A Brownsville police officer was suspended without pay after an internal investigation concluded he violated a driver’s Fourth Amendment rights during a traffic stop, according to disciplinary records obtained by The Hawk’s Eye. Officer Hector J. Castillo Jr. accepted a one-day suspension without pay and waived his right to appeal under the department’s collective bargaining agreement.

The suspension stems from a Feb. 15, 2026, traffic stop in which department leadership determined Castillo improperly attempted to obtain consent to search a vehicle. The disciplinary action became effective March 26, 2026.

Traffic Stop Led to Internal Investigation

According to the disciplinary letter, Castillo told a driver he would not issue a citation if the driver consented to a search of the vehicle. When the driver refused, Castillo advised the driver of traffic violations and informed him the vehicle would be impounded.

The driver later admitted possessing a THC vape pen inside the vehicle. The driver was detained, handcuffed, and the vehicle was searched, resulting in the recovery of contraband before the driver was arrested and the vehicle impounded.

Department Cites Constitutional Violations

Chief Felix Sauceda determined Castillo’s conduct violated the Fourth Amendment, which protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. The disciplinary findings state consent to search must be voluntary and cannot be obtained through threats, coercion, or improper leverage of law enforcement authority.

The department also found Castillo violated Brownsville Police Department policies governing constitutional policing, search and seizure practices, standards of conduct, and provisions of the City of Brownsville Employee Handbook. The allegations were sustained following the department’s investigation.

Officer Remains Licensed

Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) records show Castillo holds an active peace officer license and has been employed by the Brownsville Police Department since Sept. 11, 2023.

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