Human Smugglers Leave Migrant Woman for Dead in Texas Winter Storm
23 Feb 2021
Big Bend Border Patrol agents rescued a migrant woman left for dead by human smugglers during the Texas winter storm last week. Agents found the woman on a ranch near Marfa, Texas.
Van Horn Border Patrol Station agents received information from a caller claiming that a relative had been abandoned by a smuggler on February 13. Due to the dangerous winter storm conditions, the agents immediately began a search and rescue operation, according to information obtained from Big Bend Sector Border Patrol officials.
Putting your life in the hands of unscrupulous smugglers could mean death. A woman was abandoned by a smuggler and suffered for 6 days in freezing temps. She’s lucky to be alive after being rescued by Big Bend Sector Border Patrol agents. https://t.co/rVjFPgFsJfpic.twitter.com/ntFuR3GpQ5
CBP said border agents have rescued more than 200 undocumented immigrants found near the west Texas towns of Van Horn and Sierra Blanca after human traffickers abandoned most of them.
Transnational Criminal Organizations Increase Human Smuggling Attempts
MARFA, TX – Smugglers are elevating dangers faced by illegal immigrants by transporting their human cargo in dangerous ways throughout Big Bend Sector.
Three major smuggling events have been thwarted by Big Bend Sector Border Patrol agents and local law-enforcement partners in recent days. The events show the dangerous and potentially deadly risks transnational criminal organizations will take with their human cargo as they exploit those seeking to enter the United States illegally.
Beginning on January 24, there has been a notable increase in illegal immigrants found in sealed cargo trailers, moving trailers, and even livestock trailers. These trailers were not equipped with proper ventilation, food, water, or protection from the elements. Agents made apprehensions of over 80 people in three separate events on January 24, 29, and 30. The number of smuggling attempts and the lengths taken to evade de
Armed Human Smuggler, 20 Migrants Arrested in West Texas near Border
2 Feb 2021
Big Bend Sector Border Patrol agents arrested an armed human smuggler and a group of migrants at an interior immigration checkpoint near Alpine, Texas. The smuggler locked a group of migrants in the cargo area of a utility trailer.
Agents assigned to an interior immigration checkpoint near Alpine observed a pickup truck pulling a utility trailer approaching for inspection. During the initial contact, agents identified some of the passengers as migrants who were illegally present in the United States, according to information obtained from Big Bend Sector Border Patrol officials.
Mexican Coyotes Abandon 48 Migrants in Winter Storm near Border, 2 Dead
3 Jan 2021
Mexican cartel-connected human smugglers abandoned several groups of migrants in freezing conditions near the Texas border with Mexico. Agents rescued 48 migrants and found two others who died after being abandoned in the snow, high winds, and freezing temperatures.
Big Bend Sector Border Patrol agents conducted multiple search and rescue operations in a 48-hour period beginning on December 30. The rescue operations took place during winter storm conditions that dropped upward of 24 inches of snow in some areas, according to information obtained from Big Bend Sector Border Patrol officials.
#BBT a severe winter storm in West Texas resulted in several humanitarian rescues across the region. Multiple deceased found by U.S. Border Patrol Big Bend Sector agents. Smugglers continue to put lives at risk for profit. Investigation continues. More: https://t.co/QyaJthT5Sn