Two individuals suspected of human smuggling led authorities on a pursuit exceeding 100 mph on Interstate 10 in Fabens, Texas, on Thursday. The chase concluded when their vehicle was disabled, and the occupants fled on foot, with one suspect subsequently allegedly carjacking a civilian at gunpoint.
Aerial footage from U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Air and Marine Operations captured the high-speed chase. Radio communications during the pursuit indicated that the suspects' vehicle may have been hit by a spike strip, damaging a tire. Shortly after, the vehicle slowed, and two occupants exited and ran across the highway.
One suspect was apprehended by the Texas Department of Public Safety shortly after fleeing the vehicle. The second suspect, according to authorities, allegedly carjacked a civilian at gunpoint before he was also taken into custody. The incident occurred around 9:16 a.m. near a Speedway gas station.
CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott commended the "outstanding coordination" among Border Patrol, Air and Marine Operations, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Texas Department of Public Safety. He noted that smugglers "risk lives for profit" and vowed continued enforcement.
Information regarding the number of individuals allegedly being smuggled and their nationalities has not yet been released. The suspects are expected to face charges related to human smuggling and evading arrest or detention.