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Known smuggler arrested and sentenced after Inter-Agency operation

Release Date
Wed, 03/15/2017

EDINBURG, Texas – Through a coordinated effort with the Joint Task Force-West, South Texas Corridor (JTF-W, STC), a known smuggler operating in Rio Grande City was arrested and sentenced for her role as an alien smuggling coordinator.

Smuggler arrested and sentenced in the Rio Grande Valley
Smuggler arrested and
sentenced in the Rio Grande
Valley

On March 8, 2017, Abigail Del Angel, a Mexican national and former candidate in the “Se Busca” initiative, was arrested in a joint operation by the JTF W STC and the Starr County Sheriff’s Office.  Del Angel is linked to an alien smuggling organization credited with smuggling approximately 75 undocumented immigrants per week.  She has previously been removed due to her involvement in smuggling as well as being illegally present in the United States.

Since illegally reentering the country in June of 2016, sources indicate that Del Angel was trying to maintain a low profile due to increased pressure by state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies working to target transnational criminal organizations and the individuals who work for them.  Del Angel has been sentenced to 90 days behind bars.

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.

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