RGV Agents Disrupt Four Smuggling Attempts

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

EDINBURG – (News Release) Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol (RGV) agents disrupted four migrant smuggling attempts resulting in nine arrests.

On Feb. 20, Falfurrias Border Patrol Station (FLF) agents observed a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) pursuit with a Chevrolet Silverado along U.S. Highway 281 near Falfurrias, Texas. The vehicle veered off the road through a property fence and bailed out. A search of the immediate area resulted in the apprehension of five migrants. One migrant was treated by a FLF EMT and didn’t require further medical treatment. The driver was not located.

Later that night, a silver Ford F150 pickup truck arrived at the Falfurrias Border Patrol Checkpoint. During the inspection, FLF agents noticed individuals attempting to conceal themselves in the backseat. The agent instructed the driver to turn off the vehicle, but he failed to comply and immediately fled from the checkpoint. Agents on Highway 281 later encountered the vehicle and attempted to perform a vehicle stop but the driver failed to yield to agents and a vehicle pursuit ensued. DPS responded to assist and later reported the vehicle coming to a stop at a shopping center in Rio Grande City, where the driver and occupants fled. After a search of the area the driver was located and taken into DPS custody to face state charges for evading arrest in a motor vehicle and on foot. 

On Feb. 21, RGV agents working near Linn, Texas, attempted to conduct an immigration inspection on the occupants of a Toyota Tundra. The driver failed to yield and drove into a fence causing damage before bailing out and absconding. A Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations helicopter was requested to assist. A search of the area resulted in the apprehension of three noncitizens.

Later that evening, a Chevrolet Suburban approached the Border Patrol Checkpoint located on Highway 4 for inspection. During the inspection, Fort Brown Border Patrol (FTB) agents requested identification, but the driver immediately sped off. FTB requested assistance with the pursuit from DPS and Brownsville Police Department (BPD). The driver eventually came to a stop after striking a property fence and palm tree. Agents searched the immediate area; however, the driver could not be located.