Skip to main content

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

  • Archived Content
    In an effort to keep CBP.gov current, the archive contains content from a previous administration or is otherwise outdated.
  1. Home
  2. Newsroom
  3. Local Media Release
  4. Border Patrol Agents Care for Smuggled Toddler

Border Patrol Agents Care for Smuggled Toddler

Release Date
Sun, 09/29/2019

HSI Identifies Fraudulent Family Unit

 

Del RIO, Texas – Border Patrol agents assigned to the Uvalde Station cared for a smuggled toddler over the course of nearly 24 hours after Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents recovered the child from two unrelated individuals identified as a fraudulent family unit, Sept. 23.

“Of all the people that smugglers exploit, children are the most vulnerable,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz. “Thanks to the cooperative efforts between HSI and Border Patrol, this child was removed from a dangerous situation and properly cared for.”

Early this week HSI special agents identified a smuggling case involving a false family claim in which two individuals were taken into custody for attempting to smuggle a small child. During the course of the investigation, HSI determined the smugglers had no relation to the child. The Uvalde Border Patrol Station, being better suited to care for the child overnight, assisted HSI by assuming custody. Agents personally cared for the toddler over the course of three shifts. After nearly 24 hours, the child was placed in the custody of Health and Human Services.

“HSI’s message is clear – our priority is to protect the children.” said Shane Folden, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Antonio. “HSI will continue to partner with the Border Patrol to identify and dismantle the criminal organizations using fraud to smuggle children.”

At this time the child’s family has not been identified. The two smugglers are being held pending charges by HSI.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 29, 2024