Three Failed Smuggling Attempts Lead to 19 Arrests
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
EDINBURG – (News Release) Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol (RGV) agents disrupted three migrant smuggling attempts resulting in 19 arrests.
On Feb. 25, a vehicle approached the primary inspection lane at the Falfurrias Border Patrol Checkpoint. The vehicle was referred to secondary inspection for further review of the rear passenger’s immigration documents. At secondary inspection, agents determined the passenger in question was illegally present in the United States. Agents also discovered a semi-automatic pistol, two grams of cocaine, two grams of methamphetamine and eight grams of mushrooms during a search of the front seat passenger. The driver and passengers were placed under arrest and escorted inside the checkpoint. All subjects, narcotics, and the firearm were turned over to the Brooks County Sheriff’s Office.
On Feb. 27, RGV agents working near Linn, Texas, attempted to conduct an immigration inspection on the occupants of a Nissan Titan. The driver failed to yield to the agent’s marked service unit and a vehicle pursuit ensued. As the vehicle came to a stop, multiple subjects including the driver, bailed out. A search of the area resulted in the apprehension of four noncitizens. The driver was not located.
A few hours later, Rio Grande City Border Patrol Station Small Unmanned Aircraft System operator observed several subjects loading into a white Chevrolet Silverado near the Rio Grande in Roma, Texas. RGV agents responded to the area and the suspect vehicle stopped and all occupants absconded. Agents were able to apprehend 12 migrants from El Salvador, Guatemala, Romania, and Mexico. The driver was not located. All subjects were processed accordingly.
