HIDALGO, Texas, - National Guard personnel helped U.S. Border Patrol agents with the apprehension of 19 illegal immigrants, and in deterring suspected contraband from entering the country this past weekend.
At about 2:30 a.m., Oct. 9, a National Guard soldier manning night-vision equipment near the Hidalgo settling basin observed a group of about 20 subjects making its way north.
The National Guard immediately alerted Border Patrol agents of the sighting. Responding agents were able to apprehend 17 Mexican, and two Honduran nationals illegally in the United States.
The 19 illegal immigrants were transported to the McAllen Station where they were processed and returned to their country of origin.
Later that day at about 3:30 p.m., south of Hidalgo, National Guard personnel observed a suspicious van travel toward the Rio Grande.
Agents patrolling the area were alerted and responded. The agents arrived in time to observe 13 men, with 13 bundles, swim back to Mexico. The van, which had been abandoned, was seized.
"Extra eyes and ears do yield results," said Eligio Peña, the acting chief patrol agent.