Illegal Aliens Smuggled in False Vehicle Compartments Caught in the Valley

EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol (RGV) agents disrupted five illegal immigrant smuggling attempts resulting in 39 arrests recently.

On March 27, Falfurrias Border Patrol Checkpoint FLF agents referred a Ford Explorer to the secondary inspection area following a K9 alert. Agents discovered a migrant from Guatemala hiding in an aftermarket compartment behind the rear seats. The section was created by removing a portion of the floorboard, creating an opening, which exposed the migrant to the road. The driver and migrant were placed under arrest.

On March 28, agents working at the FLF referred a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban to the secondary inspection area for further questioning after the driver, a Cuban citizen, was displaying nervous behavior. A search of the vehicle revealed four illegals concealed in the rear passenger area under some blankets. The aliens were determined to be from Central America unlawfully present in the U.S. All subjects were placed under arrest and escorted into the checkpoint.

Later that afternoon, a McAllen Border Patrol Station agent observed several subjects load into a Ford Explorer near Granjeno. Responding agents conducted a vehicle stop on the Explorer and determined the United States driver was smuggling the seven passengers from Central America and Mexico. They were all placed under arrest.

That same day, Rio Grande City Border Patrol Station agents responded to a call for assistance from Starr County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) deputies regarding a traffic stop for a possible human smuggling case in Sullivan City. Agents arrived and determined 17 subjects from Central America and Mexico were unlawfully present in the U.S. The driver fled the scene and was not located. The vehicle was seized by SCSO deputies, and all illegals were transported to a Border Patrol facility.   

Monday, also in Sullivan City, RGV agents received information of a suspected stash house. Agents convened at the residence and encountered seven people, determined to be in the United States illegally. The nationals of El Salvador and Mexico were placed under arrest without incident. 

All subjects were processed accordingly.