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  4. Human Smugglers Continue to Place Migrants Lives at Risk in RGV

Human Smugglers Continue to Place Migrants Lives at Risk in RGV

Release Date
Mon, 07/26/2021

EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sector (RGV) agents disrupt three failed human smuggling attempts. 

Saturday morning, McAllen Border Patrol Station (MCS) agents responded to suspected illegal activity in Mission, Texas. As agents arrived, they saw a Ford F-150 departing the area.  As agents attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the driver abandoned his vehicle and fled into the nearby brush. Inside the vehicle, agents discovered seven migrants illegally present in the country, as well as a 40-caliber pistol.  Agents searched the immediate area for the driver, however he could not be located. Agents transported the individuals to MCS for processing.

Hours later, Weslaco Border Patrol Station agents encountered a similar situation while working in Donna, Texas. The driver of a Hyundai Santa Fe absconded into the brush after agents initiated a vehicle stop. Ten migrants were apprehended from the vehicle, to include a 12-year-old unaccompanied migrant child. A search for the driver of the vehicle yielded negative results. The migrants are citizens of Mexico and El Salvador. Agents transported them to the Weslaco station for processing. 

Yesterday morning, MCS agents working near Mission, Texas, initiated a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Tahoe.  The driver refused to stop and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit came to an end when the driver crashed through a high game fence.  As agents approached the vehicle, they observed several subjects running from the vehicle in an attempt to evade arrest.  Agents apprehended three subjects who remained inside the Tahoe. Agents requested Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to evaluate a male subject who injured his arm. EMS transported the individual to the hospital for further medical treatment. Agents searched the immediate area, however did not locate the driver. 

The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and report 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 @CBPRGV, @USBPChiefRGV and @USBPDepChiefRGV.

~CBP~

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: Jul 26, 2021