Two Men Face Federal Charges After Human Smuggling Chase Ends in Crash

Two Men Face Federal Charges After Human Smuggling Chase Ends in Crash

Mexican Nationals Arrested Following High-Speed Pursuit in South Texas

Two Mexican nationals are facing federal human smuggling charges after a dangerous high-speed chase last Thursday that involved multiple undocumented immigrants and ended in a crash.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the suspects—38-year-old Jose Manuel Zamarripa Torres and 19-year-old Daniel Flores Hernandez—were arrested after DPS troopers attempted to stop a white Ford SUV that had just picked up a group of migrants.

Migrants Crossed on Raft, Entered SUV

Authorities say five undocumented immigrants, including a teenage guide, entered the U.S. by raft before climbing into the waiting SUV.

When troopers initiated a traffic stop, the driver fled, prompting a six-mile pursuit that ended when the SUV crashed into a Chevy truck, a power pole, and a fence.

Potential Prison Time and Fines

Both suspects now face up to 10 years in federal prison and fines of up to $250,000 if convicted.

Ongoing Crackdown on Smuggling Networks

This arrest comes amid an ongoing crackdown on human smuggling along the southern border, with federal and state agencies working together to disrupt networks that endanger both migrants and the public.

📞 Anyone with information on human smuggling operations is encouraged to contact federal authorities or the Department of Homeland Security tip line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423).

Officials continue to emphasize the dangers of these illegal crossings and pursuits, which frequently result in injury or death and put entire communities at risk.