Texas Chase Ends in Armed Carjacking After Smugglers Flee at 100 MPH

Clear Facts

• Two suspected human smugglers led Texas authorities on a 100-mph chase along Interstate 10 in Fabens before their vehicle was disabled by a spike strip
• After bailing from their vehicle, one suspect allegedly carjacked a civilian at gunpoint before being apprehended
• The coordinated operation involved Border Patrol, Air and Marine Operations, HSI, and Texas Department of Public Safety

Two suspected human smugglers turned a routine border security operation into a dangerous high-speed chase and armed carjacking Thursday morning in Fabens, Texas. The incident highlights the ongoing risks posed by illegal immigration and human trafficking operations along America’s southern border.

Helicopter video from U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations captured the dramatic pursuit unfolding along Interstate 10. Authorities pursued the suspects at speeds exceeding 100 mph before deploying spike strips to disable the vehicle.

Radio communications captured an official noting that the vehicle’s front right tire appeared damaged by the spike strip. Moments later, the vehicle slowed and both occupants jumped out in an attempt to escape on foot.

“Bail out, bail out, bail out!” someone shouted in the video as the two men scattered across the highway.

Texas Department of Public Safety officers quickly apprehended one suspect. The second suspect, however, allegedly approached a civilian vehicle and committed an armed carjacking at gunpoint before authorities eventually took him into custody as well.

The incident occurred near a Speedway gas station at approximately 9:16 a.m. Authorities have not yet released information about how many individuals were being smuggled or their nationalities.

CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott praised the multi-agency response on social media, posting video of the pursuit alongside his comments.

“Outstanding coordination by Border Patrol, AMO, HSI and Texas DPS,” Scott wrote on X.

“Suspected human smugglers hit 100+ mph and bailed out when their vehicle was disabled. One then carjacked a civilian at gunpoint. Smugglers risk lives for profit. We will keep taking them down.”

The suspects are expected to face human smuggling charges as well as evading arrest or detention charges. The case underscores the dangerous reality of human smuggling operations that put both migrants and American citizens at risk for criminal profit.

This incident is part of a broader pattern of increasingly brazen smuggling operations along the southern border. Criminal organizations continue to exploit gaps in border security, endangering lives and putting American communities at risk in their pursuit of illegal profits.

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