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  4. Smugglers Use Caltrops to Disable Border Patrol Vehicle in the Rio Grande Valley

Smugglers Use Caltrops to Disable Border Patrol Vehicle in the Rio Grande Valley

Release Date
Mon, 08/27/2018

PROGRESO, Texas – A homemade tire deflation device temporarily disabled a U.S. Border Patrol vehicle.

Border Patrol vehicle disabled after running over caltrops thrown on the road.
Border Patrol vehicle disabled after
running over caltrops thrown on the road.

Yesterday, a Weslaco agent conducting operations along the Rio Grande noticed one of the service unit’s tire become flat. After changing the tire, the agent discovered a homemade tire deflation device, also known as a caltrop, stuck in the tire.

Agents conducted a thorough search of the immediate area for any additional caltrops and found four buried underneath the soft dirt directly underneath the Progreso Port of Entry.

The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and report suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.  

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