HIDALGO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo International Bridge arrested a 44-year-old female resident alien from Hargill, Texas after she allegedly attempted to smuggle an undocumented Mexican citizen into the United States.
“Alleged smuggling incidents involving confined spaces show total disregard for the safety of those involved. CBP takes these cases seriously and those who would engage in this activity will be arrested and face charges for violation of immigration law, facing the fullest punishment allowed by law,” said Port Director Efrain Solis Jr., Hidalgo/ Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.
The incident occurred on Jan. 31, at the Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge after CBP officers came in contact with a female resident alien who arrived from Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico driving a blue 2014 Chevrolet Camaro. A cursory inspection of the Camaro at the primary booth resulted in the discovery of a male individual hiding inside the trunk. Both persons were secured and taken to secondary for further inspection and it was there that CBP determined that the male individual was a citizen from Mexico without valid documents to legally enter or remain in the United States.
CBP Field Operations arrested the male and female, who will appear before a U.S. federal magistrate on charges of alleged violation of U.S. immigration law. CBP OFO seized the vehicle.
CBP’s Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry is part of the South Texas Campaign, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations.