Two men suspected of human smuggling triggered a high-speed pursuit in Texas on Thursday, reaching speeds of about 100 mph before abandoning their vehicle, authorities said. One of the suspects later allegedly carjacked a civilian at gunpoint.
Aerial footage released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations captured the chase as it raced along Interstate 10 in Fabens, near the Texas-Mexico border.
The video shows law enforcement units trailing the suspects’ vehicle until it became disabled, prompting both people inside to jump out and run.
Authorities said two suspected human smugglers fled on foot after a high-speed chase in Texas. (CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott via X)
During radio traffic heard in the recording, an official says the vehicle’s front right tire appeared to have been damaged, possibly after hitting a spike strip.
Within moments, the vehicle loses speed and two occupants can be seen scrambling out before sprinting away from the scene.
“Bail out, bail out, bail out!” a voice shouts as the suspects exit the vehicle in the footage.
Both men are then shown running across the highway, with one quickly taken into custody by a Texas Department of Public Safety officer.
Helicopter video shows authorities pursuing suspected human smugglers during a high-speed chase along Interstate 10 in Fabens, Texas. (CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott via X.)
The other suspect allegedly carjacked a civilian at gunpoint before he was also later taken into custody, authorities said.
Authorities have not released information about how many people were allegedly being smuggled or their nationalities.
“Outstanding coordination by Border Patrol, AMO, HSI and Texas DPS,” CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott posted on X alongside video of the pursuit.
“Suspected human smugglers hit 100+ mph and bailed out when their vehicle was disabled,” Scott continued. “One then carjacked a civilian at gunpoint. Smugglers risk lives for profit. We will keep taking them down.”
The incident took place near a Speedway gas station at around 9:16 a.m., according to KFOX14.
The suspects are expected to face human smuggling and evading arrest or detention charges, the station reported.
One suspect allegedly carjacked a civilian at gunpoint after fleeing a vehicle during a high-speed pursuit in Texas, authorities said. (CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott via X)
News Outlet has reached out to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for additional information.
