FALFURRIAS, Texas — U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Rio Grande Valley Sector rescued 10 people in three separate incidents this past weekend.
The most unique rescue occurred when a Chevrolet pickup truck approached the Falfurrias Checkpoint. During an immigration inspection, a Border Patrol K-9 alerted to the bed of the vehicle. Upon further inspection, agents rescued four illegal aliens, who were concealed in the bed of the pickup truck underneath a 10-inch tall plywood platform. The platform was covered with 90 bags of oranges weighing a total of 900 pounds. A fifth illegal immigrant was found hiding in the cab of the vehicle behind the seats. The driver, who is a United States citizen, was arrested and the case was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations.
Two additional rescues occurred over the weekend in which a total of five illegal aliens were found locked inside in the trunks of vehicles.
The Rio Grande Valley 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 sector’s toll-free telephone number at 800-863-9382.