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  4. Rio Grande Valley Agents rescue immigrants, smuggler flees checkpoint

Rio Grande Valley Agents rescue immigrants, smuggler flees checkpoint

Release Date
Tue, 08/23/2016

EDINBURG, Texas — U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Rio Grande Valley Sector rescued eight illegal immigrants over the weekend, including one that was left to die by smugglers.

The most significant rescue occurred when McAllen Station agents working near Havana, Texas encountered an unconscious, severely dehydrated immigrant who had been abandoned and left to die by her smuggler.  A Border Patrol EMT provided the woman with aid and requested an ambulance. She was then transported to a hospital in McAllen for further evaluation and medical treatment.

Later that day, Kingsville agents gave chase after a vehicle attempted to flee the Sarita Checkpoint following a K9 alert. After a brief pursuit, the driver was apprehended.  During a search of the vehicle, seven immigrants were discovered in the trunk with no means of escape. The driver was arrested and the subjects were processed accordingly.

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. Ask about our Border Watch application to report suspicious activity.

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