Jose Maximo Viera of Penitas, Texas was arrested and charged with evading arrest, smuggling of persons under 18 years old, and smuggling of persons causing serious bodily injury. The incident took place on January 27, 2023, when a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) trooper attempted to stop Viera for a traffic violation on U.S. 83 in Mission, Texas.
Viera, who was driving a black Mercury Grand Marquis, refused to stop and led the trooper on a high-speed chase through multiple cities, rural roads, and dirt roads. The pursuit reached speeds of 110 miles per hour, with Viera reportedly losing control of the vehicle several times due to the wet road conditions.
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Eventually, Viera and the passengers bailed out of the car and fled into the brush, where the troopers managed to locate them. In addition to Viera, two men, one woman, and a 2-year-old boy from El Salvador were found hiding in the brush. All four illegal immigrants were turned over to U.S. Border Patrol.
The arrest of Viera and the discovery of the four illegal immigrants highlights the ongoing issue of human smuggling in the United States. This illegal activity not only puts the lives of those being smuggled at risk but also poses a threat to public safety, as evidenced by the dangerous high-speed chase in this instance.
Texas DPS and U.S. Border Patrol continue to work together to combat human smuggling and other illegal activities along the border. The arrest of Viera serves as a warning to others who may engage in such criminal behavior, that law enforcement will not tolerate these dangerous and illegal activities.
In conclusion, the arrest of Viera and the discovery of the four illegal immigrants highlights the importance of continued efforts to combat human smuggling and ensure the safety of all individuals involved. The charges against Viera send a clear message that law enforcement will hold those who engage in such activities accountable for their actions.
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