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  4. Border Patrol Halts Multiple Human Smuggling Attempts in the Rio Grande Valley

Border Patrol Halts Multiple Human Smuggling Attempts in the Rio Grande Valley

Release Date
Fri, 05/29/2020

FALFURRIAS, Texas – Agents at the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint foil two smuggling attempts that led to the arrest of two smugglers and 12 illegal aliens.

Yesterday morning, Falfurrias agents working at the checkpoint referred a Dodge Journey for secondary inspection following a K-9 alert. At secondary, record checks on the driver revealed an active arrest warrant for dangerous drugs. Agents arrested the man and discovered a small number of Xanax pills. Additionally, agents determined both female passengers were in the United States illegally. The passengers are from the countries of El Salvador and Guatemala. The Texas Department of Public Safety took custody of the driver and drugs.

Later that evening, agents referred a tractor trailer for secondary inspection following a K-9 alert. During the secondary inspection, agents discovered 10 illegal aliens attempting to conceal themselves in the sleeping area of the tractor. Agents arrested all the subjects, including the driver. The illegal aliens are from the countries of Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras and Mexico.

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.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021