Texas has been working hard to address one major aspect of the ongoing humanitarian crisis along the U.S.-Mexico border – aiming to halt human smuggling into the Lone Star State.
#RGV: A smuggler led @TxDPS on a high-speed pursuit in Hidalgo County. During the pursuit, the driver proceeded south along the levee wall towards the Rio Grande River & bailed out, absconding to Mexico. One illegal immigrant was apprehended. #OperationLoneStar pic.twitter.com/fMO9RORGZ0
— Chris Olivarez (@LtChrisOlivarez) April 27, 2023
According to the Washington Examiner, over the past two years Texas Highway Patrol officers put a stop to more than 8,721 human smugglers. The strategy to surge state troopers to the border was launched by Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) at the beginning of 2021.
A busy morning for @TxDPS in the #RGV – 4 vehicle pursuits involving human smuggling. An 18 yr. old driver was arrested for human smuggling after smuggling 5 illegal immigrants. One vehicle caught fire after a high-speed chase. #OperationLoneStar pic.twitter.com/b2Vcsnnmxs
— TxDPS – South Texas Region (@TxDPSSouth) February 18, 2022
Videos from the state troopers show tense moments during numerous highway stops. In the instance below, Texas Highway Patrol reports that three adults and two children were safely rescued unharmed after officers arrested a smuggler and scout last month in a human trafficking operation.
WATCH: LAREDO – The intense moments when a @TxDPS Tpr and @TXMilitary chase down a vehicle left in drive and occupied with children, after a human smuggler evades – 3 adults & 2 children were safely rescued unharmed. Smuggler & scout were arrested. #OperationLoneStar pic.twitter.com/PS05U3gOm1
— TxDPS – South Texas Region (@TxDPSSouth) March 22, 2022
WATCH: CBN News interviewed Anna Giaritelli, Homeland Security Correspondent with the Washington Examiner. That interview is posted at the top of this story.
A @TxDPS Special Agent thwarted a human smuggling attempt in Val Verde County. 5 illegal immigrants from Mexico were recovered from the back seat & cargo area of the vehicle. The driver & passenger from Temple, Tx, were arrested & face state criminal charges for smuggling.… pic.twitter.com/5VbYuYkreJ
— Chris Olivarez (@LtChrisOlivarez) April 26, 2023
The remainder of this article is available in its entirety at CBN