EDINBURG, Texas — Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol agents were busy over the weekend with several rescues and numerous significant arrests.
The rescue occurred on Saturday when agents assigned to the Falfurrias Checkpoint encountered a man, who is a U.S. citizen, at the primary inspection area pulling a utility trailer with a black Dodge pickup truck. After a K-9 alert, the driver was directed to the secondary inspection area where agents discovered four undocumented aliens, two hiding inside the truck and two locked inside the trailer within a liquid storage container. All were in good health and did not require medical attention; however, the two undocumented aliens discovered within the container had no means of escape. The case was referred to the Rio Grande Valley Sector Prosecutions Office. The vehicle and trailer were seized by Border Patrol.
RGV Sector Border Patrol agents at the Falfurrias Checkpoint discover two undocumented aliens hidden inside this container meant for liquids.
As to the significant apprehensions, agents from the McAllen, Rio Grande City, and Kingsville stations arrested eight men from three countries to include Mexico (four), El Salvador (two), and Honduras (two). All eight men had previously been charged with sexual crimes to include lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14, sexual assault, lewd and lascivious behavior against a child- fondling, and sexual abuse first degree: contact by forcible compulsion. All were referred to the Rio Grande Valley Sector Prosecutions Office.
“Thanks to the efforts of our Border Patrol agents, these convicted sex offenders no longer pose a threat to local communities,’ said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz.
In a separate incident, agents assigned to the Rio Grande City Station, with the cooperation of Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division (TX DPS CID), apprehended seven undocumented aliens from within a stash house. The caretaker of the stash house was also arrested by DPS on a state charge of unlawful restraint and possession of a controlled substance.
The incident happened Sunday, at 6:00 am, near Escobares, Texas, when RGC agents discovered foot sign leading from the river bank to an area notorious for alien smuggling. As the agents followed the sign, they came to a house which had been previously used to hide illegal aliens. Through an open window, agents were able to see several persons attempting to hide.
With the assistance of TX DPS CID agents, a welfare check was conducted on the property which led to the discovery of seven illegal aliens from inside the house.
The illegal aliens, six Mexicans and one Salvadoran, were taken to the Rio Grande City station for further processing. TX DPS CID took custody of the U.S. citizen.
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.
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection.