EDINBURG, Texas –Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol agents disrupt three human smuggling attempts that led to arrest of 20 individuals.
On Dec. 28, McAllen Border Patrol Station (MCS) agents observed multiple people emerge from a nearby field near the Rio Grande and run towards an awaiting Dodge Durango. As agents approached the vehicle, the suspected migrants quickly exited the vehicle and ran back into the field as the driver sped off. Agents searched the area and apprehended nine subjects who were illegally present in the United States. The driver and a passenger were later arrested by Border Patrol. After interviewing the driver and passenger, agents determined they were both nationals from Mexico illegally present in the country. They were placed under arrest.
Jan. 2, agents working at the Falfurrias Border Patrol Checkpoint referred a vehicle to the secondary inspection area for further inspection. During questioning, agents determined one of the passengers was illegally present in the United States. All subjects were placed under arrest and escorted into the checkpoint for processing. During a search of the vehicle, agents found a Taurus .38 revolver located in the center console.
That night, MCS agents responded to illegal activity within a storm drain located in Hidalgo, Texas. MCS agents and Hidalgo Police Department officers set up a perimeter and apprehended six subjects that exited the storm drain. The subjects are citizens of Honduras and El Salvador.
All subjects are being 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.