34 Illegal Migrant Arrested and Two Firearms Seized
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
EDINBURG (News Release) – Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol (RGV) agents interdicted two migrant smuggling events that resulted in 34 migrant arrests and two firearms seized from a La Joya migrant stash house.
On Dec. 20, RGV agents inspecting commonly used human and narcotics smuggling trails observed fresh shoe print sign that led them to a residence in La Joya. Suspecting illicit activity agents requested assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and La Joya Police Department (LJPD). Once backup officers arrived at the location, they encountered 33 migrants from Central America and Mexico unlawfully in the United States. A M4 carbine rifle and 9mm pistol were also discovered in the residence. LJPD officers took custody of the firearms and agents transported the migrants to the station for processing. Although no caretaker was identified, the residence appeared to be used regularly to harbor migrants.
On Dec. 18, a Parks and Wildlife State Park Police officer advised McAllen Border Patrol Station agents several subjects loaded up into an older model white van on West Military Road in Mission. The officer attempted a vehicle stop on the van, but the driver failed to yield and led him and DPS troopers on a vehicle pursuit. The pursuit ended when it collided with a civilian vehicle and crashed into a fence. DPS troopers arrested the driver as agents arrived to assist. Both drivers were medically evaluated at the scene, but refused further medical assistance. DPS seized the vehicle and retained custody of the driver to face state charges. No other migrants were encountered and were believed to have been dropped off elsewhere during the pursuit.
