CBP: Smugglers show reckless disregard for lives of migrants

By Press Release

May 13, 2022

Customs and Border Protection has issued the following press release:

EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol (RGV) agents and local law enforcement partners disrupted four human smuggling events.

On May 10, McAllen Border Patrol Station (MCS) camera operators observed a red Chevrolet Avalanche load up migrants in a well-known smuggling area near Sullivan City. Moments later, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers encountered the vehicle and attempted to initiate a vehicle stop. The driver failed to yield and led troopers on a vehicle pursuit. The driver eventually lost control of the vehicle causing a roll over and several occupants exited the vehicle. MCS agents apprehended four migrants, however the driver was not located. Three of the migrants were transported to a local hospital due to minor injuries.

On May 11, agents working at the Falfurrias Border Patrol Checkpoint discovered four migrants concealed inside the tool storage area of a utility truck while conducting a secondary inspection. A K-9 initially alerted on the vehicle. The driver was turned over to Brooks County Sheriff’s Office to face state charges. The migrants were escorted into the checkpoint for processing.

Also on May 11, RGV agents working near Encino attempted to initiate an immigration inspection on the occupants of a white Ford F-150. However, before agents could activate their emergency equipment, the driver drove through a ranch perimeter fence. Several occupants bailed out of the vehicle and into the nearby brush. Agents searched the surrounding area and apprehended five migrants unlawfully in the U.S. The driver was not located.

That evening, MCS agents requested assistance from DPS troopers regarding two vehicles believed to be involved in illegal activity. As agents and troopers attempted to initiate a stop, both vehicles refused to yield, and a pursuit ensued. Both vehicles eventually came to a stop and multiple subjects were seen absconding from the vehicles. Shortly after, eight migrants illegally present in the U.S were apprehended by agents. One driver was arrested and turned over to the Mission Police Department, while the other driver was turned over to the McAllen Police Department.

Border Patrol processed all subjects accordingly.

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter @CBPRGV and @USBPChiefRGV.