Border Patrol Agents Thwart Dangerous Human Smuggling Attempt
(Press Release) U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Comstock Station arrested two human smugglers after intercepting a human smuggling attempt, Feb. 20.
“The inhumane and dangerous conditions that human smugglers expose people to are horrifying and abhorrent.” said Del Rio Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Doyle E. Amidon, “To these smugglers, monetary gain is the only goal with zero regard for the physical and mental health of those being smuggled. These criminals clearly don’t care if their human cargo lives or dies.”
A Border Patrol agent encountered a motorist who had witnessed seven individuals climb into an enclosed cargo trailer being towed by a Chevy Silverado on Highway 90. The agent then spotted a similar vehicle pull over to the road’s shoulder and witnessed eight individuals climb inside the cargo trailer. The agent quickly approached the vehicle to perform an immigration inspection of the occupants. The driver was identified as a 26-year-old U.S. citizen from Manor and the passenger was identified as a 26-year-old U.S. citizen from Converse. A total of 15 illegal aliens, four of them juveniles as young as 13-years-old were rescued from the trailer.
Since Oct. 1, Del Rio Sector agents have stopped more than 340 smuggling attempts consisting of over 1,260 illegal aliens and 443 smugglers.
All illegal aliens are processed in accordance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidelines and smugglers face a felony charge of 8 USC § 1324 – Alien Smuggling, and if convicted could receive up to 10 years in prison.
To report suspicious activity call the Del Rio Sector’s toll free number at 1-866-511-8727.
