Disruption of Two Stash Houses Leads to 21 Arrests

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

EDINBURG – (News Release) Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents interdicted two migrant smuggling events that resulted in 21 arrests and one firearm seizure.

On Feb. 28, Rio Grande City Border Patrol Station (RGC) agents patrolling Garceno, Texas, encountered footprints of a small group of individuals leading away from the Rio Grande. Agents followed the tracks to a residence and requested assistance from the Starr County Sheriff’s Office. Inside the residence, they encountered 13 people, determined to be in the United States illegally. The nationals of El Salvador and Mexico were placed under arrest without incident. 

Later that afternoon, RGV agents received information regarding two residences located in Edinburg, Texas, suspected of being used as a human smuggling stash houses. Agents with the assistance of the Hidalgo County Constable’s Office (HCCO) Precinct 4 deputies responded to the first location and encountered six migrants from Mexico and Honduras unlawfully present in the U.S. Agents conducting surveillance at the second residence, observed two subjects depart in a vehicle. Agents conducted an immigration inspection on the subjects at a nearby store, however, the individuals attempted to abscond into the brush. Agents searched the area and were able to apprehend both subjects (a U.S. citizen and Mexican national). A subsequent search of the second residence resulted in the recovery of loaded shotgun, which was turned over to HCCO.

All subjects were processed accordingly.