SANDERSON, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol Agents apprehend a group of 31 subjects dressed in camouflage attempting to conceal themselves in a deep mountain ravine.

Camouflaged Guatemalans

“The majority of the area in which our agents conduct their assigned patrol duties is desolate, rugged and unforgiving. I am proud to work with our dedicated and committed Agents.” Big Bend Sector Chief Patrol Agent Matthew Hudak said. “Our ability to work in partnership with CBP Air and Marine Operations and the Texas Department of Public Safety allowed us to safely and effectively make these arrests.”

On Tuesday morning, Nov. 5, 2019, agents assigned to Sanderson Station were conducting patrol duties near the Rio Grande River when they encountered the footprints of several individuals that appeared to have illegally entered the United States. Sanderson agents tracked the multiple footprints heading north.

As the Sanderson agents tracked the individuals on the ground, a CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) aircrew and Texas DPS air units conducted aerial surveillance. At approximately 1:00 p.m. agents from the Sanderson Station encountered several individuals dressed in camouflage attempting to conceal themselves in thick brush. A short while later the air units located additional individuals in the surrounding area. Through the combined efforts of CBP and DPS, 31 individuals in total were apprehended.

After further investigation it was determined all individuals were citizens and nationals of Guatemala illegally present in the United States. They are being processed according to the applicable immigration laws.

Big Bend Sector Border Patrol agents patrol 517 miles of the Southwest border that extends from Sierra Blanca, Texas to Sanderson, Texas. The Sanderson Station is on the eastern edge of the Marfa Sector and borders the western edge of the Del Rio Border Patrol Sector. The Sanderson Station's area of responsibility consists of all of Terrell County, the southeast part of Brewster County and the southern part of Pecos County. The station's area encompasses approximately 3,000 square miles and 91 border miles between the U.S. and Mexico. The U.S. Border Patrol is made up of over 19,000 brave men and women who courageously secure our nation’s borders. El Paso CBP AMO Air Branch has the largest AOR in the Southwest Region, All of New Mexico, all of Oklahoma and West Texas, including all of Big Bend Sector. Help us secure our homeland, find out more at cbp.gov/careers.