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  4. Smuggling attempts continue to plague the Rio Grande Valley

Smuggling attempts continue to plague the Rio Grande Valley

Release Date
Fri, 07/06/2018

EDINBURG, Texas – This week, U.S. Border Patrol agents apprehended a brush guide smuggling a group of illegal aliens near Mission, disrupted a stash house operation in Edinburg, and stopped a smuggling attempt through the Sarita Checkpoint.

Agents continue to encounter stash houses regularly
Agents continue to encounter stash
houses regularly

On Tuesday, agents arrested a guide attempting to smuggle eight illegal aliens through the brush near Mission. Record checks revealed that the smuggler has an extensive criminal and immigration history. Additionally, agents discovered a “Santisima Muerte” necklace and two aerosol spray cans that the smuggler was carrying. Many alien and narcotic smugglers have been found to utilize these products for protection against law enforcement while carrying out criminal activity.

Yesterday, agents working in collaboration with the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) identified a stash house with 54 illegal aliens from various countries. The individuals were from Guatemala, Honduras, India, Mexico, El Salvador, and Ecuador.

Later that day, Kingsville agents working checkpoint operations referred a vehicle to the secondary inspection area after receiving a Border Patrol K-9 alert. Agents discovered two illegal aliens concealed in the trunk.

Agents offered medical attention to the illegal aliens in the cases but all declined.

All subjects will be processed accordingly. The three cases are being referred for prosecution.

The Rio Grande Valley Sector currently has multiple campaigns focused on rescues and danger awareness, such as “Operation Big Rig” and “No Se Arriesgue” to combat smuggling and ultimately save lives. Call 911 to report suspicious activity; “They’re humans, not cargo!”   

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.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021