EDINBURG, Texas – Agents arrest the drivers of two foiled human smuggling attempts, leading to the arrest of six illegal aliens.
Last night, Rio Grande Valley agents working near San Manuel, Texas, observed a black Chevrolet Impala traveling north on Highway 281. Agents attempted to initiate a stop, but the driver failed to yield to the agent’s emergency lights, and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit came to an end after the driver abruptly pulled over on the side of the highway and the fled into the brush nearby. Inside the vehicle, agents discovered five illegal aliens, three which were found inside the trunk. Agents searched the brush and located the United States citizen driver.
This morning, Falfurrias agents working at the checkpoint referred a gray Ford Taurus to the secondary inspection area following a K-9 alert. At secondary, agents inspected the vehicle and discovered a Mexican national concealed under bags of clothing hidden inside the trunk. Agents arrested the subjects and escorted them to the station for processing. Additionally, during the vehicle inspection, agents discovered a small quantity of methamphetamine and Xanax pills. Border Patrol turned the case over to the Brooks County Sheriff’s Office.
Border Patrol processed the cases and subjects accordingly.
The Rio Grande Valley Sector currently has multiple campaigns focused on rescues and danger awareness, such as “Operation Big Rig” and “No Se Arriesgue” to combat smuggling and ultimately save lives. Call 911 to report suspicious activity; “They’re humans, not cargo!”
The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and report suspicious activity at 800-863-9382
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Even with the spread of the COVID-19 virus, human smugglers continue to try these brazen attempts with zero regard for the lives they endanger nor to the health of the citizens of our great nation. The U.S. Border Patrol agents of the Rio Grande Valley Sector will continue to safeguard the nation and community against these criminal elements.
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter @CBPRGV, @USBPChiefRGV and @USBPDepChiefRGV.