El Paso Standard

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in collaboration with U.S. Border Patrol, Air and Marine Operations, and the Dimmit County Sheriff's Office, intercepted a human smuggling operation on February 19 near a ranch in Dimmit County, Texas. The coordinated effort resulted in the arrest of eight individuals who were found concealed within locked compartments of a stolen utility truck.

ICE Homeland Security Investigation special agents from Laredo and Eagle Pass conducted the operation. Craig Larrabee, ICE HSI San Antonio Special Agent in Charge, stated, "ICE HSI and our law enforcement partners successfully intercepted a human smuggling operation where multiple individuals were found locked inside hidden compartments of a utility truck. This operation underscores our steadfast commitment to dismantling human smuggling networks and ensuring justice is served."

Jesse D. Muñoz, Laredo Sector Chief Patrol Agent, emphasized the importance of collaboration: “The Laredo Sector Border Patrol will continue to work with our law enforcement partners in dismantling human smuggling operations. Partnerships are the cornerstone of our success."

The arrested individuals are from Mexico and have been transferred to Border Patrol custody.

Public members can report immigration crimes or suspicious activity through the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or by completing an online tip form.

Further information about ICE HSI’s mission to enhance public safety in Central and South Texas is available on X: @HSI_SanAntonio.