FALFURRIAS, Texas — U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Rio Grande Valley Sector rescued 10 people in three separate incidents this past weekend.
Subjects hidden in false compartment under load of oranges
The most unique rescue occurred when a Chevrolet pickup truck approached the Falfurrias Checkpoint. During an immigration inspection, a Border Patrol K-9 alerted to the bed of the vehicle. Upon further inspection, agents rescued four illegal aliens, who were concealed in the bed of the pickup truck underneath a 10-inch tall plywood platform. The platform was covered with 90 bags of oranges weighing a total of 900 pounds. A fifth illegal immigrant was found hiding in the cab of the vehicle behind the seats. The driver, who is a United States citizen, was arrested and the case was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations.
Two additional rescues occurred over the weekend in which a total of five illegal aliens were found locked inside in the trunks of vehicles.
The Rio Grande Valley Sector is part of the Joint Task Force-West South Texas Corridor, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations. To report suspicious activity, call the sector’s toll-free telephone number at 800-863-9382.