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  4. Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol agents rescue 11 immigrants

Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol agents rescue 11 immigrants

Release Date
Thu, 07/02/2015

FALFURRIAS, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Rio Grande Valley Sector rescued 11 undocumented immigrants from a tractor-trailer early Thursday morning.

Immigrants hidden among shipment of onions

Immigrants hidden among shipment of onions

Border Patrol agents assigned to the Falfurrias Checkpoint were performing an immigration inspection on a tractor-trailer when a service K-9 alerted to the trailer. Upon further inspection, agents found 11 undocumented immigrants concealed between pallets of onions with no means of escape in the event of an emergency.  The recued individuals were offered medical attention but declined. 

The driver, a U.S. citizen, was taken into custody and the tractor-trailer was seized. The case has been referred to the Rio Grande Valley Sector North Prosecutions Office.

The Rio Grande Valley Sector is part of the South Texas Corridor, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations. To report suspicious activity, call the sector’s toll-free telephone number at 800-863-9382.

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