ICE agents confirm immigrants arrested in Port Of Harlingen chase (ValleyCentral.com)

ICE agents confirm immigrants arrested in Port Of Harlingen chase
by Sergio Chapa
Posted: 04.19.2011 at 6:56 PM

Authorities have confirmed that seven illegal immigrants from Mexico and Central American are in custody following a chase near the Port of Harlingen.

It all happened off Cemetery Road on Monday evening.

U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) spokeswoman Nina Pruneda said the incident started as part of a human smuggling investigation.

Pruneda said the suspect vehicle was driving on Cemetery Road between San Benito and the Port Of Harlingen.

The area of road is known locally as the "low-water bridge" due to a bridge that links the Port of Harlingen to San Benito.

Cameron County Sherff’s Office deputy initiated traffic stop but the driver allegedly took off and headed into some brush.

Pruneda said everyone bailed out of the vehicle.

Border Patrol agents, ICE agents and deputies caught seven illegal immigrants from Mexico and Central America

No criminal charges have been filed but Pruneda said the case remains under investigation.

Authorities are not sure which one of the seven was the driver or how the immigrants got to the area from the border.