Episode 87 retired ATF Special Agent Roland Ballesteros

Interview with retired ATF Special Agent Roland Ballesteros.

Years of Service: 1987-2018

Roland grew up in Texas in a large family with a history of law enforcement going back to the 1800s to his great, great, great grandfather, who was a deputy sheriff. That service history continued through his family, with one brother becoming an ATF Special Agent and another working for the Air Force and, ultimately, the NSA.

As Roland was searching for what to do with his life, one brother took him for a ride along in high school, and from that moment on Roland realized he wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement.

As Roland was finishing college, he knew he didn’t want to work in an office and was trying to decide what law enforcement agency to go into. His brother told Roland to join the ATF, which Roland knew little about. After researching the agency, Roland applied and began his career in 1987 as a Special Agent.

During his career, Roland has worked on investigations focusing on felons in possession, fugitive apprehension, militias, the Centennial Park Bombing, the Eric Rudolph manhunt, homicides, gangs, home invasions, drug trafficking, the DC Sniper, and numerous other investigations.

Roland has been involved in investigations throughout the United States and other countries, including Mexico and El Salvador.

During this interview, Roland tells numerous stories about his career, including a harrowing recounting of the search warrant served at the infamous Branch Davidian Compound in Waco, Texas.

01:22 Introduction
01:46 Roland's Early Life
02:18 Path to Law Enforcement
03:23 Joining the ATF
03:55 First Ride Along Experience
06:37 The Treasury Agent Exam
08:01 Family Background and History
12:12 ATF Responsibilities
14:27 Gun Control and Enforcement
18:48 Regulatory Challenges
30:33 Project Achilles
32:05 Impact of the Brady Law
34:11 Waco Siege Background
37:16 Infiltrating the Compound
43:30 The Mighty Men and the Compound Assault
44:36 Planning the Raid: Cattle Trailers and Concealment
47:06 Blood Type Tags and Preparation
48:20 The Discovery: They Know We're Coming
51:15 The Raid Begins: Under Gunfire
52:25 Face to Face with David Koresh
53:46 Caught in the Crossfire
55:37 Surviving the Initial Assault
57:54 The Ceasefire Attempts
01:00:22 Escape from the Compound
01:04:00 Aftermath and Reflection
01:06:33 MS-13 Task Force: Early Days
01:07:26 The MS-13 Killing Spree
01:11:07 Undercover Operations and Challenges
01:12:36 Home Invasion Investigations
01:18:00 DEA Informant Collaboration
01:18:25 ATF's International Presence
01:20:20 Unexpected Call and Informant Introduction
01:20:37 Developing Spanish Skills and Big Deals
01:21:01 Illegal Gun Importation from China
01:21:33 Suspicious Surveillance and Deconfliction
01:22:47 Backing Away from Dangerous Deals
01:24:10 The DC Sniper Case
01:24:39 Intense Security Measures
01:25:33 A Close Call with a White Panel Truck
01:26:05 Miscommunication and Frustration
01:28:01 Mexico City TDY and Gun Trafficking
01:29:02 Fast and Furious Operation
01:30:13 Challenges with Mexican Authorities
01:32:41 Corruption in El Salvador and Honduras
01:33:35 Retirement and New Role
01:35:37 Operation Pin Cushion
01:40:37 Acting Career in Yellowstone Prequel
01:44:23 Reflections on Law Enforcement Career