What started as a high-speed smuggling run on Feb. 19 ended with a spinout and a pair of handcuffs, according to state troopers. The Texas Department of Public Safety says a precision immobilization technique, or PIT maneuver, stopped the fleeing vehicle in Webb County, leading to two arrests on suspicion of smuggling and evading. Five migrants in the vehicle were turned over to U.S. Border Patrol for processing. The agency shared a brief recap on social media days later but left out names, exact locations and booking details.
🚨 PIT Ends Smuggling Attempt 🚨
— TxDPS - South Texas Region (@TxDPSsouth) February 26, 2026
2/19/26: @TxDPS Troopers stopped a high-speed pursuit in Webb County with a safe PIT. Two arrested for smuggling and evading. Five illegal immigrants referred to USBP.
#TexasDPS #OperationLoneStar
Troopers Say a 'Safe PIT' Stopped the Vehicle
According to TxDPS - South Texas Region, troopers used what they described as a "safe PIT" to bring the pursuit to a halt on Feb. 19. The agency says two people were taken into custody on suspicion of smuggling and evading arrest, while five undocumented migrants were handed to U.S. Border Patrol for processing. The post linked the stop to Operation Lone Star but did not offer further tactical or roadway specifics.
High-Speed Chases Along Border Corridors
High-speed runs tied to suspected human smuggling have become a familiar sight on Webb County highways in recent months. Coverage in the Laredo Morning Times details similar episodes in which state troopers and federal agents intercepted vehicles allegedly hauling multiple migrants. Those incidents highlight the hazards that come with trying to stop suspected smugglers on I-35 and surrounding farm-to-market routes, where traffic is fast and escape routes are plentiful.
Enforcement Context and Penalties
The department presents stops like this one as part of its broader border enforcement push under Operation Lone Star, and the Texas Department of Public Safety regularly publishes updates on smuggling interdictions, drug seizures and migrant referrals tied to that mission. Smuggling of persons is a felony under Texas Penal Code Section 20.05, according to Justia, and penalties can increase when factors such as minors, firearms or a substantial risk of serious bodily injury are involved.
What Remains Unknown
For now, key details remain off the public record. The social media post does not identify the suspects, note which roadway was involved or list potential charges beyond smuggling and evading, and that information has not yet been released. Prosecutors are expected to review troopers' reports and any supporting evidence before deciding on formal counts, while migrants in such cases are typically processed by U.S. Border Patrol after referral. At this point, the brief TxDPS update linked above is the primary official description of how the Webb County chase came to an end.
