by El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents observed two migrants jumping from a human smuggler’s vehicle during a pursuit near the border in California. Agents rendered aid to the injured migrants and arrested the smuggler.
El Centro Chief Patrol Agent Gregory K. Bovino tweeted a video showing a chase involving a suspected human smuggler. During the pursuit Sunday afternoon on Interstate 8, two migrants jumped out of the moving vehicle.
AN #smuggler tried to evade #USBP agents endangering two #migrants who jumped out of the moving vehicle. Impressive work of #agents Lend help to the migrants and stop the daredevil smuggler! #truchacoyote
✅ https://t.co/qt5P25EcR8 pic.twitter.com/737WJqf8pV
— USBP Chief Patrol Agent Gregory K. Bovino (@USBPChiefELC) May 19, 2022
The video shows the migrants getting out of the vehicle and rolling on the ground. Both suffered injuries that required medical attention.
Border Patrol officers reported that agents attempted to stop a 2017 Ford Explorer in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 8 near the Gordon’s Well exit. The driver refused to stop and led officers on a pursuit. A CBP Air and Marine Operations helicopter crew provided air support during the chase and captured the video shown above.
Agents in the area deployed tire deflation devices which resulted in the destruction of all four tires. The pursuit continued at a slower pace until the migrants jumped from the fleeing Explorer. A migrant tried to flee on foot. The other was immobilized by his injuries. Both were arrested.
The chase continued until the driver finally stopped. Agents arrested the driver, a 30-year-old U.S. citizen, on federal charges related to human smuggling that resulted in injuries to migrants.
Agents identified the migrants as Mexican citizens without authorization to be in the United States. They were taken to an area hospital after emergency medical teams determined they needed more help. Doctors treated the two immigrants for road rashes and other non-life-threatening injuries.
