Significant Increase in Apprehensions near Valentine, Texas
Significant Increase in Apprehensions near Valentine, Texas
Release Date: January 20, 2021
MARFA, Texas
For More Information:
Greg L. Davis, Big Bend Sector Public Affairs, 202-839-1817, Gregory.L.Davis@cbp.dhs.gov
A significant increase in apprehensions has occurred across Big Bend Sector in the last two days with smugglers pushing large groups through the Valentine, Texas area.
Border Patrol Agents arrested over 100 illegal immigrants in the Valentine, Texas, area in the preceding 48 hours as they traversed the dangerous and formidable terrain in large groups.
The seasoned Border Patrol Agents apprehended the largest group of nearly 50 people this morning with the aid of technology, K-9 partners and tracking techniques. Additionally, five smugglers were arrested and turned over to investigative authorities.
This massive influx of people being pushed through the area by transnational criminal organizations is especially concerning due to the extreme cold weather the region experienced and the impact of COVID-19 to the U.S. population.
“Our Border Patrol Agents are highly-skilled, expert trackers determined to protect our borders from those seeking illegal entry,” Sean McGoffin, Big Bend Sector Chief Patrol Agent, said. “As federal law-enforcement agents, we are on the front-lines of disrupting illegal entry, criminal activity and further introduction of COVID-19 to the American population.”
All subjects were processed according to Big Bend Sector protocols for immediate removal or further criminal prosecution.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection continues to implement the legal authorities, Title 42, held by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure that COVID-19 is not further introduced into the United States.
Big Bend Sector partners with many local and state law enforcement entities to keep our border communities safe. If you see something suspicious, report it by contacting our 24/7 hotline at 1-866-581-7549. Together, we can continue to uphold national security and combat illicit activity.
