Staff
The El Paso Journal
Friday, January 13, 2023 | 20:04
USBP agents from the El Paso Sector thwarted 49 human smuggling schemes, intercepting 277 smuggled migrants this week.
One of the most significant events occurred on January 9, when Ysleta Border Patrol agents assigned to the checkpoint on Highway 62/180 – Montana Avenue – encountered a dark-colored van with several people trying to hide. within. While agents were conducting an immigration inspection, seven people from Mexico admitted to not having the proper immigration documentation to be lawfully present in the United States. All migrants were medically evaluated and processed accordingly before
being removed back to Mexico under Title 42. The driver, a citizen of Mexico, was arrested and will face human smuggling charges under 8 USC 1324.
On January 10, Border Patrol agents from Deming Station intercepted six vehicles driving in tandem at a tactical checkpoint located in southern New Mexico. During the encounter, several subjects
they tried to flee the vehicles on foot, but were apprehended soon after. A total of 38 smuggled migrants from Ecuador, Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala, including three unaccompanied children, were apprehended, medically evaluated, and processed accordingly. The drivers, citizens of Mexico, were arrested and prosecuted under 8 USC 1324 (Conspiracy to Transport).
On January 11, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Deming Border Patrol Station disrupted a human smuggling scheme that resulted in the discovery of eight migrants crammed into a black SUV. Agents stopped the vehicle on New Mexico State Highway 26 and discovered the migrants trying to hide. The migrants from El Salvador, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Mexico, including an unaccompanied child, were prosecuted accordingly, while the driver, a lawful permanent resident of the United States, will face charges under 8 USC 1324 (Conspiracy to Transport).
All migrants were examined and medically evaluated. Migrants subject to Title 42 were expelled back to Mexico, while the remaining migrants were transported to the Central Processing Center for processing under Title 8.
During fiscal year 2022, the El Paso Sector Border Patrol successfully federally prosecuted 642 cases of human smuggling schemes, and this fiscal year 2023 to date, we have federally prosecuted 141 cases.
“Transnational criminal organizations continue to recklessly endanger the lives of migrants they smuggle for their own financial gain and with disregard for human life.” said Acting El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Peter Jaquez.
“Human smuggling is a federal crime and the El Paso Sector will continue to work diligently with our US Attorney partners in the Western District of Texas and the State of New Mexico to prosecute smugglers who endanger and exploit migrants”.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) appreciates the help of the community. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity to Border Patrol while maintaining anonymity by calling 1-800-635-2509.
