DEL RIO, Texas –The U.S. Border Patrol Tactical Unit ( BORTAC ) apprehended seven illegal aliens with the assistance of Texas Department of Public Safety’s SWAT team and the Army National Guard, Dec. 9.

The group had altered their footwear

by attaching carpet to their shoes.

“This arrest highlights the importance of our partnerships with other law enforcement agencies and the military,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz. “With coordination and teamwork we were able to quickly apprehend a group that was actively attempting to avoid detection.”

BORTAC agents and DPS troopers located foot sign and began tracking a group of people that had crossed the river near Quemado. The multi-agency effort also included BORTAC unmanned aircraft, DPS fixed wing aircraft and National Guard air operations. Together, a total of seven individuals were apprehended. Out of the seven individuals, one was a minor from Mexico.

The illegal aliens, from Mexico, El Salvador and Honduras, ranging in age from 17 to 36, will be processed in accordance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidelines.

After the apprehension it was discovered that the group had altered their footwear by attaching carpet to the soles of their shoes. Carpet is routinely used by individuals making illegal entry because they mistakenly believe it helps them avoid detection.

All illegal aliens were processed in accordance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidelines.