Presidio County Sheriff’s deputies in Marfa were involved in a high-speed pursuit on U.S. Highway 90 between Alpine and Marfa on May 15.

Deputies attempted to make a traffic stop on a black 2007 Ford Escape. The vehicle failed to stop, and sped away. The driver ultimately pulled over six miles east of Marfa. The driver was transporting 11 undocumented individuals in the vehicle. The driver and another passenger were both U.S. citizens. The 11 undocumented individuals were referred to U.S. Border Patrol for processing.

Federal prosecutors declined to prosecute this case against the driver, and he was released. As a result, Presidio County Sheriff’s Office will file state charges for human smuggling and possession of a firearm in the commission of a crime.