Waves of Unvaccinated Illegal Immigrants Flood Across the Rio Grande Valley

EDINBURG – Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sector (RGV) agents successfully disrupt five human smuggling incidents across the Rio Grande Valley resulting in the arrest of 34 individuals over the weekend. None of the immigrants arrested could be determined to be vaccinated for Covid-19.

Friday evening, RGV agents working south of Encino on Highway 281, observed a GMC Yukon filled overcapacity with multiple passengers. As agents attempted to conduct a vehicle stop, the vehicle veered off the road and into a ranch fence. Multiple subjects, including the driver, fled into the nearby brush. Agents discovered six people still within the vehicle. Agents determined all six individuals were illegally present in the country. The driver was not located.

Later that evening, a white Buick LaCrosse arrived at the primary inspection lane at the Javier Vega Jr. Border Patrol Checkpoint with one visible occupant. During the inspection, a K9 alerted to the vehicle and the driver was directed to park in the secondary inspection area. Instead, the vehicle drove off at a high rate of speed from the primary inspection lane fleeing the checkpoint. As agents followed behind the Buick, agents observed a suspicious white BMW make a U-turn at a crossover north of the checkpoint and continue southbound on Highway 77.

Several agents followed the BMW while others continued searching for the Buick. A short time later, agents found the white Buick on the side of the road. A search of the vehicle revealed three illegal aliens locked in the trunk. Meanwhile, the white BMW continued southbound on Highway 77 and was encountered by Willacy County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies near Raymondville. Deputies detained a female occupant and observed the driver and another passenger flee from the vehicle and enter a nearby residence. The driver of the BMW was encountered inside the residence and taken into custody by WCSO. The driver’s criminal history revealed several outstanding warrants. Border Patrol took custody of the female passenger for her suspected involvement in human smuggling. The driver of the white Buick was not located. 

Saturday morning, RGV agents working on Highway 281 near San Manuel observed a Chevrolet Silverado hauling a utility trailer known for being used in human smuggling. Agents followed behind the vehicle when it drastically slowed down and neared the shoulder of the road. The vehicle came to a complete stop and several subjects exited the vehicle. Ten Central American illegal immigrants were discovered hiding within the cab of the truck. The driver was not located.

Saturday afternoon, McAllen Border Patrol Station agents observed a red Chrysler 200 pick up several subjects near the river in Mission. As agents initiated a vehicle stop, the sedan immediately pulled over and several subjects exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Agents immediately arrested the driver and passenger of the vehicle, both United States citizen juveniles. After searching through the nearby brush, agents apprehended eight illegal aliens from El Salvador and Guatemala. All subjects were taken into Border Patrol custody.  

Sunday evening, a black Jeep Commander with two visible occupants arrived at the Javier Vega Jr. Border Patrol Checkpoint for inspection. During the inspection, a K9 alerted to the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed one subject concealed in the rear passenger area under some blankets. The driver and passenger were in possession of 2 grams of crystal methamphetamine and two pipes. The case was turned over to Kenedy County Sheriff’s Office.

Border Patrol processed all subjects accordingly.