Six Smuggling Events Lead to 136 Arrests in the US Rio Grande Valley

Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents, with the assistance of state and local law enforcement, interdicted six human smuggling events that resulted in the arrest of 136 individuals.

Yesterday morning, RGV agents relayed intelligence to the Hidalgo Police Department (HPD) regarding human smuggling via the storm drain system in Hidalgo, Texas.  Moments later, a HPD officer observed numerous individuals exiting a manhole and requested assistance.  Fifteen migrants were arrested without incident. The noncitizens are all adults and nationals from Central America and Mexico.  All of the noncitizens were taken into Border Patrol custody.

Yesterday, RGV agents working near Sullivan City, Texas, observed numerous individuals emerge from the brush and run across the street.  Additional agents arrived on scene and assisted in the apprehension of 24 migrants.  During the investigation, agents were advised of a nearby human smuggling stash house.  Agents requested assistance from Hidalgo County Constables Precinct 3 and moved toward the suspected human smuggling stash house.  Agents encountered 21 additional migrants at that location.  As agents were securing the migrants from the residence, an agent observed multiple individuals running into a shed.  The agents made 21 more arrests at that location.

Yesterday, RGV agents working near Encino, Texas, attempted to conduct an immigration inspection on the occupants of a Ford sport utility vehicle.  The driver failed to yield to the agent’s marked service unit and a vehicle pursuit ensued.  The driver caused damage to a fence and carport before bailing out.  A search of the area resulted in the apprehension of six noncitizens.  The driver was not located.

Additionally, RGV agents, in collaboration with law enforcement partners apprehended 49 individuals in three failed human smuggling events.