Del Rio Sector Agents Arrested 11 Smugglers This Weekend
(Press Release) U.S. Border Patrol agents foiled 10 smuggling attempts over the weekend, arresting 11 smugglers and 33 illegal aliens.
“Our agents and law enforcement partners stay vigilant day and night, working hard to identify smuggling attempts,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz. “Through our cooperative efforts, we continue to achieve success in disrupting these criminal acts.”
On Jan. 24, agents assigned to the Eagle Pass Station performed a vehicle stop on a 1999 Toyota 4Runner near Quemado. After a brief immigration inspection of the vehicle’s occupants, agents determined the driver, a 34-year-old Mexican man, who was illegally present in the United States, was attempting to smuggle five Ecuadorian nationals farther into the United States.
On Jan. 25, agents assigned to the Uvalde Station provided backup to a Zavala County Sheriff’s Deputy who had stopped a 2002 GMC Yukon. During interviews, agents determined the driver, a 42-year-old United States citizen, was attempting to smuggle seven illegal aliens farther into the United States. Records checks revealed the driver was previously convicted on two occasions for driving with an invalid license by the San Antonio Police Department in 2003.
Additionally, Del Rio Sector agents arrested a total of nine smugglers, and 21 illegal aliens, from the countries of Mexico, Guatemala, and China. These arrests occurred in eight separate incidents throughout the weekend.
All smugglers face felony charges under 8 USC 1324, alien smuggling, and if convicted could receive up to 10 years in prison. All illegal aliens are processed in accordance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidelines.
To report suspicious activity call the Del Rio Sector’s toll free number at 1-866-511-8727.
