Five Immigrants Dead After Fleeing From Border Patrol At 100mph
At least five illegal immigrants are dead after fleeing from Border Patrol agents in southern Texas on Sunday, after an SUV carrying more than a dozen undocumented immigrants overturned. The immigrants were fleeing from Border Patrol agents down Texas Highway 85, travelling in speeds exceeding 100 mph (160 km/h) when the driver of the SUV lost control and the vehicle overturned.
Officials from Texas’ Department of Public Safety said four of the immigrants died at the scene at midday on Sunday, whilst another died at hospital. There were a total of fourteen people in the car, and only two of the occupants was believed to be a US citizen – the driver and a passenger.
Dimmit County Sheriff Marion Boyd said the driver of the vehicle was known to police, and was spotted in the area last week – possibly scouting the area for authorities or to find immigrants to smuggle. “We’ve seen this many, many times, in not only this county but other counties along the border. It’s a big problem,” Boyd said, adding “This is a perfect example of why our borders need to be secure. I think we need a wall, in my opinion. If it can be built, I think it needs to be built. But along with that, there needs to be cameras. There needs to be sensors.”
In recent weeks, security at the border has been increased and a ‘zero tolerance’ approach has been taken. The Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security have been prosecuting border-jumpers as lawbreakers. Unfortunately, this zero tolerance approach means that children who cross the border do not remain in the custody of their parents or guardians.
The incident that occurred on Sunday is currently being investigated by the US Border Patrol, Texas Department of Public Safety, Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility, and Dimmit County Sheriff’s Office.
