Two Mexican Nationals Arrested for Human Smuggling
DEL RIO, Texas – The Del Rio Sector Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) arrested two suspected smugglers and 10 undocumented immigrants after they crossed the Rio Grande River Friday afternoon.
“Smugglers have no regard for human safety in pursuit of profits,” said Del Rio Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Randy Davis. “We will work with our investigative partners to prosecute any individual or criminal organization responsible for human smuggling in the Del Rio Sector.”
On May 10, the BORTAC unit was conducting surveillance of a section of river within the Brackettville Station area of responsibility that has seen an increase in smuggling activity and water rescues since early April. At about noon, BORTAC agents witnessed two men bring 10 people across the river, to the U.S. side, in an inflatable pool. Once they made landfall the agents apprehended the group, along with the two smugglers, who attempted to abscond. The group were all undocumented immigrants from Honduras including minor children.
Since April 12, Brackettville Border Patrol agents have seen an increased in illegal border crossings of family units and have rescued 187 undocumented immigrants from the Rio Grande River.
The two suspected smugglers, both Mexican nationals, face charges of 8 USC § 1324 – alien smuggling, which carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is part of the Joint Task Force-West South Texas Corridor, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations. To report suspicious activity call the Del Rio Sector’s toll free number at 1-866-511-8727.