U.S. Border Patrol agents working in coordination with Homeland Security Investigations disrupted a smuggling attempt last week.
On November 12, El Paso Station agents working in conjunction with Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigation agents (ICE/HSI), discovered 24 inadmissible individuals being held at a pair of area motels. The motels are located in central El Paso near the El Paso International Airport.
One juvenile U.S. citizen male was taken into custody in connection with the stash house discoveries. Those arrested included immigrants from a variety of countries to include Brazil, Ecuador, El Salvador and Mexico.
“Our El Paso region is a rich environment that is being exploited daily by transnational criminal organizations that knowingly place human beings at high risk or in harm’s way, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic,” stated El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez. “Our strong partnerships with other law enforcement agencies allow us to maximize our enforcement capabilities.”
It is important to note that an arrest or criminal complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered evidence of guilt. Subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol while remaining anonymous by calling 1-800-635-2509.
___
(c) 2020 The Deming Headlight
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
