Driver arrested, four migrants detained after smuggling attempt ends in Brewster County pursuit

Brewster County, TX – A smuggling attempt that began near Sanderson ended Wednesday afternoon, November 5, after Brewster County deputies intercepted a fleeing vehicle along Highway 385.

Deputies were alerted by Terrell County Sheriff Thad Cleveland about a possible smuggling operation in progress. When deputies spotted the vehicle leaving a ranch, the driver took off, leading authorities on a 20-mile pursuit before finally stopping.

According to the sheriff’s office, the driver then tried to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended. Several passengers also ran from the vehicle, though four were caught, including one juvenile.

Investigators determined that all occupants, including the driver, were undocumented migrants from Mexico. The driver, identified as Victor Alfonso Romero Rodriguez, was booked into the Brewster County Jail on charges of evading arrest with a vehicle and four counts of smuggling of persons. He will be referred to U.S. Border Patrol after his state charges are resolved.

The passengers were turned over to Border Patrol agents for processing and deportation.

Authorities thanked the Terrell County and Pecos County Sheriff’s Offices, U.S. Border Patrol, CBP Air and Marine, and the Texas Department of Public Safety for their assistance in the case.