Texas DPS and Rangers Capture Deported Illegal Immigrant After 24-Hour Manhunt in Maverick County

Texas DPS and Rangers Capture Deported Illegal Immigrant After 24-Hour Manhunt

On December 24, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers, along with the Texas Rangers Special Operations Group (SOG) and Mounted Patrol units, successfully apprehended a previously deported illegal immigrant from Mexico after a 24-hour search in Maverick County. According to Lt. Chris Olivarez with the Texas DPS, the man, who admitted to a prior deportation following an assault arrest in San Antonio, had evaded capture by traversing private ranch properties before law enforcement tracked him down.

This operation demonstrates the commitment of Texas law enforcement to ensuring public safety and preventing potential “gotaways” from entering communities.

The Manhunt in Maverick County

The 24-hour pursuit began when the individual was spotted near private ranches but managed to escape initial attempts to capture him. Lt. Olivarez described the challenges officers faced while navigating the rugged terrain and expansive private properties in pursuit of the suspect.

The operation involved a coordinated effort between the Mounted Patrol and the Rangers’ SOG K9 unit. These specialized teams played a critical role in tracking the man’s movements and ultimately apprehending him. Olivarez emphasized that individuals attempting to blend into remote areas often rely on the difficult terrain to evade capture, but the deployment of highly trained units proved effective in this case.

History of the Apprehended Individual

During questioning, the man admitted to being a previously deported immigrant with a criminal record. Lt. Olivarez confirmed that he had been deported by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after being arrested for assault in San Antonio. His illegal reentry into the United States and subsequent evasion tactics highlight the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing repeat border crossings and individuals with criminal histories.

Olivarez noted that cases like this one demonstrate how gaps in border security can allow dangerous individuals to re-enter the country, putting communities at risk.

Commitment to Border Security

This operation underscores the dedication of Texas DPS and its specialized teams to safeguarding communities near the southern border. According to Lt. Olivarez, the collaboration between various units—Mounted Patrol, K9 teams, and local law enforcement—was essential to the success of the mission.

Law enforcement officials have repeatedly warned about the dangers posed by individuals with criminal histories attempting to cross the border undetected. In this case, the swift response and thorough coordination of DPS teams ensured that a potentially dangerous individual was removed from the area before causing harm.

This case highlights the importance of strong border enforcement and the resources needed to address the growing challenges of illegal crossings. The apprehension of a previously deported individual with a criminal record reinforces the need for policies that prioritize public safety and prevent repeat offenders from returning to the country.

According to Lt. Olivarez, specialized units like the SOG K9 team and Mounted Patrol exemplify the proactive measures Texas has implemented to combat illegal activity along the border. However, sustained federal support is critical to strengthening these efforts and addressing the systemic issues that enable repeat border crossings.

The successful apprehension of this individual reflects the commitment of Texas law enforcement to protecting its citizens and upholding the rule of law. As border security remains a pressing concern, operations like this serve as a reminder of the ongoing work needed to ensure safety and accountability.