Teen Smuggler Arrested After Chase in Texas

Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers apprehended a Mexican teenager on July 30, accused of smuggling migrants near Laredo. The incident began when the teen failed to stop for a trooper, leading to a high-speed chase that ended when he struck a curb, causing his vehicle to lose a front tire. A video shared by DPS spokesman Lt. Chris Olivarez captured the moment the driver ran a red light before stopping in a brush area, where the vehicle subsequently caught fire. The teenager now faces felony charges for evading arrest and smuggling. In a separate incident just days prior, another teenage driver from Laredo was arrested for a reckless pursuit that involved running multiple red lights and weaving through traffic. This driver, along with a 14-year-old female passenger, was apprehended after crashing into another vehicle. Both individuals face charges related to human smuggling, while the driver is also charged with felony evading. During the chase, two migrants managed to escape from the vehicle and were not captured. Despite a recent decline in migrant crossings, DPS troopers remain vigilant in their efforts to combat human smuggling operations. The ongoing challenges highlight the persistent attempts by smugglers to transport migrants from the border region into the U.S. interior. These operations are part of Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s broader initiative, Operation Lone Star, aimed at enhancing border security.