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  4. RGV Checkpoint Agents Stop Big Rig Smuggling Attempt

RGV Checkpoint Agents Stop Big Rig Smuggling Attempt

Release Date
Fri, 08/21/2020

SARITA, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Javier Vega, Jr. Checkpoint discover 27 illegal aliens concealed inside a tractor trailer.

Early this morning, Kingsville agents referred a 51 year-old United States citizen driving a tractor trailer to the secondary area after a Border Patrol K-9 alerted to the trailer. Inside the trailer, agents discovered a total of 27 illegal aliens comprised of men and women from the countries of Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador and Costa Rica. Agents offered the subjects basic medical attention and escorted the group into the checkpoint for processing.

Border Patrol turned the case over to Homeland Security Investigation Corpus Christi Office for federal prosecution.

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.

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection.  Follow us on Twitter @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