Illegal Alien Smuggler Arrested After Vehicle Fire

DEL RIO, TX – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Del Rio Sector worked with Dimmit County Sheriff’s deputies to stop an alien smuggling attempt, Nov. 24.

At approximately 11:25 a.m., agents assigned to the Carrizo Springs Station were notified that a vehicle picked up three individuals from the brush on Highway 277, near Farm to Market Road 393. Agents responded and notified the Dimmit County Sheriff’s Office. A vehicle matching the description was located on Highway 85 near the intersection of Farm to Market Road 1407. DCSO deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop, however the driver of the vehicle failed to yield. A controlled tire deflation device was successfully deployed by Texas Department of Public Safety troopers. The vehicle came to a stop on the side of the road, and the occupants fled on foot. The bailout caused a vehicle and grass fire. A 21-year-old Dallas man, the registered owner of the vehicle, was arrested for alien smuggling. Three individuals illegally present in the United States were also arrested.

“Smugglers continue to operate with disregard for the safety of those they smuggle and the travelling public,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Austin L. Skero II. “Through our successful law enforcement partnerships, we are able to protect our communities by stopping these criminals.”

In the month of October, Del Rio Sector has successfully stopped more than 180 smuggling attempts, arresting more than 850 individuals as a result.

The illegal aliens were transported to the Carrizo Springs Station and will be processed in accordance with CBP guidelines.

Smugglers face a charge of 8 USC 1324, Alien Smuggling, which carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.