Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Sector Border Patrol Agents disrupt smuggling attempts aimed at circumventing checkpoints.
Yesterday morning, RGV Sector agents attempted to conduct a vehicle stop on a Ford F-250 on FM 2686 near La Gloria, Texas. The vehicle failed to yield to the agents and sped away, ultimately veering off the road crashing into a ranch fence. The F-250 continued to cause property damage as it advanced through the ranch. Approximately 100 yards into the ranch, the vehicle came to a stop and several subjects absconded from the vehicle. A search of the area, with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) air assets, lead to the discovery of seven subjects, all determined to being illegally present in the United States. The driver was not located.
Later that morning, RGV Sector agents received information of a Brownsville residence being used to harbor illegal aliens. Agents along with Cameron County Constables arrived at the address and observed a vehicle depart from the residence. A traffic stop conducted by Cameron County Constables revealed the driver to be a citizen of Mexico and a highly active and well-known human smuggler. The suspect lead law enforcement personnel into the home where an illegal alien from Honduras was encountered. Both subjects were transported to the station for processing.
Yesterday evening, RGV Sector agents working near Norias, Texas, observed several subjects exit a Dodge Ram 1500 as it approached a crossover on Highway 77. As agents advanced toward the pick-up truck, all occupants ran into the nearby brush area. A search of the immediate area revealed one subject, a citizen of Honduras, that attempted to circumvent the Javier Vega Jr. Border Patrol Checkpoint.
Later that evening, RGV Sector agents working on Highway 281 near San Manuel, Texas, attempted to conduct a vehicle on a GMC Yukon. As agents turned on their emergency lights, the Yukon abruptly maneuvered off the road and through a local ranch perimeter fence. Approximately one quarter mile into the ranch, agents discovered the Yukon abandoned and wedged within a second ranch fence. No subjects were located.
Shortly after the events in San Manuel, Brooks County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) advised Falfurrias agents of a stolen Dodge Ram 2500 that failed to yield to a deputy on Highway 285. The Dodge Ram was observed driving through a fence at the end of County Road 440. The vehicle was located in a private ranch in Palito Blanco, Texas. A search of the area revealed seven subjects, including one unaccompanied juvenile, all determined to being illegally present in the United States. The stolen vehicle was turned over to Duvall County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO). All subjects were medically evaluated and found to be in good health. Border Patrol processed the cases and subjects 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.
