Overview
- The El Paso Sector issued a public advisory on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, saying transnational smugglers now use legitimate rideshare apps and third‑party accounts to arrange remote pickups.
- Border Patrol listed warning signs drivers should watch for, including heavily soiled clothing, groups that exceed vehicle limits, third‑party bookings where the account holder is absent, and passengers who seem disoriented or stressed.
- Officials told drivers to prioritize safety by canceling suspicious rides, driving to a secure area, using in‑app security features, and documenting routes for platform or law enforcement reports.
- Drivers who transport suspected smuggled migrants face immediate detention at checkpoints, investigation, possible asset forfeiture, and criminal charges under federal and often harsher Texas state laws.
- El Paso sits across from Ciudad Juárez and has a long history of cartel‑linked smuggling, stash houses and kidnappings, and authorities urge the public to report tips to 911 or the Border Patrol tip line at 1‑800‑635‑2509.