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  4. Human Smugglers Plans go Awry in the Rio Grande Valley

Human Smugglers Plans go Awry in the Rio Grande Valley

Release Date
Mon, 02/03/2020

EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol arrested four human smugglers and 13 illegal aliens in separate incidents.

Yesterday morning, Falfurrias agents working at the checkpoint referred a tractor-trailer for secondary inspection after a service K-9 alerted. At secondary, an inspection of the locked trailer revealed nine illegal aliens hiding inside. Agents arrested the nine subjects, including the driver. After interviewing the subjects, agents determined the illegal aliens were from the countries of Guatemala and Honduras.

Additionally, since last Wednesday, agents halted three human smuggling attempts in Starr County arresting the drivers and taking four illegal aliens into custody.

The cases remain under investigation and the Border Patrol is processing all 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!”   

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, @USBPChiefRGV and @USBPDepChiefRGV.

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