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    In an effort to keep CBP.gov current, the archive contains content from a previous administration or is otherwise outdated.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. Checkpoint Agents Disrupt Two Separate Smuggling Attempts in the Rio Grande Valley

Checkpoint Agents Disrupt Two Separate Smuggling Attempts in the Rio Grande Valley

Release Date
Tue, 05/28/2019

EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested two United States citizens after the failed smuggling attempt of 38 illegal aliens at two U.S Border Patrol Checkpoints in the Rio Grande Valley.

On Monday morning, agents working at the Javier Vega, Jr. Checkpoint near Sarita, Texas, referred a van to the secondary inspection area after a Border Patrol K-9 alerted to the vehicle. During the inspection, agents discovered 14 illegal aliens hidden inside.

Later that day, agents working at the Falfurrias Checkpoint arrested a United States citizen after he attempted to smuggle 24 illegal aliens inside a utility trailer. Agents provided the illegal aliens with basic medical attention and escorted all subjects into the checkpoint.

The Border Patrol referred both cases to Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation.

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 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 03, 2021