The Arrest of Human Smugglers Leads to the Discovery of 50 Illegal Aliens

EDINBURG, TX – U.S. Border Patrol agents and Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers disrupt a significant human smuggling operation.

Wednesday afternoon, DPS contacted the McAllen Border Patrol station and requested assistance with a vehicle stop in Mission, Texas. Agents assisted a trooper who stopped an unrefrigerated commercial box truck for a traffic violation. During the stop, the trooper observed 15 people attempting to conceal themselves in the cargo area of the vehicle. Agents determined all the subjects were illegally present in the United States. Additional information led troopers and agents to a home in Mission, Texas, suspected of operating as a human smuggling stash house. Troopers and agents discovered 11 additional illegal aliens inside the residence. DPS took custody of the driver and the box truck. Border Patrol took custody of the remaining subjects and processed them accordingly. 

In the last three days, agents foiled an additional five human smuggling attempts that led to the arrest of the drivers and 23 illegal liens.

Border Patrol processed the cases and subjects accordingly.

 The Rio Grande Valley Sector currently has multiple campaigns focused on rescues and danger awareness, such as “Operation Big Rig” and “No Se Arriesgue” to combat smuggling and ultimately save lives. Call 911 to report suspicious activity; “They’re humans, not cargo!”   

 The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and report suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.

 Even with the spread of the COVID-19 virus, human smugglers continue to try these brazen attempts with zero regard for the lives they endanger nor to the health of the citizens of our great nation.  The U.S. Border Patrol agents of the Rio Grande Valley Sector will continue to safeguard the nation and community against these criminal elements.