DEL RIO , Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Carrizo Springs Station checkpoint arrested two smugglers attempting to smuggle an illegal alien in a rental vehicle, Jan. 5.

“As these smugglers continue in their attempts to pass through our checkpoints, we stand ready,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz. “Our agents work hard each and every day to identify these smugglers and disrupt their criminal acts.”

On Jan. 5, agents assigned to the Carrizo Springs Station checkpoint on Highway 277 performed an immigration inspection on the occupants of a 2019 KIA Optima. Agents determined the driver, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen from Abilene, and the passenger, a 38-year-old Mexican national, were attempting to smuggle an illegal alien farther into the United States. During records checks, agents discovered the driver has an extensive criminal history including the manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance, failure to identify or giving false/fictitious information, and criminal mischief.

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

During Fiscal Year 2020, beginning Oct. 1, 2019, Del Rio Border Patrol Sector has encountered over 225 alien smuggling cases, a 45 percent increase compared to Fiscal Year 2019 to date.