LAREDO, TEXAS – United States Border Patrol agents assigned to the Hebbronville Station tracked foot sign of a large group for 12 hours that ultimately led to the arrest of 44 individuals near Hebbronville, Texas.
The incident began in the very early morning hours of November 6, when Hebbronville agents patrolling Farm to Market Road 1017 discovered foot sign of a large group southeast of the town. The sign traveled northeast in the direction of State Highway 285 (SH 285). About five hours later, 14 individuals illegally in the United States were initially apprehended near SH 285. Agents continued to follow the foot sign across SH 285 northbound through the brush. The agents’ tenacity and dedication to their duties ultimately led to the arrest of 30 more individuals in the brush who were also in the country illegally.
The agents involved in apprehending this large group were from two different shifts, All-Terrain Vehicle and Horse Patrol Units. The agents successfully combined their efforts over a span of 12 hours to effect the arrest of this large group. Laredo Sector Chief Patrol Agent Matthew J. Hudak said, “The twelve hours of tracking done by Hebbronville Station agents to make these arrests demonstrate our commitment to the security of our country and the safety of those we protect. The expert tracking skills of our agents are part of our tradition and remain critical skills today.”
The 44 individuals arrested were in the United States illegally from the countries of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. They were all medically screened and none required medical attention. They were processed accordingly.
The agents of the Laredo Sector will remain watchful and dedicated to their duties as they uphold the agency’s Core Values of Vigilance, Service, and Integrity.
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 @usbpdepchieflrt and on Facebook at US Border Patrol Laredo Sector.