Young Girls from El Salvador Abandoned by Smuggler Rescued Near Border

Texas DPS Rescues Two Abandoned Children in Eagle Pass

On December 28, 2024, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers rescued two young girls who had been abandoned by a human smuggler in Eagle Pass. The girls, ages 5 and 9, are from El Salvador. According to my sources, the smuggler fled back to Mexico upon encountering law enforcement, leaving the children vulnerable and alone near the border.

The girls were discovered with a handwritten note containing a phone number and address. Troopers quickly referred them to U.S. Border Patrol, ensuring their immediate safety and care.

The Discovery in Eagle Pass

This incident underscores the dangers faced by unaccompanied minors attempting to cross the border. My source within Texas DPS confirmed that the smuggler likely abandoned the children to evade capture, a common tactic among human traffickers who view their charges as expendable.

The rescue highlights the harsh realities of human smuggling operations. Vulnerable children are often treated as commodities, with little regard for their well-being. Texas DPS Trooper Spokesperson Chris Olivarez commended the quick actions of law enforcement in securing the girls’ safety and ensuring their transfer to proper authorities.

Growing Challenges with Unaccompanied Minors

Eagle Pass has become a hotspot for illegal crossings and human smuggling. According to my sources, the region has seen an alarming rise in the number of unaccompanied minors abandoned by smugglers. These children, often too young to navigate such perilous journeys, face immense dangers when left alone.

The two girls found near Eagle Pass are part of a troubling pattern. Smugglers often provide minimal information, such as a phone number or address, before abandoning their charges. While the intent may be to reunite children with relatives or sponsors in the United States, the risks to these minors are significant. They face dangers from exposure to harsh conditions, potential predators, and the possibility of becoming victims of trafficking.

The Role of Texas DPS and Border Patrol

Texas DPS Troopers and U.S. Border Patrol agents are on the front lines of responding to these crises. After rescuing the two young girls, DPS Troopers worked closely with Border Patrol to ensure the children were safely placed in custody.

My source within Border Patrol stated that the children will likely be transferred to the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), which oversees the long-term care and placement of unaccompanied minors. ORR will investigate the circumstances of their journey and work to reunite them with family members or sponsors in the United States.

Law enforcement officials emphasize the ongoing dangers of human smuggling and the exploitation of minors. Troopers like those involved in this rescue remain committed to protecting vulnerable children and addressing the root causes of illegal border crossings.

This incident highlights the consequences of weak border policies and the lack of effective deterrents against human smuggling operations. According to my sources, smugglers exploit loopholes in the immigration system, emboldened by insufficient enforcement and overcrowded processing facilities.

Protecting vulnerable children like the two young girls found near Eagle Pass requires a stronger approach to border security. Enhanced patrols, increased resources for law enforcement, and swift prosecution of smugglers are essential to curbing these dangerous practices. Additionally, fostering international cooperation to address the root causes of migration is crucial.

The rescue of these children is a testament to the dedication of Texas DPS and Border Patrol agents. However, it also serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges at the southern border and the urgent need for reform to prevent such tragedies in the future.