Border Patrol Arrests 8-months-pregnant US Citizen for Smuggling Illegal Aliens

EAGLE PASS, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass South Station arrested a United States citizen for attempting to smuggle two undocumented immigrants through a Border Patrol checkpoint.

“The involvement of children in illicit and felonious activities makes this event more dangerous and egregious,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz. “We will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to investigate and criminally prosecute anyone involved in human smuggling in the Del Rio Sector.”

On June 17, Eagle Pass South agents assigned to checkpoint operations conducted an immigration inspection of a 2008 Mazda CX-9 and discovered two undocumented Mexican nationals hidden in the rear cargo area. The smuggler, an 8-months-pregnant 24-year-old United States citizen accompanied by her two minor children in the back seat of the vehicle, was arrested. The two smuggled aliens were processed per U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidelines.

The smuggler faces a charge of 8 USC § 1324 – alien smuggling, which carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison. The woman’s children were turned over to a family member.

All individuals apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol undergo criminal history checks utilizing multiple databases including the use of biometrics to ensure those with criminal history are positively identified regardless of their immigration status.

The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is part of the Joint Task Force-West South Texas Corridor, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal

organizations. To report suspicious activity call the Del Rio Sector’s toll free number at 1-866-511-8727.