Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol (RGV) agents interdicted six migrant smuggling events that resulted in 51 arrests.
On Dec. 15, RGV agents received information of a residence in Mission possibly being used to harbor illegal migrants. Agents along with Hidalgo County Precinct 4 Constable officers responded and encountered five migrants from Mexico illegally present in the United States at the location. No caretaker was identified.
That night, a white International semi-tractor pulling a utility trailer approached the primary inspection lane at the Javier Vega Jr. Border Patrol Checkpoint. Upon arrival, a Border Patrol service K9 alerted to the cargo area of vehicle. At the secondary inspection area, agents noticed a male subject hiding under a blanket on the rear bunk in the sleeper of the cab. He was determined to be a Nicaraguan national unlawfully present in the United States. The migrant and the driver were placed under arrest. Agents then inspected the trailer and discovered 14 subjects between pallets of metal spools. They were all determined to be Mexican nationals.
That same day, RGV agents received information of a residence in Roma possibly harboring migrants and responded to the location. Agents and Starr County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the location and encountered eight migrants from Central America and Mexico.
On Dec. 16, at approximately 7:00 a.m., a Chevrolet flatbed work truck arrived at the Falfurrias Border Patrol Checkpoint for inspection. The vehicle was referred for further inspection after a Border Patrol service K9 alerted to the bed of the truck. A female was located trapped under a diesel tank located on the bed of the truck with no means of escape. Agents had to utilize a fork lift to lift the tank in order to safely remove the 28 year old Salvadoran national, who was in good health. The driver was placed under arrest. Record checks on the United States citizen driver revealed he was sentenced to six months’ probation in Harlingen for assault that causes bodily harm in 2012.
Later that morning, RGV agents received information of a residence in Mission suspected of being used to harbor illegal migrants. Agents, Hidalgo County Precinct 3 Constable officers, and Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the location and encountered five migrants from Mexico and one Salvadoran national illegally present in the United States. No caretaker was identified.
That evening, a camera operator observed numerous individuals load into a silver Ford F150 pickup truck near Hidalgo and notified agents. A Texas Department of Public Safety trooper located the vehicle and attempted to perform a vehicle stop. The vehicle failed to yield and led troopers and agents on a vehicle pursuit. The vehicle came to a stop at a nearby levee where the driver and occupants fled into the brush. After a search of the area, fifteen migrants from Central America and Mexico were apprehended. 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.
