Starr County DPS Busts Stash House, Arrests Two for Human Smuggling
Starr County DPS officials detained 12 undocumented immigrants from four countries during a stash house raid, with two men arrested for operating the human smuggling operation.
Published September 6, 2024
Starr County DPS Busts Stash House, Arrests Two for Human Smuggling
Starr County, TX – Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) officials uncovered a human smuggling operation in Starr County, detaining 12 undocumented immigrants from four different countries during a raid last Saturday. The stash house, located in a rural part of the county, was holding individuals from Honduras, El Salvador, Mexico, and Guatemala.
Details of the Raid
The operation was part of an ongoing effort by DPS to crack down on human smuggling activities in the region. DPS Sergeant Erik Estrada noted the increase in such operations, often run by U.S. citizens. “We are seeing an increase in criminal activity involving stash houses,” said Estrada.
Among those arrested were Giovanni Avila Lugo and Elias Gomez Cavazos, who have been charged with operating the stash house for human smuggling.
Public Involvement
DPS officials encourage the public to report suspicious activity through the “I Watch Texas” app, which allows for anonymous tips. The app is available for download on all app stores, providing a crucial tool in combating human smuggling and other criminal activities along the Texas border.
Starr County DPS Busts Stash House, Arrests Two for Human Smuggling
Starr County, TX – Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) officials uncovered a human smuggling operation in Starr County, detaining 12 undocumented immigrants from four different countries during a raid last Saturday. The stash house, located in a rural part of the county, was holding individuals from Honduras, El Salvador, Mexico, and Guatemala.
Details of the Raid
The operation was part of an ongoing effort by DPS to crack down on human smuggling activities in the region. DPS Sergeant Erik Estrada noted the increase in such operations, often run by U.S. citizens. “We are seeing an increase in criminal activity involving stash houses,” said Estrada.
Among those arrested were Giovanni Avila Lugo and Elias Gomez Cavazos, who have been charged with operating the stash house for human smuggling.
Public Involvement
DPS officials encourage the public to report suspicious activity through the “I Watch Texas” app, which allows for anonymous tips. The app is available for download on all app stores, providing a crucial tool in combating human smuggling and other criminal activities along the Texas border.
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