Human smuggling ring busted - Mathis PD, federal agencies grab 49 illegals, 8 vehicles seized

[TexasTowelie]

MATHIS - A coordinated effort between the Mathis Police Department and several federal agencies culminated Tuesday {7/15/2014} with the arrests of 10 persons and the apprehension of 49 illegal aliens {39 adults, 10 children}.

Police Chief Gerald Arismendez said the operation broke a human smuggling ring that was using Mathis as a staging area. The Department of Homeland Security, ICE and the U.S. Border Patrol were also involved.

"In the past, Mathis has been used as a place for illegal activities; people thought they could get away with it," Arismendez said. "Now, we're trying to send the message that criminals can't come to Mathis...if you do, you're gonna get caught."

Arismendez said the ring would leave cars parked at the Texas Star truck stop overnight, while the drivers spent the night in a local motel. Illegals were hiding out in the brush outside the city limits with "brush guides" to assist them in meeting the vehicles.

Read more: http://mysoutex.com/view/full_story_sanpat_free/25463729/article-Human-smuggling-ring-busted---Mathis-PD--federal-agencies-grab-49-illegals--8-vehicles-seized?instance=sanpat_news (Mathis News)

[font color=green]Mathis is located along Interstate 37 that runs from Corpus Christi to San Antonio.[/font]

[Gman]

1. Read somewhere else today that

The entire Operation Coyote snared 192
Coyotes and $625K from banks.