers.
• Physical Address: 201 W. Convent Blvd., Roma, TX 78584.
• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 947, Roma, TX 78584.
• Non-Emergency Phone: 956.849.1411.

The Local Crime Environment in Starr County, Texas

The RPD operates within Starr County, a region that faces specific law enforcement challenges. While the crime rate can fluctuate, the department is tasked with keeping the peace in a high-traffic border area.

• Violent Crime Rate: The violent crime rate in Starr County is reported to be around 7.920 per 1,000 residents in a typical year. This figure is a key metric for the RPD’s resource allocation and patrol strategies.
• Jurisdictional Partners: The RPD works closely with the Starr County Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas Rangers Division on major incidents, such as officer-involved shootings, to ensure independent and thorough investigations.

Recent High-Profile Incidents and Community Outreach

The RPD’s commitment to its mission is evident in both its handling of serious criminal matters and its dedication to community engagement, which is vital for a small-town police force.

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Handling Complex Criminal Investigations

The department has recently been involved in several notable and complex cases that have drawn regional attention:

• Officer-Involved Shooting: RPD officers were involved in an incident following a verbal altercation in a local parking lot. The case was immediately turned over to the Texas Department of Public Safety Rangers Division for an independent investigation, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and proper protocol.
• Fugitive Surrender: The department was involved in the surrender of a former Roma police officer who had been wanted on federal drug charges for more than a decade and was hiding in Mexico. This case highlights the department's unwavering commitment to integrity and accountability, regardless of the individual involved.

Community-Focused Policing and Engagement

Beyond its law enforcement duties, the Roma PD actively seeks to build trust and positive relationships with the local population. This is achieved through various outreach efforts and programs.

• Community Events: The RPD hosts and participates in community-building events, such as the "Cops & Crawfish Boil," which provides a fun, relaxed environment for citizens and officers to interact outside of official duties.
• Youth Development: The department also works closely with the Roma Independent School District (RISD) Police Department to ensure a safe environment for students, staff, and visitors, often recruiting new officers who have graduated from regional institutions like the South Texas College Police Academy.

The men and women of the Roma Police Department are dedicated to their fundamental duty: to serve and protect, to prevent and investigate crime, and to maintain the peace in one of the most geographically sensitive areas of the United States. Their continuous efforts ensure the safety of the local community while playing a significant role in national border security.