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  4. Human smuggling attempt foiled at Harlingen Airport

Human smuggling attempt foiled at Harlingen Airport

Release Date
Fri, 05/26/2023

HARLINGEN, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol agents alongside Harlingen Police Department stopped an attempt to smuggle four migrants in an airplane.  

On May 25, Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol Intelligence agents responded to suspicious activity at Gulf Aviation at the Valley International Airport. With the assistance of the Harlingen Police Department, law enforcement personnel approached the aircraft and interrupted a human smuggling event including two pilots and four migrants determined to be in the United States illegally. The four migrants were from the countries of Guatemala and Honduras. All subjects were placed under arrest. Harlingen Police Department seized the aircraft for its involvement in human smuggling.  

“Great work to all involved,” said Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez, “This particular case highlights the importance of our law enforcement partnerships, especially intercepting unconventional smuggling methods.” 

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

 

Last Modified: May 27, 2023