EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol (RGV) agents interdicted five migrant smuggling attempts that resulted in 36 arrests and two migrant stash houses identified.
On Dec. 7, an RGV agent attempted to conduct a vehicle stop on a GMC Yukon near San Manuel. The vehicle failed to yield and led the agent on a vehicle pursuit. The Yukon veered off the road through a property fence and came to a stop at a gate, where multiple people were observed fleeing. A search of the immediate area resulted in the apprehension of two migrants. The driver was not located.
The following day, McAllen Border Patrol Station (MCS) agents conducted a vehicle stop on a Jeep with multiple people as it departed the levee area near Hidalgo. The agent determined two United States Citizens were smuggling eight migrants from Mexico and Central America. The Jeep was seized and the subjects were all placed under arrest and transported to the station for processing.
Also on Dec. 8, RGV agents, along with Hidalgo County Precinct 4 Constables, responded to a residence in McAllen suspected of harboring migrants. They apprehended 13 migrants from Central America at the location. No caretaker was identified.
That evening, RGV agents and Starr County Sheriff’s Office deputies apprehended five migrants from Mexico and Central America at a residence in Rio Grande City.
On Dec. 9, an RGV agent attempted to conduct a vehicle stop on a red Chevrolet Silverado pick-up truck near Encino. The vehicle failed to yield and led the agent on a vehicle pursuit. The truck came to a stop at a blinking light in Encino and multiple people were observed fleeing. Responding agents assisted in the apprehension of 11 migrants from Mexico and Central America, but the driver was not located.
All subjects were processed accordingly.
The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and report suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.
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.
~CBP~
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.