U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Air and Marine Operations (AMO) collaborated with the U.S. Border Patrol to capture a human smuggler on June 2 in El Paso, Texas. The operation involved AMO agents from the El Paso Air Branch who provided aerial surveillance using an AS350 A-Star helicopter.
The incident began at 8 a.m. when Border Patrol agents apprehended two individuals near Socorro Road in Socorro, Texas, who were waiting for a smuggling driver. Following this, agents from the Ysleta Station's Anti-Smuggling Unit and Tigua Tribal Police observed a red Nissan Altima stopping in the same area. Attempts by Tigua Police to stop the vehicle were unsuccessful as it fled at high speed.
The AMO helicopter crew maintained visual contact with the fleeing vehicle, providing real-time updates to ground agents. Due to erratic driving by the suspect, aircrew advised ground units to maintain distance while they continued tracking from above.
After approximately 30 minutes of aerial surveillance, the vehicle stopped on Carmelita Circle where the driver attempted to escape on foot. The aircrew directed Border Patrol agents to the driver's hiding location.
During questioning, the driver admitted intentions to transport illegal aliens. Background checks revealed a prior charge from January 2025 related to shooting at or from a vehicle resulting in death conspiracy. The individual, identified as a U.S. citizen, was charged under 8 USC 1324 for conspiracy to transport illegal aliens.
AMO plays a crucial role in national security through its aviation and maritime law enforcement capabilities and partnerships beyond borders. U.S. Customs and Border Protection is recognized as America's frontline defense and manages border operations globally with over 65,000 personnel dedicated to protecting national interests across land, air, and sea environments.
