Two suspected human smugglers led law enforcement on a chase that topped 100 mph in Texas on Thursday before abandoning their vehicle, with one suspect later accused of carjacking a civilian at gunpoint, authorities said.
Aerial footage released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations captured the high-speed pursuit as it played out on Interstate 10 in Fabens.
In the video, authorities can be seen tracking the suspected human smugglers until their vehicle becomes disabled, prompting both occupants to get out and run.
Over radio communications, an official is heard saying the vehicle’s front right tire may have been struck by a spike strip.
Seconds later, the vehicle loses speed, and two people jump out before sprinting away from the scene.
“Bail out, bail out, bail out!” someone shouts in the footage.
The two men then appear to run across the highway, where one is quickly taken into custody by a Texas Department of Public Safety officer.
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.
Fox News Digital has reached out to US Customs and Border Protection for additional information.
