EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley agents discover a human smuggling stash house and foil two human smuggling attempts.
On Friday, Rio Grande Valley Sector agents observed suspected illegal alien smuggling activity at a residence in Mission, Texas. Shortly thereafter, the Hidalgo County Constables Office (HCCO), who were assisting the agents, attempted to conduct a vehicle stop on a dark colored Chevrolet Silverado, but a pursuit ensued. The driver led the HCCO on short pursuit until the pickup collided with a telephone line post. Multiple subjects abandoned the vehicle and attempted to escape in the nearby brush. A thorough search of the area by a helicopter from Air and Marine Operations-McAllen Air Branch and a Border Patrol K-9 led to the arrest of three Mexican nationals, illegally present in the United States. HCCO arrested the driver. Moments later, additional agents observed a vehicle leave the same-suspected human smuggling stash house. Agents conducted a vehicle stop on a black sedan and arrested the U.S. citizen driver for his involvement in the failed alien smuggling attempt.
On Sunday, an off duty Border Patrol agent near Palmview, Texas, observed multiple subjects come out of the brush and get into a silver Chevrolet sedan. The agent contacted the McAllen station and advised them of the human smuggling attempt. Agents along with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) responded to the area and, moments later, they located the suspect vehicle. Agents conducted a vehicle stop and, after interviewing all the subjects, they determined the three passengers were Mexican nationals illegally present in the United States. DPS arrested the driver (Mexican national) after the trooper conducted a search of his clothing and discovered a controlled substance (cocaine). DPS took custody of the drugs, vehicle and driver.
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
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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.