Texas Man Sentenced After Fleeing Border Checkpoint With Migrant Hidden in Trunk
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has announced that 26-year-old Kevin Dominguez, a Texas resident, has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison following a high-speed chase sparked by a failed smuggling attempt at a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint.
The incident occurred on U.S. Highway 57, where Dominguez arrived at an immigration checkpoint in a sedan. A trained Border Patrol canine alerted agents to the vehicle’s trunk, prompting a closer inspection. Agents discovered a person concealed inside.
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Instead of complying, Dominguez abruptly reversed the vehicle, striking a Border Patrol agent before fleeing the scene. A dramatic pursuit ensued, involving both ground units and a helicopter.
The chase ended in an open field, where Dominguez and his passenger—later identified as an undocumented Honduran national—attempted to escape on foot. Both were quickly taken into custody.
Dominguez pleaded guilty to one count of assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers. His sentencing took place in federal court in Del Rio, Texas.
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This case highlights the intensifying federal crackdown on human smuggling at the southern border. Authorities have increased enforcement efforts across Texas, targeting not only individual smugglers but also organized trafficking networks. Dozens of arrests have been made in recent months.
While federal officials argue the strategy is critical for national security and curbing illegal immigration, the approach has faced criticism from human rights advocates. Critics warn that the aggressive tactics—many of which were expanded under the Trump administration—may infringe on civil liberties and due process rights. The debate continues over how best to balance border security with the humane treatment of migrants.
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