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  4. Caller prevents a potential senseless tragedy in the Rio Grande Valley

Caller prevents a potential senseless tragedy in the Rio Grande Valley

Release Date
Mon, 04/02/2018

WESLACO, Texas – On Wednesday, March 28, a concerned citizen called the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) after noticing two subjects hiding in the air dam of a tractor trailer. HCSO deputies were dispatched and located the two subjects. Weslaco Border Patrol agents also responded and determined the two subjects, both Guatemalan citizens, were illegally present in the United States.

Immigrants were saved from a Semi Trailer air dam
Immigrants were saved from a Semi
Trailer air dam

Both subjects will be processed accordingly.

“The Operation Big Rig campaign encourages the public to take action and call 911 to help us end these human smuggling tactics,” said Chief Patrol Agent Manuel Padilla, Jr. “We are grateful the message is resonating within our communities and we commend this concerned citizen for potentially saving the lives of these individuals.”

The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and to help save lives by reporting suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.

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 the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021