Border Patrol Interdicts Two Human Smuggling Events in the Rio Grande Valley

EDINBURG, Texas -Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol (RGV) agents arrest 10 individuals, seize two vehicles, and a small amount of crystal methamphetamine.

Yesterday afternoon, as Weslaco Border Patrol Station agents apprehended a group of seven migrants south of Weslaco, Texas, they observed a suspicious vehicle driving in the area. Agents initiated a traffic stop on a grey sedan, however the driver failed to yield and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit came to an end when the driver collided with a tractor trailer and abandoned the vehicle, fleeing into a neighborhood. Pursuing agents apprehended the driver, a male Mexican national, who is illegally present in the United States. Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Progreso Police Department, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived to assist.

Yesterday evening, Fort Brown Border Patrol Station agents observed a gray Jeep Cherokee pick up several subjects south of Brownsville, Texas. When responding agents attempted to interdict, the driver led agents on a vehicle pursuit. The occupants were observed throwing caltrops out of the window at pursuing law enforcement vehicles. The pursuit vehicles disengaged and agents later located the vehicle abandoned after the driver crashed into another vehicle. Agents requested EMS and provided aid to the civilians involved in the accident. A search of the immediate area lead to the apprehension of two female migrants. The driver was not located. A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of a Texas Driver's License, a BB gun, caltrops, drug paraphernalia, and crystal methamphetamine.

All subjects are being processed accordingly.

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.

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter @CBPRGV, @USBPChiefRGV and @USBPDepChiefRGV.