EDINBURG, Texas – This past weekend, Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol agents arrested five human smugglers, 20 illegal aliens, and more than one pound of methamphetamine in five failed human smuggling attempts.
Friday afternoon, McAllen agents on patrol observed several subjects jump out of a red GMC pickup, as they responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle close to a canal commonly crossed by human smugglers. Agents secured the United States citizen (USC) driver, and a search of the immediate area led to the arrest of seven illegal aliens. The illegal aliens were identified to be from Mexico and Ecuador. Additionally, agents discovered more than one pound of methamphetamine hidden inside the vehicle. The drugs have an estimated value of over $35K.
Saturday afternoon, Rio Grande Valley Sector agents working near San Manuel, Texas, conducted a vehicle stop on a Chevrolet Malibu. While interviewing the USC driver and passenger, agents noticed inconsistencies in their stories. After receiving consent from the driver to search the trunk, agents discovered two Mexican nationals inside. Both were illegally present in the United States. Agents arrested all the subjects and transported them to the McAllen station for processing.
Later, agents working on Highway 281 near San Manuel, Texas, conducted a vehicle stop on an orange Dodge sports utility vehicle. As the agents approached the vehicle, they observed several occupants inside. During the interview, agents identified the driver as a USC. After interviewing the four passengers, agents determined they were illegally present in the United States. Agents arrested all the subjects and transported them to the Weslaco station for processing.
Additionally, agents arrested two drivers and seven illegal aliens during two failed human smuggling attempts.
Border Patrol processed the cases and 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!”
Even with the spread of the COVID-19 virus, human smugglers continue to try these brazen attempts with zero regard for the lives they endanger nor to the health of the citizens of our great nation. The U.S. Border Patrol agents of the Rio Grande Valley Sector will continue to safeguard the nation and community against these criminal elements.
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