EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol Agents discovered two stash houses in Socorro and Clint, Texas, leading to the apprehension of 31 migrants this week.
On December 8, agents assigned to the Ysleta Station Anti-Smuggling Unit (ASU) assisted Socorro Police Department Officers after they were notified of a possible stash house. Agents arrived at the mobile home in Socorro, Texas and encountered 24 migrants who had been smuggled into the United States. Information gathered from the initial stash house led Clint Station Intel agents to identify another possible stash house also located in Clint. Agents entered the property and discovered a group of seven migrants in deplorable living conditions.
Due to the hard work and vigilance of the agents and the Socorro Police Department, 31 migrants were rescued from overcrowded and inhumane conditions. Among those encountered were citizens from Ecuador, El Salvador and Mexico. Among the migrants were two unaccompanied children, one from Guatemala and another from Mexico. The two children were medically screened and found to be in good health.
All adult migrants were processed under Title 42.
“Border Patrol agents in the El Paso Sector maximize their success with strong and effective law enforcement partnerships to help disrupt threats by Transnational Criminal Organizations,” said El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez.
“We are fortunate to enjoy strong and vibrant law enforcement partnerships in the West Texas and New Mexico region. “This event highlights the importance of partnerships between law enforcement agencies and exemplifies the commitment to serving our community from all agencies and protecting the public,” said Socorro Chief of Police David Burton.
The El Paso Sector saw a significant increase in stash house busts during Fiscal Year 2021. El Paso agents encountered 3,212 migrants in 306 stash houses. During the first three months of -Fiscal Year 2022, Border Patrol Agents in El Paso Sector have encountered more than 33 stash houses, leading to the rescue of 340 migrants.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol while remaining anonymous by calling 1-800-635-2509.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the comprehensive management, control, and protection of our nation’s borders, combining customs, immigration, border security, and agricultural protection at and between official ports of entry.