Customs and Border Protection officers interrupt alien smuggling incidents in Rio Grande Valley Sector

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported Wednesday that CBP officers in the Rio Grande Valley Sector interrupted four alien smuggling attempts this past weekend, which resulted in failures to yield to law enforcement authorities.

“Transnational criminal organizations continue to operate in our backyards with a blatant disregard for the safety of families in our community,” Chief Patrol Agent Manuel Padilla, Jr. said. “These incidents highlight the dedication exemplified by our agents to protect our border, our nation, and our communities.”

On Dec. 23, agents at to the McAllen Border Patrol Station observed suspicious activity surrounding two vehicles in Mission, Texas. Along with local law enforcement, they attempted to conduct a vehicle stop, but the suspects failed to yield and eventually collided with a third-party SUV. Agents apprehended the driver, a United States citizen, and four illegal aliens. Several individuals were transported to a medical center for treatment of minor injuries.

Later that day, McAllen agents observed subjects loading into a vehicle near the Los Ebanos Port of Entry. The driver failed to yield to local law enforcement, resulting in a vehicle pursuit. The driver, a juvenile United States Citizen, lost control of the vehicle, crashed into a pole and attempted to flee but was apprehended along with five illegal aliens from Mexico and Honduras.

On Dec. 24, agents spotted questionable activity surrounding a vehicle in Rio Grande City, Texas. The driver of the vehicle did not yield to agents, eventually resulting in a vehicle rollover. Agents arrested the driver, a United States citizen, and two illegal aliens from Mexico. No one sustained injuries, Emergency Medical Services determined.

On the same day, a McAllen agent noticed subjects loading into a sedan at the Los Ebanos Port of Entry. Agents and local law enforcement attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver failed to yield. After a brief pursuit, agents apprehended the driver, a United States citizen, and five illegal aliens from Guatemala and Brazil.

All subjects are being processed accordingly.

“RGV Sector urges immigrants not to jeopardize their lives by illegally entering the United States or by attempting to circumvent a checkpoint,” CBP said in a press release. “The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and to help save lives by reporting suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.”