Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Border Patrol agents successfully disrupt several human smuggling attempts in the Rio Grande Valley.
Monday evening, Falfurrias Border Patrol (FLF) agents assigned to the Falfurrias Border Patrol Checkpoint referred a tractor trailer to secondary inspection for a further review of the driver’s immigration status. In secondary inspection, agents determined the driver was in possession of fraudulent immigration documents and was illegally present in the United States. A search of the trailer revealed 23 migrants concealed within the cargo. All subjects were placed under arrest and escorted into the checkpoint for processing.
Yesterday afternoon, RGV agents working with the Pharr Police Department, apprehended 15 migrants after receiving information regarding several motel rooms in Pharr, Texas, being used to harbor migrants. All subjects encountered were illegally present in the United States. Agents identified them to be from the countries of Guatemala, Mexico, and Honduras.
Last night, FLF agents working at the checkpoint referred a semi-tractor pulling a refrigerated utility trailer to the secondary inspection area after a service K9 alerted to the trailer. During the secondary inspection, agents climbed inside the trailer to inspect the commodity and observed several individuals concealed between pallets of avocados. Agents removed 42 migrants from inside the trailer. The driver and the migrants were taken into custody. This method of human smuggling is extremely dangerous as migrants are often locked inside without any means of escape.
Additionally, FLF agents working at the checkpoint apprehended 13 migrants in another failed human smuggling attempt on Tuesday evening.
All subjects were processed accordingly.
Even with the spread of the COVID-19 virus, human smugglers continue to try these brazen attempts with zero regard for the lives they endanger nor to the health of the citizens of our great nation. The U.S. Border Patrol agents of the Rio Grande Valley Sector will continue to safeguard the nation and community against these criminal elements.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.
