EDINBURG, Texas – This past weekend, agents in the Rio Grande Valley Sector interrupted four alien smuggling incidents that resulted in failures to yield to law enforcement authorities.
On Saturday, December 23, 2017, agents assigned to the McAllen Border Patrol Station spotted suspicious activity surrounding two vehicles in Mission, Texas. Together with local law enforcement, agents attempted to conduct a vehicle stop, but the suspects’ failure to yield resulted in a collision with a third-party SUV. Agents apprehended the driver, a United States citizen, and four illegal aliens. Several individuals were transported to a medical center for treatment of minor injuries.
Later that day, McAllen agents observed subjects loading into a vehicle near the Los Ebanos Port of Entry. A vehicle pursuit ensued after the driver failed to yield to local law enforcement. As the driver was attempting to evade, he lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a pole. The driver, later identified as a juvenile United States Citizen, attempted to flee but was captured along with five illegal aliens from Mexico and Honduras.
On Sunday, December 24, 2017, agents noticed questionable activity surrounding a vehicle in Rio Grande City, Texas. The driver of the vehicle failed to yield to responding agents resulting in a vehicle rollover. Agents arrested the driver, a citizen of the United States, and two illegal aliens from Mexico. Emergency Medical Services determined that no one sustained injuries.
Later that afternoon, a McAllen agent saw subjects loading into a sedan, again, at the Los Ebanos Port of Entry. Agents and local law enforcement attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver refused to yield. After a brief pursuit, agents apprehended the driver, a United States citizen, and five illegal aliens from Guatemala and Brazil.
All subjects are being processed accordingly.
“Transnational criminal organizations continue to operate in our backyards with a blatant disregard for the safety of families in our community,” said Chief Patrol Agent Manuel Padilla, Jr. “These incidents highlight the dedication exemplified by our agents to protect our border, our nation, and our communities.”
RGV Sector urges immigrants not to jeopardize their lives by illegally entering the United States or by attempting to circumvent a checkpoint. The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and to help save lives by reporting suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.