The suspected human smuggler who killed seven others, including two Americans, has been identified as a 17-year-old boy from Honduras, authorities said.
Wednesday’s crash occurred when a smuggler with five undocumented immigrants in his vehicle tried to pass an 18-wheeler while fleeing from the Zavala County Sheriff’s Office in Batesville, Texas, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. It was announced that. No passing zone.
He reportedly veered into oncoming traffic and collided with an SUV occupied by two Americans from Georgia. The crash killed two Americans, Jose and Isbael Lerma, both from Georgia, who were driving toward Mexico. A boy and an undocumented immigrant who were in the car were also killed.
Human smuggler crashes into SUV, killing 2 Americans and 5 illegal immigrants
Aftermath of a car accident involving a smuggler’s vehicle and an SUV. (Texas DPS)
Authorities said the smuggler is from Honduras and has a Honduran passport, and his family has been notified. He lived in Houston, but his immigration status is still unknown. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations is working with the Honduran consulate in the investigation.
The incident comes amid an ongoing crisis at the southern border, which has set a new record with more than 2.4 million migrant encounters in fiscal year 2023. September also broke the record for the number of monthly encounters, exceeding 269,000.
Border smuggler leads police on chase at 160 mph, crashes through fence
The crisis has been accompanied by numerous deaths at the border as well as car chases between authorities and those trying to smuggle illegal immigrants into the United States.
Authorities pursued the case in June. houston driver A high-speed chase smuggling illegal immigrants saw the driver reach speeds of more than 100 mph and crash into a fence.
Aftermath of a car accident involving a smuggler’s vehicle and an SUV. (Texas DPS)
Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which was not involved in Wednesday’s car chase, has updated its policy on car chases this year to help agents decide whether and when to pursue a vehicle. We have clarified the factors that should be considered. finish.
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Last week, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas acknowledged to lawmakers there was more to it. 600,000 vacations — Illegal immigrants who evaded arrest but were brought to attention by other forms of detection — FY 2023.
