FALFURRIAS, Texas – Rio Grande Valley agents arrested the drivers of two failed human smuggling attempts. A combined 15 illegal aliens were discovered.
On Monday, Falfurrias agents working at the checkpoint referred a non-refrigerated Ford box truck for secondary inspection. At secondary, agents received consent to search the locked cargo area and, upon opening it, they discovered six subjects inside. At the time of the discovery, the locked cargo box temperature was 95 degrees. Agents arrested the driver and the six subjects later identified as Mexican nationals illegally present in the United States.
Last night, agents at the checkpoint referred an auto transport trailer hauling vehicles for secondary inspection after the agent observed condensation on the car’s windows. At secondary, agents inspected the three vehicles and discovered nine illegal aliens inside attempting to conceal themselves. Agents arrested all ten people in the failed human smuggling attempt. After interviewing the smuggled aliens, agents determined they were from the countries of Mexico and Honduras.
Border Patrol processed all subjects accordingly.
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!”
The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and report suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.
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.