Exclusive ATV Ride-Along: Texas DPS Tracks 'Gotaways' in Rio Grande Valley

Operation Lone Star and Border Security

• 💡 Ali Bradley embeds with Texas DPS's elite ATV unit in the Rio Grande Valley for an early morning operation.
• 🎯 The mission focuses on tracking "gotaways" – individuals attempting to evade detection after crossing the border illegally.
• 🚁 Drones and CBP's helicopter with thermal imaging are utilized to locate individuals hiding in the brush.

Cartel Smuggling Tactics and Costs

• 💰 A group of four individuals, including a 17-year-old, are apprehended after paying $5,000 each to a cartel for safe passage.
• 🔗 The presence of wristbands on the apprehended individuals serves as proof of payment and cartel involvement.
• 📈 The cartel's increased fee of $5,000 per person is noted as higher than usual, reflecting their efforts to profit amidst stricter border policies.

Border Sector Activity and Risks

• ⚠️ Lt. Chris Olivarez confirms the Rio Grande Valley remains a highly active and busy border sector, despite a decrease from previous years.
• 🕵️ Cartels are employing more discreet and careful smuggling methods, including increased scouting and drone usage.
• 🚨 The apprehension of even a single "gotaway" is considered a potential public safety risk, as they could be suspected terrorists or gang members.

Texas DPS's Commitment to Border Security

• 🛡️ Texas DPS remains committed to Operation Lone Star, prioritizing border security and aiming to reduce "gotaways" to zero.
• 🤝 Collaboration with federal partners and the new administration is ongoing to enhance border security efforts.
• 🔍 The importance of these missions is highlighted to prevent individuals with potential threats from entering the United States undetected.