Los Federales

Los Federales, a conjunto group consisting of eight U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and Border Patrol agents, has become an integral part of the South Texas community through their music performances. Founded around 13 years ago, the group initially formed to perform during Hispanic Heritage Month, but their popularity quickly soared as they began performing at various events such as Charro Days, Border Fest, schools, festivals, and parades.

Led by Manuel Maldonado, who serves as the lead singer and accordion player, Los Federales aim to humanize law enforcement officers beyond their uniformed roles. Their performances have garnered positive responses from the public, with people dancing and cheering during events like the Charro Days parade.

“It’s been really, really good. The band did start. We are all professional, we are all agents with the federal government. It has been really, really, good opportunity to share and the biggest thing is to make us humanize not only when we are in uniform but when we are in plain clothes like this,” Maldonado said.

The group recently recorded their first original song titled “El Sacrificio” (The Sacrifice), penned by band member Joseph Flores, which pays tribute to the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers who are often away from their families to ensure public safety.

Amador Carbajal, a retired Border Patrol agent who continues to play with Los Federales, highlights how being part of the group offers the public a different perspective on federal agents, showcasing them as individuals who also enjoy music and camaraderie outside of their law enforcement duties.

“They always see us arresting people and now they see us as in band and that we are like everyone else. Our job is our job and that we still enjoy playing and being like everybody else,” Carbajal said.