Joint Operation by U.S. Border Patrol and Texas DPS Targets Human Smuggling along Southern Border

The U.S. Border Patrol and Texas Department of Public Safety have launched a collaborative operation to combat human smuggling along the southern border, targeting undocumented migrants transported from Mexico into the United States. Utilising sophisticated methods, including drones and high-speed chases, authorities have made over 100 arrests in the past year.

The U.S. Border Patrol and Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) have intensified their efforts to combat human smuggling along a stretch of the U.S. southern border. The collaborative operation targets smugglers who transport undocumented migrants from Mexico into the United States.

Lieutenant Christopher Olivarez of the Texas DPS detailed the sophisticated methods utilized by smugglers, which include the use of lookouts, drones, guides, and radios. These operations are often coordinated by Mexican cartels. In a recent incident, Texas authorities engaged in a high-speed chase with a suspected smuggler driving a white truck. The suspect managed to evade capture by crossing the Rio Grande into Mexico using a waiting raft.

On July 11, authorities deployed drones to track a group of migrants before pursuing them on foot through dense brush. Olivarez stated that this joint effort has been ongoing for a year, leading to numerous arrests. The primary aim is to apprehend the smuggling guides and charge them with human smuggling at the state level. The operation has reportedly resulted in over 100 arrests within the past year.