DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Del Rio Sector disrupted 12 separate smuggling attempts over the weekend, in which 16 smugglers and 39 illegal aliens were arrested.

“Every smuggling case is different and poses its own sets of risks,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz. “Our partnership with local law enforcement not only strengthens our enforcement efforts but has aided in the apprehension of multiple criminals.”

On Nov. 22, Carrizo Springs Station agents encountered a 2013 GMC Terrain on Highway 85, near Carrizo Springs. One U.S. citizen, a 21-year-old woman from San Antonio and a 26-year-old man from Honduras, illegally present in the U.S., were arrested attempting to smuggle one Honduran national farther into the U.S. Both suspected smugglers were arrested and charged with 8 USC § 1324 – alien smuggling.

On Nov. 24, Brackettville Station agents performed a vehicle stop on 2013 Cadillac CTS on Ranch Road 334, near Brackettville. Agents arrested the driver, a 23-year-old male, and the passenger, a 17-year-old male - both U.S. citizens from Waxahachie - for attempting to smuggle three Guatemala and one Educadorian nationals farther into the U.S. The subjects were arrested and turned over to the Kinney County Sheriff’s Office and face a state alien smuggling charge.

Additionally, agents arrested a total of 13 smugglers and 34 illegal aliens from the countries of Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, and Honduras. These arrests occurred in 10 separate incidents over the weekend.

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

Prosecuted individuals arrested while transporting illegal aliens face charges under 8 USC § 1324, alien smuggling, and if convicted could receive up to 10 years in prison.