The following statement pertains to a death that occurred on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, near La Gloria, Texas. This information is based on a preliminary review by Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility.
On the morning of Dec. 3, 2021, Border Patrol Agents were traveling eastbound in two separate vehicles on Farm to Market Road 755 near Encino, Texas, approximately 51 miles north of the U.S./Mexico Border. As the Border Patrol agents approached the intersection of FM 755 and U.S. Highway 281, they spotted multiple suspected undocumented migrants exiting a gray Ford F-150 pickup. As they approached, the F-150 left the area traveling westbound on FM 755 at a high rate of speed. The Border Patrol agents turned around to catch up to the vehicle. Approximately 3.5 miles west of the intersection of FM 755 and Hwy 281, the Border Patrol agents activated their emergency lights and the F-150 failed to yield.
As the Border Patrol agents pursued the F-150, Border Patrol Sector Communications notified the Texas Department of Public Safety of the pursuit. As the vehicle approached the intersection of FM 755 and FM 1017, the pursuing Border Patrol agents slowed down and a Texas DPS officer, who was accompanied by two Border Patrol agents, deployed a Vehicle Immobilization Device. The F-150 attempted to circumvent the VID, left the roadway, struck solar panels, rolled, and came to rest on its side and facing the opposite direction. The driver of the F-150 fled from the collision but was apprehended.
An occupant of the F-150, a male citizen of Mexico, was ejected from the vehicle when it rolled over. A Border Patrol agent Emergency Medical Technician provided aid and performed CPR on the man. Border Patrol agents requested Emergency Medical Services and an air ambulance which could not respond due to weather. Despite lifesaving efforts, the man succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Starr County Justice of the Peace.
The driver of the vehicle was booked into Starr County Jail and is being charged with evading arrest resulting in death.
This incident is being investigated by TX DPS and is being reviewed by CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility and the Starr County Justice of the Peace. The Department of Homeland Security Homeland Security Investigations, is investigating the smuggling event. The DHS Office of Inspector General was also notified.
~CBP~