Three Migrant Smuggling Events Interdicted
US Border Patrol (RGV) agents interdicted three migrant smuggling events with the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) resulting in 27 arrests.
Just before sunrise on March 9, RGV agents working near Linn, Texas, attempted to initiate an immigration inspection on the occupants of a gray Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck. The driver failed to yield and led the agents on a vehicle pursuit. The truck drove through a ranch perimeter fence before the occupants bailed out of the vehicle. Agents searched the surrounding area and apprehended ten migrants unlawfully present in the U.S. The driver was not located. The Silverado was determined to be stolen out of Spring, Texas, near Houston.
Later that morning, DPS troopers requested assistance from the Kingsville Border Patrol Station (KIN) in response to a vehicle accident involving possible noncitizens in Kingsville. Agents determined nine people in the vehicle were unlawfully present in the United States. Three of the migrants were transported to a hospital for non-life threatening injuries and the driver, a United States citizen (USC), was taken into DPS custody to face state charges. The remaining migrants were transported to the station.
That afternoon, RGV agents attempted to initiate a vehicle stop on a Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford F150, travelling northbound on Highway 281 near Linn, Texas. Both vehicles failed to yield, and a pursuit ensued. The Tahoe continuing northbound, as the F150 turned southbound. During the pursuit of the Tahoe three subjects were dropped off and the driver continued for approximately two miles before coming to a stop. Agents arrested the driver and passenger, both USCs. DPS troopers pursued the F150 with the assistance of a DPS helicopter. The pursuit came to an end near San Manuel. Troopers and agents arrested the driver and passenger, also USCs, and three migrants from the vehicle. Agents searched the brush for the three subjects that were dropped off, but they were not located. All subjects were transported to the station.