EDINBURG, Texas – Border Patrol agents detain a previously convicted sex offender and impeded a large human smuggling attempt at the Javier Vega Jr. checkpoint near Sarita, Texas, over the weekend.

On March 29, 2020, a Mexican national was encountered by McAllen Border Patrol Agents near Hidalgo, Texas. Record checks revealed the subject has a prior conviction from the McAllen Police Department for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child and was sentenced to 5 years confinement. The subject was referred for prosecutions and will be processed accordingly.

On March 27, 2020, a white box truck arrived at the primary inspection lane for an immigration inspection at the Javier Vega Jr Checkpoint. During the immigration inspection of the driver, a service K-9 alerted to the vehicle and the vehicle was referred to secondary inspection. During secondary inspection, agents discovered 36 subjects hidden behind card board boxes inside the box truck. All were determined to be in the United States illegally.

The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and to help save lives by reporting suspicious activity at 800-863-9382 .

The Rio Grande Valley Sector currently has multiple campaigns focused on rescues and danger awareness, such as “Operation Big Rig” and “No Se Arriesgue” to combat smuggling and ultimately save lives. Call 911 to report suspicious activity; “They’re humans, not cargo!”

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter @CBPRGV, @USBPChiefRGV and @USBPDepChiefRGV.