35 Illegal Aliens and 8 Smugglers Captured on Texas Border

DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents, in collaboration with local and federal law enforcement partners, foiled six smuggling attempts throughout Del Rio Sector, July 13.

“Smugglers are a danger to our communities,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Austin L. Skero II. “Through coordination with our law enforcement partners, we work continuously to protect this great nation, and bring many dangerous criminals to justice.”

These arrests were made through close partnerships among law enforcement agencies, ensuring these smuggling attempts were thwarted. The arrests were made in conjunction with the Dimmit County Sheriff’s Office, the Kinney County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations utilizing an Unmanned Aircraft System, along with Border Patrol agents in Brackettville and Carrizo Springs.

A total of eight smugglers and 35 illegal aliens were arrested.  Of the six smuggling attempts, seven smugglers were United States citizens, and one, a Cuban Lawful Permanent Resident. The smugglers were from the San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, and Houston areas. The illegal aliens were from the countries of Mexico, Honduras and El Salvador, and ranged in age from 16 to 45.

Violation of 8 USC § 1324, Alien Smuggling, carries penalties of up to 10 years in prison.

All illegal aliens were processed in accordance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidelines.