In the early morning hours, yesterday, El Paso Sector U.S. Border Patrol agents took into custody a large group of people gathering near the Forward Operating Base located at the Antelope Wells Port of Entry, in New Mexico. The group, consisted of 330 illegals, primarily from Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Honduras, illegally crossing the border into the United States. Border Patrol agents were more prepared for this illegal crossing, as they observed a group dressed in camouflage on the Mexico side scouting the area, most likely checking for vulnerabilities.

The morning temperatures for the area were below freezing and border agents knew unscrupulous smugglers do not care about the safety of the people they guide.

Smugglers help and use caravans

Once taken into custody, the Central American families and unaccompanied juveniles went through required initial medical screening. Except for the male juvenile Guatemalan, sent to the hospital upon first interaction with the group, no other subjects required immediate medical attention. The smugglers never get that close to the border, so they can avoid apprehension. Yesterday's group arrest makes it the 28th time El Paso Sector Border Patrol agents have made an arrest of a group larger than 100 people this year.

Smugglers are also known to try to smuggle narcotics or other contraband in this area while Patrol agents are kept busy with these large groups of people.

Border Patrol agents remain watchful

At the El Paso Sector, Clint Border Patrol Station, on Wednesday, two subjects attempted to enter illegally but failed due to the sharp eyes of El Paso Border Patrol agents.

They observed a vehicle that picked up the two subjects and proceeded to crossed the border. Agents immediately stopped the vehicle to conduct an immigration stop, agents questioned their citizenship and found they were not citizens of the U. S., which lead to their arrest for illegal entry. Upon interviewing and investigating the driver, identified as Eduardo Giron Jr., 32, they discovered he had a long list of arrest and convictions which included arrests for; for riot participation, possession of marijuana, assault of a public servant, interference with emergency call, an assault with a deadly weapon, and battery.

They also found that he was in possession of five grams of cocaine. He was arrested and charged with possession of contraband and smuggling. He now awaits court proceedings.

The El Paso Sector Border Patrol agents in southern New Mexico are faced with smuggling attempts, involving both drugs and humans, every day. Border agents work hard to keep our country safe, we can only hope that our lawmakers are also willing to work together to keep American citizens safe.
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