U.S. Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations said agents found 11 adults and one child inside a house being used for human smuggling, in an investigation that remains ongoing
U.S. Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations agents arrested 12 people after disrupting a stash house in El Paso last month, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
CBP said the operation took place on May 27, when agents acting on information from a previous smuggling investigation located and disrupted a house being used for human smuggling. The agency said 10 of those arrested were from Mexico and two were from Guatemala.
According to CBP, agents found 11 adults and one unaccompanied child inside the house at about 10:30 a.m. All were arrested and taken to the Ysleta Border Patrol Station for further investigation, the agency said. CBP said the 11 adults were processed and charged with violations of Title 8 of the U.S. Code, while the unaccompanied minor was administratively processed and all were transported to the Processing Transport Detention Unit. The agency said the overall investigation is still ongoing.
“Our El Paso Sector Border Patrol Human Smuggling Disrupt Units and our Homeland Security Investigations partners are doing great work in dismantling criminal smuggling organizations in our region,” said U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Jessie Munoz. Munoz said the partnerships and operations help make the El Paso area one of the safest communities in the nation.
HSI El Paso Special Agent in Charge Ryan McRae said the operation reflected the agency’s mission to dismantle criminal organizations involved in human smuggling. “This operation, in partnership with U.S. Border Patrol, reflects our mission to safeguard the homeland and uphold the integrity of our immigration system,” McRae said, adding that the agency remains committed to the safety and security of El Paso and beyond.
CBP said it welcomes assistance from the community and encouraged citizens to report suspicious activity to U.S. Border Patrol. The agency said tips can be made anonymously by calling 1-800-635-2509.
