Border Officers Arrest 23 Attempting Illegal Entry At Area Rail Crossings

EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers at the El Paso port of entry apprehended 23 illegal aliens between June 15 and June 17. They all were attempting to enter the U.S. illegally as railcar stowaways or using the rail crossing as an avenue to travel from Mexico to the U.S.

“Vigilance is one of our core values,” said El Paso Director of Field Operations Hector Mancha. “These apprehensions are a reflection of our officers’ commitment to securing our border, protecting and keeping our community safe.”

The first incident occurred just after 1 a.m. June 15. CBP Officers processing a northbound train arriving from Mexico apprehended three undocumented aliens attempting to make entry without inspection at the Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail crossing. The undocumented aliens were hiding in a rail tanker. One of the three was a prior deport.

The second incident occurred just before 7 p.m. June 16. CBP Officers processing a northbound train arriving from Mexico apprehended 15 undocumented aliens attempting to make entry without inspection at the Union Pacific rail crossing. CBP Officers located the undocumented aliens hiding in two auto hauler railcars. Ten of the aliens were found to be previously deported, one had a prior battery/domestic violence charge, and one had an extensive criminal history.

The third incident occurred just before 10 p.m. June 16. CBP Officers processing a northbound train arriving from Mexico apprehended two undocumented aliens attempting to make entry without inspection at the Union Pacific rail crossing. CBP Officers located the aliens in a cargo hopper, a container typically used for bulk materials.

The last incident occurred shortly after midnight June 17. CBP Officers processing a northbound train arriving from Mexico apprehended three undocumented aliens attempting to make entry without inspection at the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Rail Yard. The undocumented aliens were running across the rail line bridge when apprehended.

The undocumented aliens taken into custody were from Guatemala, Honduras, Ecuador, Brazil, Mexico and Cuba. All will be charged and processed according to the applicable immigration laws.