Texas Troopers Rescue 5-Year-Old Girl from Smugglers in Rio Grande Incident
Texas state troopers successfully rescued a 5-year-old girl being smuggled across the Rio Grande, highlighting the dangers of human smuggling operations. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the operation was orchestrated by the girl’s mother, Dolores Lopez, who arranged the smuggling through contacts found online. She agreed to pay $8,000 to have her daughter transported into the United States.
The incident unfolded when troopers stopped a large pickup truck during a routine patrol. Inside were Lopez, a smuggler identified as Roman Ibarra, and the young girl. Surveillance footage had earlier captured the child being carried across the Rio Grande, alerting authorities to her presence. Upon questioning, the mother claimed the driver was a “friend” she had met via social media. The child later confirmed to officers that she had been carried across the river earlier that day by a man.
Ibarra, a permanent U.S. resident, admitted his involvement in the smuggling operation, stating he was promised $1,000 for his role. He was subsequently arrested and charged with smuggling a minor under the age of 18. Meanwhile, Lopez, a temporary resident living in North Carolina, and her daughter were handed over to U.S. Border Patrol agents.
DPS has initiated a follow-up investigation, and the district attorney’s office will determine whether Lopez will face additional charges.
This case is part of a broader issue along the Texas border, where DPS troopers have encountered over 100 unaccompanied children crossing into the U.S. since November. The children, some as young as two years old, face significant risks during these perilous journeys. Authorities continue efforts to combat smuggling operations and protect vulnerable individuals at the border.