Juvenile Charged with Smuggling
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
SAN MANUEL (News Release) - On April 15, 2021, approximately 40 miles from the U.S./Mexico Border, near San Manuel, Texas, a Border Patrol Agent initiated a traffic stop on Highway 281. After approximately 30 seconds, the vehicle yielded, and several occupants reportedly fled. The agent reportedly approached the vehicle and detained the driver, who was a juvenile United States Citizen. While the agent was detaining the driver, one of the fleeing occupants was crossing the highway and was struck and killed by a civilian vehicle. No other occupants from the vehicle were located.
The identity and citizenship of the decedent has not yet been confirmed.
The juvenile driver was arraigned by Hidalgo County Justice of the Peace under a Smuggling of Persons charge. This incident is under review by the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Hidalgo County Medical Examiner and Coroner’s Office, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility. The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General was notified of the incident.
