Texas law enforcement and Border Patrol intercept smuggling operation linked to Rio Grande raft crossing and dangerous vehicular flight

Texas – In a recent crackdown on illegal immigration activities along the U.S.-Mexico border, two Mexican nationals have been apprehended and charged with the crime of conspiring to transport illegal aliens into the United States. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei, highlighting the ongoing efforts to curb human smuggling.

The accused, Jose Manuel Zamarripa-Torres, aged 38, and Daniel Flores-Hernandez, aged 19, are set to make their initial court appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nadia S. Medrano. According to a criminal complaint filed by federal authorities, the incident that led to their arrest occurred on March 20, when a surveillance team observed a raft crossing the Rio Grande River from Mexico, landing on the U.S. side.

Zamarripa-Torres is alleged to have been at the helm of a Ford SUV that picked up five individuals from the raft, one of whom was Flores-Hernandez, identified in the complaint as the brush guide responsible for navigating through the terrain. As authorities attempted to intercept the vehicle for a routine traffic stop, Zamarripa-Torres reportedly initiated a perilous escape, refusing to yield to law enforcement.

The complaint further details a tense pursuit spanning 6.1 miles, during which law enforcement deployed vehicle immobilization devices in an attempt to safely halt the SUV. Despite these efforts, Zamarripa-Torres continued his flight, ultimately leading to a dangerous collision. His vehicle crashed into an occupied civilian car before striking a power pole and a fence, where the chase ended abruptly.

The consequences of these actions are severe, with both individuals facing up to 10 years in federal prison if convicted, in addition to the possibility of a $250,000 fine. This case underscores the risks and perils associated with illegal border crossings and human smuggling, not only to those being transported but also to innocent civilians and law enforcement personnel.

The Border Patrol led the investigation into this case, with the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Devin V. Walker is handling the prosecution, as federal authorities continue to enforce immigration laws and clamp down on the smuggling operations that jeopardize border security and public safety.