LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents from Laredo South Station working with Air and Marine Operations (AMO), Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and Customs and Border Protection Officers (CBPOs) coordinated efforts to stop a human smuggling scheme in Laredo.
The incident began during the mid-morning of January 26, when agents acted on a report of a suspicious vehicle driving east on Soria Drive. AMO was notified to assist in keeping track of the vehicle as it drove into neighborhoods off La Pita Mangana Road. Agents were advised that the driver dropped off several individuals, who were quickly apprehended, on Alvarado Lane.
The vehicle fled the area and traveled first on Jaime Zapata Highway before turning north on U.S. Highway 83 towards downtown Laredo. Agents attempted a vehicle stop which resulted in the vehicle failing to yield. DPS was alerted and began to pursue the vehicle as it headed toward the downtown area of the city. As the vehicle traveled toward the Outlet Shops of Laredo with DPS in pursuit, a CBPO successfully deployed spike strips on the vehicle. The coordinated effort with DPS, AMO, and CBPOs led to successfully stopping the vehicle near the Ports of Entry in downtown.
DPS took custody of the driver, a U.S. citizen, and the vehicle. Agents took into custody a passenger, who along with the individuals apprehend earlier was determined to be in the United States illegally and from the country of Mexico.
Chief Patrol Agent Matthew J. Hudak said, “This case highlights the teamwork and collaboration between state and federal agencies to enforce the law and keep our communities safe. Agents were able to intercept the group of aliens shortly after they illegally entered the U.S. and the driver was arrested after leading DPS Troopers in a pursuit.”
The cooperation between multiple law enforcement agencies in our communities continues to lead to the interdiction of criminal activity and successful prosecution of violators of the law. U.S. Border Patrol agents of the Laredo Sector will continue to form resilient partnerships with their law enforcement counterparts to keep our Nation and communities safe as they focus on the agency’s strategic objectives to stem the flow of illegal immigration and stop the spread of COVID-19.
To report suspicious activity such as alien and/or drug smuggling, download the “USBP Laredo Sector” App or contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free at 1-800-343-1994. If you see something, please say something. You can also follow us on our social media platforms on Twitter and Instagram @usbpchieflrt and on Facebook at US Border Patrol Laredo Sector.
-CBP-