On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at approximately 2:54 PM, a Gillespie County deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 11800 block of West US Highway 290 for a traffic violation. The deputy identified the driver as an 18-year-old male from Fort Worth, TX, and the passenger as a 19-year-old female from Denton, TX.
During the stop, the deputy noticed a nicotine vape in the lap of the female passenger, both of whom were under the legal age to possess such items. A probable cause search of the vehicle revealed additional nicotine vapes in the center console and trunk. However, the search also uncovered two men concealed among dirty clothes in the trunk.
The men were identified as undocumented immigrants by U.S. Border Patrol (USBP). Both individuals were detained and later transported to the Gillespie County Jail before being released into the custody of USBP.
When questioned, the driver and passenger admitted they were paid approximately $4,000 to transport and conceal the two individuals from Eagle Pass, TX, to Austin, TX.
Both suspects were arrested and charged with Smuggling of Persons: Pecuniary Benefit for each individual transported. They were booked into the Gillespie County Jail, and the investigation remains ongoing.
