Border Patrol Agents Foil Human Smuggling Attempt
(Press Release) Brackettville, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Brackettville Station arrested armed smugglers attempting to smuggle seven illegal aliens, July 10.
“Smugglers are dangerous criminals who hold no value for human life,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Austin L. Skero II. “They use guides and drivers who are prone to violence and drug use but the hard work and dedication of our agents is making success more and more difficult for them.”
On July 10, agents assigned to the Brackettville Station observed a van traveling on Ranch Road 334 at approximately 11:30 p.m. The agent conducted a vehicle stop on a 2005 Chrysler Town and Country. The driver and passengers then exited the vehicle and began to run and were pursued by the agent. Upon apprehension, the agent placed two smugglers and four illegal aliens under arrest.
The driver, Alejandro Mata-Zavala, an 18-year-old citizen of Mexico and a juvenile United States citizen were taken into custody, along with four illegal aliens from Honduras and Mexico. Three others, who absconded the vehicle, were also tracked down and later apprehended.
During the course of the arrest, agents discovered marijuana, crystal methamphetamine, a Glock 23 handgun, and .40-caliber ammunition within the vehicle.
A criminal complaint charges Mata-Zavala with 8 USC 1324, Alien Smuggling, which carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
All illegal aliens were processed in accordance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidelines.
A criminal complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
To report suspicious activity call the Del Rio Sector’s toll free number at 1-866-511-8727.
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