Border Enforcement Efforts Encounter Stolen Cars, Human Smugglers, and Drownings

DEL RIO, TX – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Carrizo Springs and Del Rio stations seized two stolen vehicles during separate attempted human smuggling events over the weekend.

On June 21, Carrizo Springs agents assisted Dimmit County Sheriff’s Office deputies on a traffic stop near Asherton. One United States citizen was arrested for attempting to smuggle three illegal aliens. The vehicle used in this smuggling event, a 2007 Hyundai Sonata, was reported stolen out of Crystal City.

On June 23, Del Rio agents encountered a 2009 Honda Civic at the checkpoint on Highway 277. Two United States citizens were arrested for attempting to smuggle one illegal alien. The vehicle was previously reported stolen out of Houston.

Each of the smugglers face a charge of 8 USC § 1324 – alien smuggling, which carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison. The illegal aliens will be processed per U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidelines. The vehicles were turned over to local law enforcement for disposition.

“Our Border Patrol Agents continue to locate and interdict illegal activity including the use of stolen vehicles in smuggling events,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz. “Despite resources being diverted to the humanitarian crisis, we have not lost focus on border security and enforcement operations.”

Also on June 23, U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass Station marine unit rescued two undocumented immigrants that Sunday morning as they attempted to cross the Rio Grande River.

Then, on June 24, Border Patrol agents performing maritime operations observed a father and small child attempting to cross the Rio Grande River near the Eagle Pass Port of Entry. As the individuals were wading across the water, agents saw the child, holding the hand of her father, struggling to stay afloat. The fast-flowing water ultimately submerged the child several times. Agents moved in quickly with their patrol boat and pulled the father and child aboard their vessel.

“Migrants continue to disregard the safety of their lives as well as their children when attempting to cross the Rio Grande River," said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz. "If our agents had not reacted in time, the man and his daughter would have drowned.”

An EMT agent was on scene to evaluate both the father and child, both Honduran nationals. The father declined medical attention. The two-year-old child was transported to the Fort Duncan Regional Medical Center for further evaluation as a precaution. After being released from the hospital, both father and child were processed per CBP guidelines.