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  4. High Risks at High Speeds Encountered at Border Patrol Checkpoints in the Rio Grande Valley

High Risks at High Speeds Encountered at Border Patrol Checkpoints in the Rio Grande Valley

Release Date
Wed, 08/29/2018

EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents working at immigration checkpoints encountered two separate smuggling attempts resulting in high-speed flights. 

On Thursday night, Kingsville agents working at the Sarita Checkpoint referred a vehicle to the secondary inspection area. The driver then fled the checkpoint at a high rate of speed. Agents pursued the vehicle and alerted multiple local law enforcement agencies. The driver wrecked the vehicle and it came to a stop. Authorities took the driver into custody and discovered three illegal aliens in the trunk of the vehicle.

Similarly, on Sunday evening, Border Patrol agents working at the Falfurrias Checkpoint referred a Chrysler 300 for a secondary inspection after a Border Patrol K-9 alert. The driver refused to follow instructions and fled the checkpoint at a high rate of speed. Agents pursued the fleeing vehicle along Highway 281 until it came to a stop near San Manuel, Texas. All occupants inside the vehicle exited the car and ran into the brush. Agents searched the area and located two illegal aliens and a 17-year-old United States citizen.

Operation Big Rig is a call to action for the community to get involved and call 911 if they see or are aware of smuggling or suspicious activity, “They’re humans, not cargo!”

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.

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 the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021