U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass Station apprehended a large group of undocumented immigrants early Saturday morning near the Port of Entry in Eagle Pass.
At approximately 6:55 a.m., agents conducting routine patrol operations encountered a group of 56 people who had recently crossed the Rio Grande River. All of the people in the group were Honduran nationals, many of whom were women and children ranging from 4 months to 16 years of age. Agents transported the group to the Eagle Pass South Station for processing.
“Our agents are encountering larger groups of immigrants including women and children,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Felix Chavez. “Until recently, groups of this size have been uncommon in the Del Rio area. Our highest priority will always be the safety of all people involved no matter the situation. However, it is a criminal offense to enter the United States at a place other than a designated port of entry. Those who choose to enter illegally will be arrested and handled accordingly.”
This group ranks among the largest that have recently crossed in Del Rio Sector. Agents have arrested several groups ranging in size from 25 to 35 people, with total sector arrests this weekend alone totaling more than 500. In February, a group of 90 including women and children, surrendered to Border Patrol agents in Quemado.
The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is part of the South Texas Corridor, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations. To report suspicious activity call the Del Rio Sector’s toll free number at 1-866-511-8727.
