MARFA, Texas - U.S. Border Patrol agents arrest 10 citizens of China illegally present in United States.
Big Bend Sector Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Mathew J Roggow said, “The communities in Big Bend Sector are home to some of the finest people I have come to know. I am extremely proud of our agents commitment to keeping them safe. Today was a prime example of the unity of effort that we have with our fellow state and local law enforcement agencies. These arrest would not have been possible without the assistance of the Marfa Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Game Wardens, and the diligent efforts of the Presidio and Brewster County Sheriff’s Office."
On September 10, Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Marfa Border Patrol Station and Big Bend Sector responded to a call for assistance from a Presidio County Sheriff’s Office Deputy (PCSO) attempting to conduct a vehicle stop on a white GMC pickup truck. The vehicle failed to yield to the PCSO deputy. Border Patrol Agents along with other state and local partners responded to assist in searching for the vehicle. During a search for the vehicle, agents located a subject near the Marfa cemetery.
Shortly after locating the subject near the cemetery, agents located foot sign and followed it to an abandoned shack located at the Marfa cemetery. Agents found ten subjects, all citizens of China illegally present in the United States, hiding in the shack. The subjects were arrested and taken to the Marfa Border Patrol Station for processing.
Meanwhile, the white GMC pickup truck was encountered by a Brewster County Sheriff’s Deputy approximately 10 miles west of Alpine, Texas on Highway 90.
This case was turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s / Homeland Security Investigations.
Big Bend Sector Border Patrol agents, patrol 517 miles of the southwest border, an area that extends from Sierra Blanca, Texas to Sanderson, Texas. The Sierra Blanca Station area of responsibility consists of more than half of Hudspeth County or about 2,500 square miles. The station is responsible for 73 border miles between the U.S. and Mexico. More than 10,000 vehicles travel through the Sierra Blanca checkpoint on a daily basis. The Marfa Station is responsible for 68 border miles between the U.S. and Mexico. In the interior of the Marfa Station Area of Responsibility, (AOR), are the communities of Marfa, Valentine, and Ft. Davis. On the Rio Grande, lie the communities of Ruidosa and Candelaria. Sparse population exists between these communities on area ranches The entire population for the Marfa Station AOR is less than 5,000.
The U.S. Border Patrol is made up of over 19,000 brave men and women who courageously secure our nation’s borders. Help us secure our homeland, find out more at cbp.gov/careers.