EDINGBURG, TEXAS—Acting upon anonymous tips and in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies, U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Rio Grande Valley Sector busted five stash houses in a 12-hour span Monday, resulting in the arrests of 230 illegal immigrants and eight suspected human smugglers.
The largest stash house was busted when agents received information from the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office about a potential human smuggling operation in Mission. Upon further investigation, agents arrested two suspected human smugglers and 78 illegal immigrants.
Agents arrested three suspected human smugglers and 49 illegal aliens after the San Juan Police Department encountered the group at a house in the 1200 block of Sioux Road while responding to a report of suspicious activity.
Agents took down stash houses in Donna with the help of Homeland Security Investigations where two suspected human smugglers and 50 illegal immigrants were arrested, and also in Brownsville where one suspected smuggler and 32 illegal immigrants were arrested.
Additionally, the McAllen Police Department discovered 21 illegal immigrants being stashed at a La Quinta Inn on 10th Street in McAllen. Agents responded to a call for assistance from the police department and arrested the illegal immigrants.
The illegal immigrants will be processed for return to their countries of origin.
To report suspicious activity, call the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sector's toll-free telephone number at (800) 863-9382.