DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents disrupted several smuggling attempts over the weekend, including two at the Eagle Pass South Station Checkpoint, resulting in the arrest of four smugglers and 23 illegal aliens.

“Human smuggling may seem like a good way to make a quick profit, however, people need to be aware that there are serious consequences for anyone attempting to smuggle,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz. “Criminal organizations use the lure of quick cash to draw in vulnerable individuals and downplay the risks involved in the criminal enterprise.”

On Dec. 13, agents from Eagle Pass South Station encountered a 2016 Ford Fusion at the Highway 57 checkpoint. While performing an immigration inspection agents discovered two illegal aliens concealed in the trunk, one being from Ecuador and the other from Honduras. The driver, a 21-year-old United States citizen, was arrested for alien smuggling.

Later that evening, Eagle Pass South Station agents at the Highway 57 checkpoint encountered a 2017 Nissan Altima and performed an immigration inspection. During the inspection, agents determined two of the passengers were illegal aliens. The driver, a 43-year-old United States citizen, was arrested for attempting to smuggle one Honduran and one Nicaraguan national.

Additionally, agents arrested a total of two smugglers and 19 illegal aliens from Mexico. These arrests occurred in three separate incidents over the weekend.

All smugglers face felony charges under 8 USC 1324 - alien smuggling, and if convicted could receive up to 10 years in prison. All illegal aliens were processed in accordance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidelines.

To report suspicious activity call the Del Rio Sector’s toll free number at 1-866-511-8727.